It's funny, but it seems to me as if this film, while from my point of view it seems to be the least well-known of the
'Dollars' trilogy (that title belongs to the final film), it seems to have the most influence on films.....well, perhaps not,
but if you have seen 'Pirates 3'....no really, I'm not kidding. (more to follow)
This film is better than the first,
and like the first, it is done in true Western style: slow moving, gritty, real evil bad guys, sketchy good guys, lots of
solid action, wit, humor, and enough clever twists to entertain all. The opening credits really add to the tone of the film;
it opens with a man (either Mr. Eastwood's Man with no Name of Mr. van Cleef's Colonel Mortimer; we are never told) shooting
another from long range off a horse. The man is whistling; clearly, for him, killing people is a daily thing, not a big deal.
He seems content, at ease, sure of himself. Interestingly this is a film about bounty hunting; not the greatest interest
to me but useful for this type of film. And speaking of which, I wonder if Mr. Eastwood's character in 'Fistful of Dollars'
was a bounty hunter then as well, as he is here. We're never told, but he did dispense of the Rojos and the Baxters, the
two corrupt and warring families in the town (for money? yes, if I remember correctly). The interesting thing with these
three films is how little we are told about the characters and how we have to figure much out for ourselves. Nothing wrong
with using your mind while watching a film, and whoever thinks that films are a break for the mind and dull the mind need
to think twice or come talk to me (or any other critic I'd imagine). Same holds true here; why exactly did Mortimer and 'Manco'
team up? what made them change their minds and actually like each other in the end? did Indio really love that girl or was
he simply shaken by her suicide? We're told that the girl and Mortimer are siblings at least, even though we spend much of
the film trying to work this out.
As I said in my review of the first film, what's to say about this one, really?
Everything is great. It's a much better film, better directed, better acted (Mr. Eastwood and Mr. van Cleef make an excellent
pair, they have such chemistry here), the music is better, the story, while it seems a bit simple (bounty hunters after the
bad men), twists and turns and resolves nicely. Indio is a better villain here than we got in the first film (not really
a villain, just two corrupt families at war) and in my opinion he's the best villain of all three films (there's no real villain
in 'Good/Bad'; yes, Angel Eyes is pretty evil, but Tuco and Blondie aren't exactly good either). He's complex; yes he's cruel
and horrible but he has a conscience and he has feelings too. I really do like Lee van Cleef here; he has such charisma and
such a commanding presence on screen. He's a likable enough character and he and Manco play off each other nicely. I suppose
that film three of this trilogy is better known and loved than this film, and there are more films that reference that film.
The third film is also the most complex, it's the most intriguing. But in my opinion, story wise and character wise, as well
as music and acting wise, this film is the one to beat. It might not have as much meat as 'Good/Bad' and might not speak
so much about life and human personality as the third, but it's more an old fashioned fun time Western. (it's funny, though,
I don't think many people have heard of this film; it comes in between the one that started the whole 'trilogy' and one of
the greatest films ever, but in all irony, this is the one that a certain man by the last name of Verbinski bases much of
his piratical adventures on; I kid you not. Once you see 'Pirates 3' you will never be able to see this film the same way.
It seems as if I am cursed; damn you Davy Jones, you have ruined Clint Eastwood film!!!!!!)
If you don't see the
first one, at least see this one. It's so much better. And I loved 'Fistful of Dollars' so that's saying a lot. But I honestly
can't imagine anyone who hasn't seen these films yet. That's close to scandal. Blasphemy even.
Best moment: The final shoot-out. The beginning scene is great as well.
Worst
moment: As with the first one, there really isn't one.
Best quote: 'Very careless of you, old man....'
Why
you should see it: Clint Eastwood AND Lee Van Cleef....what else could you want? They are brilliant, especially here. There's
also more of a plot in this film than in the other two (which accounts for this one recieving a higher grade than the others),
and the characters are less one-sided. And what's better than a simple story of revenge?
Why you should choose
something else: Alas, Westerns are not liked by all......plus there is the pacing issue and the simpleness of the story....so
some might find this boring.
