Movie : Once Upon A Time In The West

 

Three intimidating characters waiting for a train at a whistle stop. They don’t look like a very friendly reception committee. The train arrives and stops. A lone man gets off. A gun fight ensues and the three unlikely lads are shot dead. They waited for the wrong guy. We follow the lone man on his search for Frank. Building of a railroad line, hired guns, a new start for a whore and you have once upon a time in the west.

My initial reaction to this film was lukewarm when I first saw it. With a few follow- up viewings I changed that to a great watch of a real good film. It was in the queue for a re-watch. With the passing of Ennio Morricone it was fast tracked.

Sergio goes out with a bang on his westerns. Adding it to his $$$ trilogy as one of my favorite westerns. Cinematography, story and cast do the trick. Sergio calls on all his John Ford influence and uses it to enhance his vision. Jason Robards ( I have become a big fan of his work over the years), Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinal and  great supporting cast bring the film to life. Oh yeah, Ennio’s soundtrack doesn’t hurt.

A short take for an epic cinematic treat. My Gal liked it just as much as me or more if that’s possible. We strapped in with the popcorn, licorice, couple beverages (Little fresh fruit. Grapes and cherries) and entered the world of Sergio Leone. Okay I’ll say it. They don’t make them like this anymore.

( All the leads have their own theme music. Robard’s music puts a smile on my face. CB wants some theme music)