Tag: Burt reynolds

Navajo Joe and The Mercenary

Navajo Joe (1966) and The Mercenary (1968) are each Italian Westerns directed by Sergio Corbucci and scored by Ennio Morricone.

Sergio Corbucci is often referred to as “the other Sergio” when movie folk discuss Italian Westerns. He is certainly less famous and commercially, his movies can’t rival Sergio Leone in terms of revenue and prestige.

However, while Leone makes epics – Corbucci makes unique, stylized, enjoyable Westerns – several of which are likely unappreciated. While Django and The Great Silence have recently earned a reputation for their gritty, dark quality, Navajo Joe and The Mercenary are two of his best – or at least, most entertaining movies.

Besides Corbucci’s direction, the common link between the two movies are the outstanding scores created by Ennio Morricone.

If you enjoyed Kill Bill, Volume 2, you’re in for a treat.

The Mercenary tells the story of Sergei “Polack” Kowalski, a hired gun whose robberies lead to a revolution against Mexican authorities. Kowalski makes a series of deals with Paco, a silver mine worker, and the pair steal money and weapons from the Mexican Army. Throughout their adventures, they are tracked by Curly, an American mercenary. In the process, Paco becomes a famed revolutionary.

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The Tarantino Influences: Deliverance

Deliverance is a 1972 movie by John Boorman that tells the story of four men looking for adventure in wild nature. Its themes of survival and danger of the unknown are universal and one scene in particular served as an inspiration for Tarantino.

Deliverance tells the story of four city dwellers taking a canoe trip along the Cahulawassee river in Georgia. The trip begins as a scenic, weekend adventure before turning into a violent struggle of survival. The men encounter locals who prey on them, leading to murder and questions of morality and justice. The brutality of the river then causes death and injury, forcing the men to adapt to primitive means to escape back to their familiar civilization.

Deliverance is known largely due to its most famous scene, which is referenced in Pulp Fiction. In some respects, both movies are notorious in shocking viewers with scenes of sexual assault. However, to stereotype both Deliverance and Pulp Fiction ignores the brilliance and star power of each work.

Reynolds is compelling as Lewis, a weekend thrill seeker who arranges the canoe trip. He emerges as the group’s leader and in true Reynolds fashion serves as the movie’s most masculine and vibrant character. He’s definitely the alpha of the group, yet reveals himself to be in awe of the nature he’s about to face. When asked by Jon Voight’s Ed why we wants to “fuck with the river”, Lewis replies: “Because it’s there.”

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