Sergio Leone

[captainofbeef]

Talk about the ultimate master here

[PTAhole]

He's so good.

[captainofbeef]

Yes, he is.

[kiddo]

Ok. This guy is one of the big masters of cinema. The films I have seen are For A Few Dollars More, GBU and both Once Upon...



Let me start with For A Few Dollars More. The opening is fantastic, and already in the first shootout Leone shows that he is a master in bringing together images in a highly satisfying way. The sounds fits the images perfectly, and scenes after scenes is heavily detailed from top to toe. I think this spagetthi-western drags a bit in the second half, though. I could have been cut down a little bit near the end. Still a great film from an artist with full control over his material.



GBU is even more artistic and filled with filmatic elements of high standard. The whole film is nearly perfect in creating a unique atmosphere and original touch to the final product. The films many tense momens are nicely executed by leone himself, and though the actors are extremely good, the director has to get most of the credit. The pacing is great, especially in the start. GBU gets a bit too long, and thats a part of why I consider OUATITW to be a better film. The end of GBU is, though, absolutely fantastic! Hellishly brilliant, I must say. Bravo, Leone. Bravo.



OUATITW is one of my favorite films ever, and demonstrate that western films can be art. ART. This is art. The camera-work, the music - both elements are superior to his earlier spagetthi-westerns. A spagetthi-western opera with few flaws, if any. If you only are going to se one Leone-film, you simply have to see this one.



OUATIA is another masterpiece. As with OUATITW, this film is filled with superb images and music, put together in a completely satisfying whole. The "problem" with this one, though, is that it drags a bit in the second half, and gets a bit unclear at the end. But do not misunderstand; This is a piece of art, a masterpiece of cinema. The first half is far better than brilliant. Hell, it`s nearly genuis. And the acting. Oh well, do I need to go deeper into that?

Thats it for now.

[PTAhole]

You haven't seen a Fistful of Dollars? Go buy it now!

[kiddo]

Yes, I will very soon.

[captainofbeef]

Leone is the best director EVER!!! Every films he made was excellent.

[meshuggeth]

He was very good at what he did. I've seen TGTBATU, OUATIA and UOATITW. TGTBATU is on my top 20.

[holymoses54]

OUATIA is a summation of every gangster film before it. A pitch-perfect movie, and one that definitely ranks among the Godfather.
And just like Godfather II ,an epic that withstands all Gangster films in the genre...There are two versions of this film. The USA version was a disaster whereas the european one (240 minutes length) is a very masterpiece. This epic chronicles the rise and fall of a group of Brooklyn Jewish gangsters over the period of fifty years. Much of the film is set in the character's past. This serves to expound his mental and emotional state in old age as we approach the film's finale. Most importantly, it creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and regret which permeates the whole film, underscored beautifully by Ennio Morricone.

Relatively speaking, the film is lengthy and the plot intricate with it's layers upon layers of flashbacks and flash-forwards. Naturally, some people will be put off on their first viewing, as the tendency is to try and make sense of everything going on - to rationalise and make linear the non-linear structure. Any attempts to do so will undoubtedly cause frustration because, just as in life, the film asks as many questions as it answers and leaves some loose ends untied. In reality, the temporal and geographical settings along with the plot are there to add context and framework. They may be the formalities you argue over at the end of the film but are there only as a backdrop to the main themes of love, friendship and regrets. These are the things that remain after everything else has long been forgotten, and it's the indescribably beautiful way in which these ideas are expressed in story-telling format, which creates a film that lives long in the memory.

Leone - as in all his films - gives great attention to seemingly small details without, in my opinion, being artsy, pretentious or excessively indulgent. When De Niro's character is stirring his cup of coffee, this becomes a focal point in the film for fully one whole minute, and why not? Leone's films are as much about everyday life as they are about friendship, American capitalism, revolutions, the Old West or any other grand themes you care to mention. The director is constantly reminding us that everyday actions are just as important. They are the 'stuff' of life and deserve just as much attention. It's only when the value of this point is lost that his films may appear to be slow-paced or dragged out.

