Director Sergio Leone didn't create the Spaghetti Western, but he did perfect it, beginning with a trio of films that he made with then rising star Clint Eastwood. The first of these movies was a semi-remake of director Akira Kurosawa's samurai film classic Yojimbo called A Fistful of Dollars. Keep in mind, this was also an un-credited semi-remake that led to a lawsuit.
As a fan of both Kurosawa and Leone, I am of the opinion that there is room for both movies, and there are good reasons to have both pictures in your cinematic library. I can genuinely acknowledge that these two films are legitimate masterpieces.
Clint Eastwood plays a gunfighter that rides into a town controlled by two warring gangs. Clint proceeds to hire himself out to both gangs so he can play them against each other and eventually take both gangs out.
The direction by Sergio Leone is highly stylized and brilliant. Eastwood is a presence that is both appealing and imposing. His performance is downright unforgettable. And, not enough can be said about the musical score by Ennio Morricone, it is stylish, catchy, and impossible to ignore. Literally speaking the music seemingly becomes a character itself.
For a long time, the only westerns that I would admit to liking were all of the Spaghetti variety. But, I am currently proud to admit that I generally love the western genre period. But, in the realm of Spaghetti Westerns this is one of the finest.
If you've never seen this incredible film, I have two questions for you. What are you waiting for? And, how long have you been living under that rock?
A Fistful of Dollars is a great movie and I highly recommend it. Check this classic out.
-W. Jay Pinto
No comments:
Post a Comment