In 1964, westerns had faded in popularity. They were at the top of the market throughout the '30s, 40's and '50s, but as the idea of a B-movie faded and less movies were getting, the genre started fading out of the mainstream audience. Italy had a small history with westerns, with films such as 'The Golden Girl of The West (1942) and The Sheriff (1959). But none of these were big successes, and there were generally big gaps in between the years when these were made. However, soon, these films began to find some success, with three Italian westerns being released in 1963. In 1964, even more were made. And the seventh released that year was a worldwide cultural phenemon.
Director Sergio Lone retells the story of Akira Kurosawa's Samurai film, Yojimbo. But this time, it's set in the old west, starring a cowboy, who was relatively new to Italy. He drifts through the desert, getting stuck in a town whose citizens are in constant danger due to the town's warring crime families. In classic western style, the mysterious drifter cleans up the town.
But in this film, the hero isn't really a hero. Not a sheriff trying to protect his town, but not a villainous bandit, either. He's just doing what he can for money. He doesn't really care much about what happens, as long as he gets his payday. This concept of a neutral hero was new at the time, much like the craze the film soon brought on called 'Spaghetti westerns'.
This isn't only a famous film just due to its cultural significance. It made Clint Eastwood a star, it brought on the spaghetti western movement, and introduced a new type of hero in a new type of story. But this is a great film.
Not only does the movie star a great, cool character, but he's not invincible. Powerful, yes, but the end of the film is about when he is brutally tortured and left to rot. But he trudges on.
The film has great visuals, that not only have many iconic images, but also forged the path for what the western would soon become. It's not all dramatic views of the american west. It's beautiful pictures of small, minimalist-designed clay homes. Other than this, the camera angles aren't very revolutionary or anything.
The music is great. The famous Ennio Morricone's theme and tunes perfectly set the exciting spaghetti western mood that would be present in most that followed.
It also features a James Bond inspired opening with colorful and expressive visuals.
A Fistful of Dollars is the film that changed the shape of the western forever. It was the first acclaimed and big western that didn't come from America, and other than what it's done for the film world, there's a lot worth seeing here. Iconic quotes, tough villains and a great tone, A Fistful of Dollars is pure popcorn entertainment, even for people who don;t usually like to watch old movies. A Fistful of Dollars was a trailblazing film of great renown. And for anyone who wants to watch great movies, it is not to be missed.
Director Sergio Lone retells the story of Akira Kurosawa's Samurai film, Yojimbo. But this time, it's set in the old west, starring a cowboy, who was relatively new to Italy. He drifts through the desert, getting stuck in a town whose citizens are in constant danger due to the town's warring crime families. In classic western style, the mysterious drifter cleans up the town.
But in this film, the hero isn't really a hero. Not a sheriff trying to protect his town, but not a villainous bandit, either. He's just doing what he can for money. He doesn't really care much about what happens, as long as he gets his payday. This concept of a neutral hero was new at the time, much like the craze the film soon brought on called 'Spaghetti westerns'.
This isn't only a famous film just due to its cultural significance. It made Clint Eastwood a star, it brought on the spaghetti western movement, and introduced a new type of hero in a new type of story. But this is a great film.
Not only does the movie star a great, cool character, but he's not invincible. Powerful, yes, but the end of the film is about when he is brutally tortured and left to rot. But he trudges on.
The film has great visuals, that not only have many iconic images, but also forged the path for what the western would soon become. It's not all dramatic views of the american west. It's beautiful pictures of small, minimalist-designed clay homes. Other than this, the camera angles aren't very revolutionary or anything.
The music is great. The famous Ennio Morricone's theme and tunes perfectly set the exciting spaghetti western mood that would be present in most that followed.
It also features a James Bond inspired opening with colorful and expressive visuals.
A Fistful of Dollars is the film that changed the shape of the western forever. It was the first acclaimed and big western that didn't come from America, and other than what it's done for the film world, there's a lot worth seeing here. Iconic quotes, tough villains and a great tone, A Fistful of Dollars is pure popcorn entertainment, even for people who don;t usually like to watch old movies. A Fistful of Dollars was a trailblazing film of great renown. And for anyone who wants to watch great movies, it is not to be missed.