Review of The Great Silence (1968) by Jordan B — 09 Aug 2009

Corbucci's bleak, snowbound western is intense and exciting. It centers on the practice of bounty hunters retrieving the povertous, dejected citizens of society called "outlaws." Upon returning the outlaws dead or alive, the bounty hunters are met by payment from the government.

With some well-rounded symbolism, The Great Silence is a severe commentary on capitalism. The hero is Silence, a mute adversary to a band of devilish head hunters led by the malicious Loco. With a sturdy plot, tight performances, and some bad ass cinematography, The Great Silence is a dense and intelligent film, a step above Corbucci's Django.