And how does he attempt to convey the depth of human feeling. That which even the greatest of poets find difficult to express? Without trying too hard to articulate, Leone allows for the film's imagery and sounds to achieve that which might otherwise be missed in a thousand lines of dialogue. When the protagonist returns to his old hunting ground after 35 years of absence, we can only try to imagine the emotional pain he's been feeling throughout this time. When Fat Moe asks the question "What have you been doing all these years?" his reply is "I've been going to bed early." This tells us as much as we need to know about the previous 35 years. After all, how could you hope to articulate or quantify the great sense of loss he must have felt in all that time? To add anymore on the subject would undermine it completely and I think the director fully appreciated this. Instead, we draw our own conclusions from both the haunted look in De Niro's eyes and from Morricone's reverential orchestral score which is at times so mournful, but always sweepingly majestic.

The potential of film as a medium to leave you believing you have witnessed something truly profound is seldom fulfilled to the extent I believe it has been with this film. It could not have had nearly the same impact on me had it not received the input of both Leone and Morricone. Together, they have collaborated to produce a cinematic experience, which transcends far beyond the sum of their individual contributions. A partnership forged in film to rival the likes of that forged by Lennon and McCartney in music, at least in recent decades. Morricone's genius is a match for Leone's and sometimes leaves you wondering, which came first, the story or the music. There is no doubt they both inspired each other to reach unprecedented heights in their respective fields and I would strongly recommend to all readers who have persevered so far that you watch all the films they have worked together on. Sitting here writing this Im trying to think why it is so astounding. Firstly, its Robert DeNiro(And everyone who knows me knows i am a De Niro fan...). He effortlessly assumes the role of Noodles, underplaying him to full effect, every statement is profound and poetic because of its honesty: "You can tell who the winners are at the starting gate; you can tell the winners and you can tell the losers." Similarly listen to the speech he gives to Deborah on the beach after their romantic meal, he opens his heart to her and is shattered by her rejection. Look at the close ups on his face and his tearful eyes, a man consumed with an inward passion. Look at his reunion with 'Senator Bailey' at the end, you are almost convinced he had never met him. Where was DeNiro's Oscar?

Secondly, the score to the film is utterly breathtaking. Especially the theme that links Noodles and Deborah, Morriconne's signiture sweeping orchestral score harmonised by a solo female voice. Romantic and devastatingly beautiful. Listen out for the pan pipe score when the young members of the gang are running away (in slow motion) from Bugsy who is armed with a gun.The score is sublimly atmospheric, even the strange but insightful use of Lennon and McCartney's 'Yesterday'. Where was Morriconne's Oscar?

Thirdly...EVERYTHING else; Directing, Cinematography, Set Design, Supporting Roles, Screenplay etc etc WHERE WERE THE OSCARS? The Acadamey has disgraced itself, but we do not need their approval to rate this as one of the greatest cinematic accomplishements ever put onto celluloid. This flim evokes all emotions, making you laugh, cry, feel simply astounded, and wanting this flim not to end.

[Nomansvally]

Have anyone seen Giù la testa (1971) AKA Fistful Of Dynamite? It's hilarious! Rod Steiger's charater is so funny.

[PTAhole]

I haven't. I'm gonna buy the R2 DVD once I get a region-free player.

[kiddo]

Nice post, holymoses.

[captainofbeef]

I have seen A Fistful of Dynamite, twas a good little movie.

[criterionmaster]

Amazing post Holymoses and welcome to the forum!

[criterionmaster]

www.thedigitalbits.com/rumormill.html#032807

A Fistful of Dynamite: 2-Disc Collector's Edition (6/5),
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: 2-Disc Collector's Edition (6/5),
For a Few Dollars More: 2-Disc Collector's Edition (6/5),
A Fistful of Dollars: 2-Disc Collector's Edition (6/5),

The Sergio Leone Anthology box set (all four films - 6/5)!

From DavisDVD:

A Fistful of Dollars Collector's Edition

DISC 1 - MAIN FEATURE

• 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
• English DD5.1 Surround
• French and Spanish DD2.0 Surround
• English, French and Spanish subtitles
• Audio Commentary by Sir Christopher Frayling

DISC 2 - BONUS FEATURES

• "A New Kind of Hero" Featurette
• "A Few Weeks In Spain" - Clint Eastwood on the experience of making this film
• "Cinqe Voci" - Five friends remember Sergio Leone
• "Not Ready For Primetime" - Monte Hellman discussion on "The Prologue" shot for the first TV release to legitimize The Man with No Name's amoral killing
• Additional Scene - "The Network Prologue" with Harry Dean Stanton
• Location Comparisons - Intercutting film clips with current footage of locations
• Radio Spots (10) - Audio with texted video
• Trailer - Promotes both "Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More" in the same trailer

