The Big Gundown is a 1966 movie directed by Sergio Sollima.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A lawman pursues a peasant wanted for the murder of a young girl.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The Big Gundown is a raw, stylish Euro Western featuring two terrific acting performances.
THE ACTORS
Lee Van Cleef and Tomas Milian respectively star as unofficial lawman John Corbett and infamous bandit Cuchillo. Each actor gives what is probably their greatest Euro Western performance – which given their lengthy filmographies, is an impressive statement.
Van Cleef presents his usual stoic, sardonic toughness. He’s grim and measured but retains a maniacal edge. Yet he distinguishes himself in this role by showing decidedly human traits. Power broker Brokston will reward Corbett with a Senator position if he captures Cuchillo. Throughout the pursuit, Van Cleef’s character is continually tricked and needs help to accomplish his mission.
Death Rides a Horse is a 1967 movie directed by Guilio Petroni.
Death Rides a Horse tells the story of a young gunfighter and aging outlaw who form a loose alliance to track down the same bandits. Lee Van Cleef essentially plays his standard Western role – he’s a grizzled, cynical veteran of combat seeking revenge. John Phillip Law is the young sharpshooter out to avenge the death of his family by the same bandits Van Cleef is pursuing.
The movie presents a familiar EuroWestern formula, but it’s done well. Van Cleef commands a presence while Law is a likable and proficient hero. The cast of villains are both authentic and possess a stylistic sense of evil. Petroni creates a harsh, wind-swept environment but also adds flair with a series of technicolor flashbacks, some cool panning shots and the traditional Euro Western extreme close-ups.
THE BEST – Morricone
Ennio Morricone provides some brilliant, moody music throughout the movie – much of it borrowed by Quentin Tarantino for Kill Bill. Unlike other Euro Westerns, the music isn’t a hook and/or doesn’t create an atmosphere that the movie can’t match. It’s a beautiful blend.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Little Details
Petroni gives his characters some defining traits, as the lead character recognizes his family’s attackers. The four Aces tattoo, skull chain and jagged scars distinguish the movie’s antagonists from mere henchmen. Also, the story evolves to feature two archetypal villains – highlighted by Luigi Pistilli’s charismatic Walcott. There are fun touches found throughout – including a duel commenced by three piano key notes, a sweet trap door and plenty of fun one-liners – not to mention terrific action.
THE WORST – Sentimental Van Cleef
There are some awkward moments between Van Cleef and Law’s characters as the aging outlaw shows paternalistic empathy towards the young gunslinger. He references Law being the son he never had – possibly in an attempt to rationalize his own life. It’s an intriguing idea but it feels misplaced.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
Death Rides a Horse is a moody, brutal but stylish Euro Western. Van Cleef turns in his usual solid performance and the cast of villains keeps things interesting.
The Grand Duel is a 1972 movie directed by Giancarlo Santi.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A former Marshal defends a young gunfighter against a corrupt family. The Marshal comes to terms with his past before engaging in a final confrontation.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The Grand Duel is a stylistic, inventive European Western.
THE ACTORS
Lee Van Cleef plays Clayton, the Marshall seeking justice. It’s a typical Van Cleef Western role, as the veteran actor delivers witty, grim lines and maintains a grizzled, sage presence. At times, it appears Van Cleef is sleepwalking through his role – his Marshal sums up the role: “I don’t talk unless I feel like it. That’s one of my rules.” Yet, he delivers in the movie’s finale – a superb dramatic shootout.
Alberto Dentice is Phillip Vermeer, the young gunfighter shepherded by Clayton. It’s a stock role and a largely forgettable performance. The movie’s true standout is Klaus Grunberg’s Adam, a fey, dangerous murderer who leaps from the screen. His entry helps revitalize the movie’s lumbering, repetitive story.
