Watch Cockfighter

In the movie Cockfighter from 1974, Warren Oates plays the role of Frank Mansfield, a professional cockfighter. Mansfield has dedicated his entire life to raising and training roosters for cockfighting tournaments. Cockfighting is illegal in many parts of the world, including the United States, but Mansfield continues to compete in underground tournaments since it is his only source of livelihood.

Mansfield is a man of few words but has a deep passion for his birds. He firmly believes in the sport of cockfighting and is convinced that he has the best rooster in the world. He has won several tournaments in the past, but his ultimate goal is to win the coveted Cockfighter of the Year Award.

However, one day, Mansfield makes a crucial mistake while in the ring, causing him to lose his prized rooster. This loss sends him on a journey of self-discovery, and he decides to take a vow of silence until he can win the Cockfighter of the Year Award. Mansfield believes that the only way he can redeem himself is to win the award and prove that he is the best in the business.

Throughout the movie, we see Mansfield's struggles as he tries to continue his passion for cockfighting without being able to express himself verbally. He communicates through gestures and facial expressions, and his silence makes it difficult for him to engage with those around him. His only confidants are his birds, which he treats with love and kindness.

The movie also explores the subculture of cockfighting and the people that participate in it. We meet people from all walks of life, from wealthy businessmen to poor farmers. They all share a common bond in their love for the sport, and they attend tournaments to socialize, gamble, and watch the birds fight. Some of the characters that Mansfield interacts with include a fellow cockfighter named Jack Burke (played by Richard B. Shull) and Mansfield's friend and mentor, Omar Baradansky (played by Harry Dean Stanton).

As the movie progresses, Mansfield faces several challenges in his quest for the Cockfighter of the Year Award. He has to deal with betrayal from people he trusts, injuries to his birds, and financial struggles. However, he remains resolute in his goal, and his determination to win never falters.

The film's director, Monte Hellman, presents the story in a very realistic and unglamorous manner. There are no fancy camera angles or epic montages of roosters in the ring. Instead, the focus is on the characters and their struggles. The film also has a gritty and authentic feel, with many scenes shot on location in rural areas.

Overall, Cockfighter is a thought-provoking and intense movie that explores the theme of obsession and the lengths that people will go to achieve their goals. The performances by the cast, especially Warren Oates, are exceptional, and the movie has a powerful and poignant ending that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Cockfighter is a 1974 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.