Walker, and I will be completely upfront in the review about this, is arguably Alex Cox’s best film. I have probably watched Repo Man more than this for sheer enjoyment factor (and I’d say both are masterpieces in their own right). But Walker seems to be the film where everything came together for Cox as a director, and it shows off what he could do at the height of his powers.

William Walker is a man who believed in the power of democracy, so much so that he abandoned his comfortable home-life to help spread it in Nicaragua. Walker was convinced to help overthrow the government down there, by a wealthy industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt, of course, cared nothing for democracy, but simply wanted access to trade.

Walker is a deep character piece mixed with a vehicle for Cox’s political subtext toward the Nicaraguan situation going on with Ronald Reagan at the time. The story of William Walker took place in the 1850’s, and parallels incredibly well with the events of the 1980’s decade. Outside of that, the film is a master class in directing from Cox, a wonderful performance piece from Ed Harris, and the score from The Clash’s Joe Strummer is both inappropriate, yet works.

Criterion presents Walker in a splendid 1:85:1 1080p transfer that brings out details hitherto unseen on this film on home video. Colors pop, flesh tones are accurate. We get a mono soundtrack in English and sound fantastic with no issue. Extras include a commentary by Cox and screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer, a making of documentary, and additional short films and featurettes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.