For A Few Dollars More Collector's Edition

DISC 1 - MAIN FEATURE

• 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
• English DD5.1 Surround
• French and Spanish DD2.0 Surround
• English, French and Spanish subtitles
• Audio Commentary by Sir Christopher Frayling

DISC 2 - BONUS FEATURES

• "A New Standard" - Frayling on For a Few Dollars More
• "Back For More" - Clint Eastwood remembers For a Few Dollars More
• "Tre Voci" - Three friends remember Sergio Leone
• "For a Few Dollars More: The Original American Release Version" - Alternate scenes/alternate releases
• Location Comparisons - Intercutting film clips with current footage of locations
• Radio Spots (12) - Audio with texted video
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Trailer - Promotes both "Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More" in the same trailer

Duck, You Sucker (Fistful of Dynamite) Collector's Edition

DISC 1 - MAIN FEATURE

• 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
• English DD5.1 Surround
• French and Spanish DD2.0 Surround
• English, French and Spanish subtitles
• Audio Commentary by Sir Christopher Frayling

DISC 2 - BONUS FEATURES

• "The Myth of Revolution" - Sir Christopher Frayling discusses Leone's political leanings, his maturing method and style
• "Sergio Donati Remembers 'Duck You Sucker!'"
• "Once Upon a Time In Italy (aka: The Autry Exhibition)" - Behind-the-scenes of putting together an exhibit on Leone
• "Sorting Out The Versions" - Including shortened versions, the long flashback scene, UA's decision to rename the film
• "Restoration Italian Style" - John Kirk discusses restoring the original Italian version for the first time on DVD
• Location Comparisons - Intercutting film clips with current footage of locations
• Radio Spots (6) - Audio with texted video
• Original Theatrical Trailer (4x3)

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Collector's Edition

DISC 1 - MAIN FEATURE

• 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen (179 min)
• English DD5.1 Surround
• English, French and Spanish subtitles
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Richard Schickel

DISC 2 - BONUS FEATURES

• "Leone's West" - Retrospective making-of documentary featuring new interviews with cast and crew, including Clint Eastwood, and behind-the-scenes footage
• "The Leone Style" - Documentary on Sergio Leone and his impact on the spaghetti western film genre
• "The Man Who Lost The Civil War" - Historical documentary on the Civil War
• "Reconstructing The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" - Featurette which focuses on the process of reconstruction and talent audio re-recordings for the fully restored version of the film
• "Il Maestro: Ennio Morricone and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" - Featurette on Composer Ennio Morricone featuring behind-the-scenes photos
• Extended Scene - Never-before-seen extended version of the "Tuco Torture" scene
• "The Socorro Sequence: A Reconstruction" - 3 minute animated sequence of a deleted scene
• Poster Gallery - Features eight international theatrical posters
• Original Theatrical Trailer - 2 minute trailer as shown in theatres
• French Trailer - Includes film clips that were deleted from the final version of the film
• 4 Easter Eggs: "Uno, Due, Tre," "Italian Lunch," "New York Actor," "Gun In Holster"

[captainofbeef]

O man, I can't wait for that set. Finally, Dynamite gets a DVD release.

[criterionmaster]

captainofbeef said:

O man, I can't wait for that set. Finally, Dynamite gets a DVD release.

Yeah, I was surprised a Leone film didn't get any release for so long, not even a cheap one. And I will use this set as a reason to re-watch all the films (except Dynamite obviously). I haven't seen any of them in so long.

[criterionmaster]

Scorsese plans to restore Once Upon a Time in the West (from hollywood saloon):

Once upon a time in the archive

Here's the scenario: it involves Martin Scorsese, a large amount of cash, Italy, an awful lot of shooting and a painstaking process of reconstruction. But it's not a new Scorsese movie that ends with the Don having plastic surgery to protect his identity. Actually, the Oscar-winning director has persuaded Rome's film festival to invest tens of thousands of euros in a risky but worthwhile project: restoring classic movies, beginning with Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West.

...

Margaret Bodde, executive director of the US-based Film Foundation set up by Scorsese and others, says the American director, who knew Leone, had the idea of getting the movie restored after watching the DVD released in the US. "The colour was really not correct and the quality not up to what it should be," she says.

[captainofbeef]

So is he re-shooting them or just fixing some stuff?

[Clark Nova]

sounds like he's leading efforts to restore the negative and make it look nice again...kind of like how Spielberg spearheaded the restoration of Lawrence of Arabia back in '89.