I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

[Kearnzo]

I recently borrowed a VHS copy of "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly" from my grandfather after hearing about it for ages. I always figured, "it's a western, i'm not going to like it". Boy was I wrong. It was easily one of the best films I have ever seen. It had fantastic acting from Eastwoord, Wallach, and Van Cleef, a great story, some comedy, some great action scenes (including a fantastic civil war scene), and obviously an amazing score.

Another thing I noticed about this movie, is just how much Leono influenced nearly every genre in film with his style. From his closeups of various characters, to how the score played into the movie, and the tention he creates with his camera angles.

I had to swing by Best Buy earlier today to pick up the 2 disc Special Edition. Easily one of my favorite movies I own now, despite my general disliking of the western genre. If anyone who reads this hasn't seen the movie, do yourself a favor and go pick it up. Hell, the single disc DVD of the movie is only 10 dollars at Best Buy, which is a hell of a buy.

What are some of your guys thoughts who have seen the movie?

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

Arguably 1 of the Best Westerns ever made. Leone is a genius. You might want to try "Once Upon a Time in the West" another Leone Classic. Many believe "Once Upon a Time in the West" is Leone Greatest Cinematic achievement.

[Stu]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

Arguably 1 of the Best Westerns ever made. Leone is a genius. You might want to try "Once Upon a Time in the West" another Leone Classic. Many believe "Once Upon a Time in the West" is Leone Greatest Cinematic achievement.

I'm one of those people. Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a great movie but I definitely prefer Once Upon a Time in the West.

[JayBee74]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

I simply wasn't too crazy about this film. My favorite western movies are stll WARLOCK and SHANE.

[Graphik]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

I made a the very same type of thread about 3 months. The Good, Bad and Ugly got me heavily involved in Westerns. Great film. Fistfull of Dollars and A few Dollars More are just as good.

[Kearnzo]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

I've definitely been thinking about picking up "Once Upon A Time In The West", as i've also heard that it is Leone's "true" classic. Plus, it's a bargain at $10 (Best Buy).

My parents actually own Shane, but I just haven't gotten around to watching it. Definitely have to check it out soon though.

Also, I was tempted to pick up the "Man With No Name" trilogy set at Best Buy (includes the barebones version of TGTBATU, Fistful of Dollars, and For A Few Dollars More), but I just had to have the 2 disc edition of TGTBATU (for the better transfer, fantastic extras, and the fact that it is Leone's original director's cut).

I'll definitely have to check out these movies. Thanks for the heads up guys.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

2 other good Westerns are "The Wild Bunch" & "The Magnificent Seven"

[SPTO]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

Ah yes TGTBTU is a GREAT film. It took the Western Genre and gave it new life. It's also one of my favourite movies of all time.

Another good western is THE SHOOTIST. It's John Wayne's last film and it's quite a doozy.

[sven]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

I'll stick with Rio Bravo and El Dorado.

[JayBee74]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

Another good western is THE SHOOTIST. It's John Wayne's last film and it's quite a doozy.

Too depressing.

[NovaStar]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

Yeah, the TGTBATU is one of my favorite movies of all time, across any genre. A person could remake this movie and use say a thug theme or crime drama theme and it would be a hit. This movie is shear genius. I also liked the Outlaw Josey Wales, if you haven't seen that one, man. "Are you boys going to pull those pistols or whistle dixie", one of the many lines from the movie. Tombstone (with Kurt Russell and Val kilmer is another great one).

[SPTO]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

Too depressing.

A bit, but the last scenes of the movie really caught me so that's why I enjoy the movie so much. Westerns can't always be macho and end with happy endings ya know.

[mudtiger]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

If you watched GBandU, you need to watch Unforgiven. A great close to Eastwood's westerns.

[JayBee74]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

A bit, but the last scenes of the movie really caught me so that's why I enjoy the movie so much. Westerns can't always be macho and end with happy endings ya know.

I know, but the ones I like do.

[Money99]

Re: I've never been a big fan of westerns, but...

If you watched GBandU, you need to watch Unforgiven. A great close to Eastwood's westerns.

I think Unforgiven is my favourite western of all time. I love TGTBATU but if there's one critique on that movie (and most westerns actually) is the over the top skill they portray the gunfighters posessing.
The Unforgiven has a lot more realism and humanity in it. Truly a masterpeice.

My other favourites that haven't been mentioned are:

Wyatt Earp
Open Range - slow movie but the end confrontation is awesome.
Young Guns I & II
Pale Rider
High Plains Drifter
The Cowboys - my favourite John Wayne movie
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Silverado

P.S. I'm a huge nerd for anything to do with Westerns. A couple of books I've read that are fantastic are Lonesome Dove and Streets of Loredo. Two of the best books I've ever read.