Review of Forty Guns (1957) by Knox M — 14 May 2016

Wow. This movie is not only incredibly stylish in a dark and gothic way that most westerns aren't, but it's just completely off the rails crazy. Especially considering that this is a big studio western film of the 50's, it feels more like a piece of irreverent indie exploitation western with nods to the 50's cliches than an actual 50's western. I could see the influence that this must have had on Sergio Leone in particular throughout the whole thing, especially in that the way Fuller frames the town reminds one of Once Upon a Time in the West. Not only that, but the film sparingly uses extreme close ups on the eyes, quick cutting, and odd angles. All later Leone style staples. I kept being reminded of Clint Eastwood's later "Unforgiven" as well in its visual style, not to mention Tarantino.

Forty Guns is just bizarrely violent and sexy for its era, and the whole thing flies right by you in its brief run time. I had a lot of fun being thrilled by the visual creativity of the film and the erratic extremity of its emotions.