It's post-war Sicily. Salvatore Giuliano (Christopher Lambert) and his friend Pisciotta (John Turturro) steal grain for the poor. They are stopped by the police and Salvatore kills one of them. They steal two horses from land gentry Prince Borsa (Terence Stamp) during the escape. Salvatore catches the eye of Borsa's American wife Camilla (Barbara Sukowa). Salvatore takes on the conservative land owners, the church and the mafia to steal for the poor peasants. Mafia Don Masino Croce (Joss Ackland) is willing to use Salvatore at first until he becomes too powerful.
Director Michael Cimino has grand designs. Sometimes his visuals work and sometimes they don't. I admire the attempt. The story is a muddle. There is no flow. The center of the problem is his casting. I don't understand what he's trying to do. Christopher Lambert is more or less French American but he's playing a Sicilian. Barbara Sukowa is German and yet she's playing an American. At least, she gives off a sense of superiority. He is as stiff as a board. He has certain limits as an actor and this movie shows many of them. I find the first act memorable but the movie crumbles as it goes on.
Director Michael Cimino has grand designs. Sometimes his visuals work and sometimes they don't. I admire the attempt. The story is a muddle. There is no flow. The center of the problem is his casting. I don't understand what he's trying to do. Christopher Lambert is more or less French American but he's playing a Sicilian. Barbara Sukowa is German and yet she's playing an American. At least, she gives off a sense of superiority. He is as stiff as a board. He has certain limits as an actor and this movie shows many of them. I find the first act memorable but the movie crumbles as it goes on.