Cinephilic Ramblings

It’s really no secret what a fan I am of Leone’s ‘Dollars’ trilogy. “A Fistful of Dollars” is one of my favorite movies of all time and I even have a poster of the film hung up in my room. That in mind, I was pretty excited Sunday night when I took advantage of my streaming Netflix and watched another Leone Spaghetti Western.

Leone doesn’t disappoint and “Duck, You Sucker!” proves to be another strong film by the late director. James Coburn is great as John Mallory, the Irish nationalist demolitions expert. The film offers commentary on friendship and class struggle, using the tumultuous Mexican Revolution as the story’s historical backdrop.

Once again Ennio Morricone proves himself to be a musical genius. The score, like every Morricone score, is absolutely incredible. His composition for the film’s main theme is catchy, dramatic and unique. Listen to it here.

The movie gets a high recommendation and is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of Westerns and/or Leone.

I’ll leave you with this quote from the character Juan Miranda (Rid Steiger).

I know what I am talking about when I am talking about the revolutions. The people who read the books go to the people who can’t read the books, the poor people, and say, “We have to have a change.” So, the poor people make the change, ah? And then, the people who read the books, they all sit around the big polished tables, and they talk and talk and talk and eat and eat and eat, eh? But what has happened to the poor people? They’re dead! That’s your revolution. Shhh… So, please, don’t tell me about revolutions! And what happens afterwards? The same fucking thing starts all over again! 

A solid Western in the style of old John Ford classics. Great performances all around. Features the witty dialogue and unique humor I’ve come to expect from the Coen’s.

Hands down the best film I’ve seen of 2011. While it technically premiered in 2010, “Meek’s Cutoff” has only recently seen exhibition outside of the festival circuit. This is minimal filmmaking at its finest. The story focuses on a group of settlers in 1840s Oregon as they search for water. The tension builds and burns like a slow powder keg amongst the backdrop of a breathtakingly photographed rural landscape. Reichardt’s direction and editing are inspiring, making the best use of a cross dissolve I’ve ever seen. 

This revisionist Western by Jarmusch unfolds in a series of vignettes that weave a mesmerizing dreamlike atmosphere. Accompanied by a haunting guitar score performed by Neil Young, “Dead Man” finds poetic rhythm in the way it unravels. Read this interview with the writer/director.