Face to Face is a 1967 movie directed by Sergio Sollima.
Face to Face tells the story of a history professor who joins a famous outlaw’s gang before assuming leadership. The two characters, Tomas Milian’s Bennet and Gian Maria Volonte’s Brad Fletcher offer distinct personalities but essentially switch roles as the movie progresses. Milian’s usual quirky charm is noticeably absent as his Bennet is brooding and conflicted. Volonte is terrific as Fletcher, whose early speeches about the philosophy of power manifest into vicious actions. Sollima’s action sequences are excellent but the movie suffers from laboring scenes and odd pacing.
THE BEST – The Action
Sollima is grossly underrated as an action director – both in terms of European Westerns and movies in general. His scenes are compact, stylish and violent. Milian’s sullen character is rescued by these scenes – he’s an efficient, brutal killer. Volonte’s weak, bookish character is transformed by similar scenes.
THE WORST – The Professor’s Miraculous Recovery
Early in the movie, Fletcher suffers from lung disease and carries an ashen, crippled appearance. Yet, as the movie progresses and Fletcher transforms into a violent bandit, his color improves and his health is essentially forgotten.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5
The concept and lead actors of Face to Face are incredible but somehow the vision isn’t realized. Sollima’s action sequences are highlights but the movie suffers from slow pacing.
