Truly great movies can leave indelible marks. It may be through an emotional connection to the story. It may be through a remarkable performance or a signature scene. But it could also be through the brilliant imagery that a film can carve into your mind. That’s what this feature is all about – highlighting great images from great movies. Today we look at a Sergio Leone classic and what I consider to be the greatest western of all-time.
So what are your thoughts on this Sergio Leone masterpiece? Have you seen it? Which image stands out the most to you.
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Not to mention a great score. This is good.
Oh the score is absolutely priceless. In my opinion it’s Morricone’s best (and that’s saying a lot). Soooo good.
Great post! I love the staging the frames you chose. A great way to show how accomplished Sergio Leone is as a director. The hanging in the semi-circle. It’s the best one for me.
That’s such a good scene and really good build-up to it. Have you seen “Once Upon a Time in the West”?
I like this one a bunch, I always say it’s the best Clint Eastwood western, except for the minor detail of not starring Clint. I’d go with the still shot Cindy mentioned as a nicely composed shot. It also has a great tracking shot (if that’s the term) where Claudia goes through the train station and the camera raises up and follows her on to the main street. You have a still from that one. Not my favorite western, the pacing just a bit too leisurely at times, but pretty high on my list.
I know the exact shot you’re referring to. It’s beautiful especially when combined with Morricone’s score. So good.
Easily one of the best films ever made and in my opinion, the 2nd best western ever made behind The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly. That shot where the camera pans to reveal Henry Fonda’s face I’m sure shocked the hell out of everyone to the idea of Henry Fonda as a villain. I love this film in all of its grand detail and why I hold Sergio Leone in such high regard.
YES! It’s fantastic cinema and filmmaking at its finest. I never get tired of it. Love everything from the cinematography, score, performances, story, etc.
This movie is a masterpiece! The cinematography is impressive, the soundtrack too… and the story is epic! Sergio Leone was a great director. I must admit, though, that I prefer to rewatch the trilogy of the dollar, but I still think highly of Once upon a time in the west!
A masterpiece indeed. I can watch it any time and still find myself blown away by the story and craft. I too adore the Clint trilogy but this one just wow’s me every single time.
Great film, great selection of images. It’s hard to pick a favourite, they’re all so good, but I do like the shot of wagon travelling through Monument Valley. Leone’s nod to John Ford no doubt.
Great pick. As you said, they’re all so good. His cinematic eye is just incredible.