Review of Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) by Saul J — 23 Jul 2011
Magnificent, epic, grandiose, operatic; Leone's majestic masterpiece deserves all the hyperbole it engenders.
The opening sequence to this movie defines the term 'cinematographic' and is what 'ultra widescreen' was invented for.
Vast, sweeping, panaromic vistas where horizon touches sky and everything within it is seared in hot, blue light from a cloudless sky. This is the harsh and hazardous dramatic setting within which the often violent, often desperate characters portray their often short lives, with Bronson, Fonda, Robards and Cardinale never better.
Leone exploits this landscape to the fullest in what must be the greatest, and grandest movie ever made about the slow and inevitable death of The Old West which, despite its ruthless Darwinian strength and savagery, is unable to dam the inundation of impending civilization brought by the railroads.
This review of Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) was written by Saul J on 23 Jul 2011.
Once Upon a Time in the West has generally received very positive reviews.
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