Once Upon a Time in the West is a 1968 movie directed by Sergio Leone.
Once Upon a Time in the West is Sergio Leone’s tribute to the elegiac Western he made famous in his earlier works. The movie is essential Leone – it’s a gorgeous, layered visceral experience. Ennio Morricone’s sweeping score and the eyes of Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale and Henry Fonda are the stars of what is considered Leone’s masterpiece. Bronson takes on the prototypical Clint Eastwood role and adds his own unique charisma. Cardinale does the heavy lifting throughout the movie, employing a tough, cynical skin with touches of vulnerability.
THE BEST – The Music
It’s been said Leone plans his scenes based on music, which given Morricone’s beautiful arrangements, adds a rich, lyrical dimension to the movie. It’s impossible to picture certain scenes without Morricone’s score, including the final shootout.
THE WORST – My Own Personal Tastes
Once Upon a Time in the West is a nearly flawless Western that showcases the skill of a master filmmaker. The cinematography, music, staging and acting are superb throughout. Leone is patient with his narrative and gives his actors room to breathe. However, because of its technical brilliance – the spontaneity, clumsy weirdness and general chaos so endearing in most European Westerns is lacking.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.25/5
I enjoy a Corbucci Western more but Once Upon a Time in the West sees a master at the top of his craft. A quintessential Western.
