Although many reviews have already been written on this movie, I still cannot hold back myself, from writing something about this all time favorite of mine.
This movie is strictly for the lovers of authentic westerns. An epic tale of 3 bounty hunters, the movie is set in the backdrop of American Civil War and is the last of "Dollars" trilogy, directed by Italian director Sergio Leone. Movie belongs to what is derogatorily yet popularly known as Spaghetti westerns. The trilogy started with "A Fistful of Dollars", followed by it’s sequel "For A Few Dollars More", both truly outstanding movies of their genre, but the last one was considered the best of the trilogy by many people and continues to dominate list of all time best westerns of the century.
For the uninitiated, bounty hunters are individuals who seek out fugitives for a monetary reward(Bounty). Although, they might seem to be taking law in their own hands, they are legally employed by bail bondsmen and the tradition continues to this day.(Somewhat analogous to muscle men that the Indian credit lending companies have begun to employ these days:)
During the Civil War however, morally morbid bounty hunting was el galore in war torn and badly ravaged deserts of southwestern America, what with the anarchism prevailing everywhere and many fugitives wanted by law. Ideally, bounty hunter catches the fugitive under legal boundaries, but during the war, bounty hunters bordered on being reckless and even mercenaries.
The movie however revolves around 3 smart bounty hunters, all 3 with one aim - to find the grave, where they have learnt, big money is stashed away. Catch being, none of them knows complete details to be able to get to the money.
The first character is popularly called Tuco(for Tuco Benedicto Pacifico Juan Maria Ramirez) played by Eli Wallach - The Ugly. He’s the ultimate wretch, mean to the core and completely immoral in his ways to get to the money. You feel sorry for him sometimes but the next moment, he’ll surprise you with an unexpected mean act. I ended up lauding him for his meanness.
Second character is called Angel eyes, played by Lee Van Cleef. He has cruel menacing eyes and you end up loathing him in the movie. Killer without a shred of conscience. - Bad
Clint Eastwood - The Good - plays the rough, stylish cowboy with piercing eyes and sharp aim with gun, subtly dry witted and a dash of goodness in his character prevailing at times. He is named Blondie by Tuco, perhaps for his blonde looks and is charismatic. He’s like an Enigma, with a mystical feel about him. Clint Eastwood became my favorite Hollywood actor after watching this 1966 movie.
Movie has lots of twists and turns, with Tuco and Blondie forging a partnership to get to the loot, double crossing each other at every given opportunity, Angel Eyes with his menacing looks forced to trust Blondie for sake of money. Director has been very successful in building up tension in many scenes and springing up unexpected surprises throughout the entire length of film.
Plot is simple, but it’s the stylish and dramatic picturisation, spartan dialogues, wry wit, desertscape of south western US, recreation of Civil war( although movie is shot in Spain), romanticism attached with cowboys, cunning camera angles and focus especially on eyes and hands to heighten up the tension, ability to let your adrenalin rushing that brings beauty to this film.
The music score of the movie created by Ennio Morricone and copied world over, has come to acquire status of a benchmark of sorts. It’s an unusual mix of haunting, whistling, gunfire and Heavy Guitar. Trivia - It was originally supposed to resemble Coyote’s howling.
The Climax of the movie(and I won’t describe it here) is brilliantly picturised and is considered one of the best climaxes shot in the entire movie industry. The three-way showdown is a scene to watch and no words can do justice to the experience it brings to audience. Music is towering and overpowering throughout the film, but in the climax, it simply leaves you spellbound and you wonder if anything could be better.
Some of the notable scenes that are iconic, bordering on being cynical at times are:
1) When Tuco enters the gun shop and robs the owner in his own style.
2) Tuco submerged in soapy water in a bath tub and the other bounty hunter seeking revenge, finds him and prepares to shoot him by reciting a few lines. Tuco’s Answer - Picks up the gun and shoots him point blank and says, " When you shoot, shoot, don’t talk"
3) Unusually dramatic ways of parting of Tuco and Blondie.
4) When Blondie comforts a abandoned dying soldier of Confederates(from the battle between Union and the Confederates), after the bridge is blown away. The Poncho that became hallmark of Clint Eastwood’s image from this film, was worn by him after this scene.
5) Not to again mention the climax. That’s an all powering scene and a truly awe inspiring cinematic experience.
Movie is definitely an all time classic and a must watch for anyone truly interested in Western movies.
Comments/Suggestions/Feedback/Brickbats welcome