Review of Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) by Dave H — 04 Nov 2010
Now THIS is a movie. Not quite as iconic or fun as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but perhaps even richer, deeper. I'm not a big fan - usually - slow, long films, unless they are as compelling as this.
Perhaps most A.D.D. audiences these days would get bored, but if you commit some time and patience to this, chances are it will entrance you. It's slow, deliberate, operatic - and in the hands of a lesser craftsman than Leone - I would say indulgent.
But there's not a shot here that's not stunning, not a note of the sensational music that I don't love. Dubbing is dated and variable, but there's sly humour in much of the dialogue, and more so visually.
Casting is perfect, ESPECIALLY the genius move of casting Juror #8 as the Devil. Beneath the stunning western setting, there are eternal themes beyond the usual good vs. evil: mainly the conflict between progress and violence, between growth and greed.
This review of Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) was written by Dave H on 04 Nov 2010.
Once Upon a Time in the West has generally received very positive reviews.
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