|
Your most recent reviews of For A Few Dollars More (1965) Special Edition
Review from A26GGM6FKJSDE2 at Amazon.co.uk submitted on 2010-07-27
I'll also court controversy and say that for me, For A Few Dollars More is the best out of the Spaghetti Western trilogy. A Fistful Of Dollars is a fine first film in its own rights, and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly a compelling story. But the first film's rough edges show through often, while the third's plot is long and overblown by the inclusion of the Civil War. To me, For A Few Dollars More is like Baby Bear's porridge - juuuuust right. Consider:
> Not a single unnecessary word, character or scene in the film - it's been pared to the bone. Tells the story and moves on, never leaving you time to get bored or stop caring, and makes you wonder what happens next.
> Characters that all provoke an emotional response, including all the minor characters. After the film is done, you can remember each of them, how they look, how they act, what they stood for - and you care. A master class in writing, and more so in casting.
> A story that works on many levels. The bounty hunter driven by getting enough money to retire and doesn't care who gets in his way or that he has to kill bad people in order to get it; the ex-soldier driven to avenge his personal loss by tracking down criminals and bringing them to justice, dead or alive; and the criminal with no morals at all, driven by greed yet haunted by a single action that made a girl kill herself; all brought together when their respective worlds (and pasts) collide.
> Magnificent cinematography in the fabulous setting of Andalusia in Spain. The camera angles, the lighting, the genuine non-sanitised nature of the sets and locations all come together. To my mind, the most amazing shot is near the end during the climatic duel, when the photo in the pocket watch, the bull ring, the setting sun and the protagonists are all in shot, all in focus - stunning.
> The stirring music score of Ennio Morricone - enough said.
> The use of the musical pocket watch as a tie-in to and through the story in so many places, evocative and poignant, is a master stroke.
> The humour in just the right places to leaven a brutal story, which is where Eastwood shines, and even Van Cleef has his moments too.
> Most importantly, For A Few Dollars More is a movie you can watch time and time again and find something new each time, and can actually stand alone from the trilogy as a great story.
So yes, maybe I'm biased. Isn't that what reviews are supposed to be - one person's experience and voiced preferences? But I do think this is a magnificent, compelling story and film, worthy of a place in anyone's film library.
Review from addy-ba at eBay.co.uk submitted on 2010-04-13
This film is a true classic of the spaghetti western film culture. One of Clint Eastwoods best roles and is still iconic to this day.
Review from A1DIK9H2US8RIP at Amazon.co.uk submitted on 2010-06-28
This is less of a review of the film - which is a classic, 5 stars - than the DVD itself and anyone considering whether the film's worth re-buying in this format.
The extras on Disc 2 are excellent, the featurettes informative and the before/after location shots interesting. But what makes this DVD worth every penny is the commentary on Disc 1 by Christopher Frayling. I normally avoid commentaries because they end up being nothing more than puff pieces: a chance for the director/crew to laugh about things that happened during the shoot.
But Christopher Frayling is an acknowledged expert on the spaghetti western and Leone. His commentary is lucid and enlightening and rich in detail. He's also good at explaining the references and symbolism. For any fan of this film I would recommend this DVD without reservation... my only regret is that Frayling didn't do the commentary on the Special Edition of Good, Bad & Ugly.
Review from vinnie7515 at eBay.co.uk submitted on 2010-03-05
A good old classic Clint Eastwood film with action and drama. Ideal for those that enjoy westerns and appriciate good acting.
 |
Like it? Loathe it? Tell the world!
|
|
|
