I recently had the opportunity to rescue ‘Rango’ (id, Gore Verbinski, 2011), which had escaped me at its theatrical release, and leaving aside the fact that I thought it was a very funny film, full of references to western Above all, it has helped me to give an outlet to this selection of duels of the genre of genres.
As always, in these of the lists, neither are all the ones that are, nor are they all that are. But there is no doubt that the ten duels that I quote below are unforgettable, belonging to essential films. As always, come by and enjoy.
Until his time came (C’era una volta il West, 1968)
One of the masterpieces of Sergio Leone, lyrical like few others, culminates in one of the most anticipated duels in the history of cinema. A long overdue revenge, a unique climax. An exemplary use of flashback. Charles Bronson in the role of the life of him. Henry Fonda as unforgettable villain, and Ennio Morricone giving goosebumps. Every time I see her I can’t help but get excited and think about the Wild West and the birth of a nation that advanced at a forced march, its ancient heroes being lost in the dust of oblivion. And I also think of Claudia Cardinale.
Criticism in Espinof
Duel in the Sun (Duel in the Sun, 1946)
A passion so destructive that it could only end in the only possible way. Gregory Peck, in a role rare in his career, and Jennifer Jones, in one of the few salvageable performances of her, give life to one of the most troubled couples in the entire history of the genre. The movie of King Vidor It’s full of unforgettable moments, but its finale is rightfully legendary. It was done trying to make a new ‘Gone with the wind’ in the western, and they got a round masterpiece. And it is that Vidor is a lot of Vidor.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Probably the best film of the great John Ford, and I do not dare to assure it, since the number of masterpieces that this man made is impressive. Legend is always prettier than reality, and instead of showing you the initial confrontation, I’ll show you the flashback that occurs later, and in which the truth is revealed about the duel that ended one of the most feared bandits in the world. west, masterfully personified by Lee Marvin in one of his first and most remembered roles. John Wayne and James Stewart huge. The movie has absolutely everything.
Duel of Titans (Gunfight at OK Corral, 1956)
The duel at the OK Corral is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the seventh art. I could have put John Ford’s, Lawrence Kasdan’s or even George Pan Cosmatos’, but I’ve chosen john sturges because it is the longest of all, and the planning and assembly are superb. A pure and hard western, in the best tradition of the genre, and with two giants as Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas head to head. You can see a very young Dennis Hopper out there.
Criticism in Espinof
Unforgiven (Unforgiven, 1992)
The definitive demystification of gender it culminates in a claustrophobic gunfight superbly photographed by Jack N. Green. William Munny, a murderer of women and children, decided to kill all of Little Bill’s cronies, first murdering the owner of a pigsty decorated with Munny’s dead friend. A date in hell. The grave of his wife, no sign, and oblivion.
Criticism in Espinof
Duel in the high sierra (Ride the High Country, 1962)
sam peckinpahthe man who forever changed the perspective of the western, became known with this film, in which mature Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott represented the old days. The ending is simply anthologicala wonderfully choreographed duel and a forceful and very sad final shot.
Criticism in Espinof
The Last Gunman (The Shootist, 1976)
Don Siegel had the opportunity to film John Wayne’s cinematic farewell, who already sick with cancer took laudanum to endure the terrible pain. A cast full of old glories for a sad and melancholic film, with a sublime ending. You can also see a young Ron Howard years before becoming a director and torturing us with his films. To quote the famous anecdote in which Wayne refused to allow his character to shoot someone else in the back, to which Siegel replied that Clint Eastwood would have done it. By the way, Eastwood visited the filming set several times. Can you imagine what a western starring those two would have been like? I can’t, because I cry.
The Merciless Avenger (The Bravados, 1958)
One of the hidden wonders of the underrated henry king. Gregory Peck gives life to a man thirsty for revenge, which will obsess him to unsuspected limits. It is memorable how he confronts one of the men from the gang he is chasing without wasting a single bullet. As in the magnificent ‘The Gunfighter’ (‘The Gunfighter’, 1950), King emphasizes the psychological connotations of the story with terrible moral conclusions.
Deep Roots (Shane, 1953)
One of the best westerns ever filmed, and the final duel a lesson in planning and tension. In a space as closed as that of a tavern, George Stevens achieve a miracle. Alan Ladd in the role of the life of him and the mythical Jack Palance as the mythical villain. The sequence of the boy calling his friend is just legendary. Years later Clint Eastwood paid him a heartfelt tribute in the equally essential ‘Pale Rider’ (‘Pale Rider’, 1985).
Criticism in Espinof
Death had a price (Per qualche dollaro in più, 1965)
Sergio Leone I had to do a double in this selection with the film that is to blame for my passion for cinema. The dilation of time so typical of its director in a mythical scene. The detail of the clock, great for its narrative importance in the story. A duel on equal terms, and Morricone once again marking the character of the characters. A Revenge, a Reward, Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Gian Maria Volonté. Unforgettable.
Criticism in Espinof