A Fistful of Dollars and Few a Few Dollars More were great western films of a particular genre but this film takes the genre to its pinnacle. In ever respect this film takes the earlier films to a new level. The musical score by Ennio Morricone is arguably a work of art in its own right and has become synonamous with the western movie genre. It is simply unforgettable and is a rich thread in a golden movie tapestry.

The addition of Eli Wallach, too, adds the dimensions of humour and genuine emotion in contrast to Eastwood and Cleef's coolness giving the film greater depth and range.

On top of all the above is great artistic direction of a great plot. The close-ups shots of the eyes of the gunslingers are contrasted with wide shots of the towns, the country and the gunfights.

On top of the above, the dubbed soundtrack accentuates the sounds and the careful use of silence gives the film added impact.

The final scenes are also classics bringing the interplay between the three lead characters to a suspenseful but in the end, homorous finality.

My verdict 100% An absolute classic and a must have in any collection.

cheers Peter

Little personal note, though still on topic, I got to meet Eli Wallach once. He was the commencement speaker for the School of Visual Arts 1991 graduation ceremony at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. When I got up on stage to accept my diploma, I walked over to the fellow, shook his hand and recited my favorite quote of his from the movie, "there are two kinds of people in this world my friend: those who come in through the door (holy cross gesture), and those who come in through the window." I could have said another great line of his from the movie, "if you're going to shoot, shoot. Don't talk." But I don't know if he would have got the reference.

cheers Peter
 

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3% Body Fat. 1% Brain Activity.

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John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
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This film proves that the Europeans CAN produce great films that will be popular with US audiences.

I think that if there is one thing that the Europeans deserve credit for it is that they have a capacity to produce films with an original style, a fresh feel and a real 'edge'.

By contrast American film makers are the Mcdonalds of the film world. No matter what mainstream American film you watch (with the odd exception to be sure) you know you are going to get a particular type of comedy or drama that is somewhat consistent in content and style with the same type of film that came out last year. There is nothing wrong with such films eg McComedy, McAction, McSoapiedrama etc etc however for those of us who crave something newer and more stimulating one has to look farther afield. (The UK is becoin teh Wimpys of movie-making )

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly really demonstrates this point. It's music is like nothing else you have ever heard in an American western but still outstanding. The choice of shots used is different to that used in American westerns with many close shots of the gunfighters eyes. The long pauses of silence which create the mood and allow the visuals to tell the story is a completely different approach to western movie-making. Sergio Leone should be congratulated and recognised for showing the world that there was movie making life beyond McWestern.

This film just blew me away - it could be argued that this is the greatest western ever made which is ironic in that it was made by Italians and shot in Spain!

Lest it be thought that such great movie making belongs only to another era I would point to 'Amelie' as an example of how the Europeans are continuing to produce great films of high quality and originality.

I think the time is nigh for the Europeans to reenter the Western fray and produce a western that is original and entertaining. I'd like to see Jean-Pierre Jeunet do a western. It would be quite surreal methinks.

cheers Peter