Casting iconic blue eyed-boy Henry Fonda as the bad guy, Leone simultaneously pays homage to a fistful of westerns and subverts them. With story credits for Bernardo Bertolucci and Dario Argento, both young turks at the time, this is a foundation myth writ large, one of the most imposing Scope films ever made. It’s also a real slow burn: Leone lays it out and bides his time, yet it’s not a minute too long.
As for Morricone’s contribution, never has a harmonica played a more pivotal role in a film’s pacing and impact; the instrument even gives Charles Bronson’s character his name. Morricone composed the score before filming and the actors performed the scenes while listening to the music, which set the film’s stately tempo. Leone even timed his crane shots to synch with the crescendo in the score. Then there’s the famous ten minute opening to the film: the music of creaking windmills, dripping water and buzzing flies.
Community Partner
Sergio Leone
Claudia Cardinale, Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards
Italy/USA
1968
English
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits
Screenwriter
Sergio Donati, Sergio Leone
Cinematography
Tonino Delli Colli
Editor
Nino Baragli
Original Music
Ennio Morricone
Art Director
Carlo Simi