The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Category
Western
Director
Sergio Leone
Cast
- Clint Eastwood
- Lee Van Cleef
- Eli Wallach
- Aldo Giuffre
- Mario Brega
- Luigi Pistilli
Release Date
29 December 1967
Synopsis
This film is undeniably one of the best Western classics ever made. Its story involves three greedy men, two of which have been long-time-partners-turned-enemies. They find themselves after pursuing one common goal: to get the stash of gold coins that Bill Carson buried in the middle of the desert.
No one knows the exact location of the stash except for the late Carson. One sick twist of fate, however, made the location of the map known to a handful. Before he even took his last breath, Carson was able to rip the map into two pieces and impart each of it to two people, Blondie (the good; played by Clint Eastwood) and Tuco (the ugly; played by Eli Wallach). They were later on chased by a third character named Angel Eyes (the bad; played by Lee Van Cleef), who also has his eyes set on the wealth that Carson left.
Blondie and Tuco’s relationship, partners-turned-enemies, seems to have a lot of things to say about the true essence of friendship, though in an exaggerated way. This thought was affirmed in the end of the film. Van Cleef’s characterization of “the bad” Angel Eyes, on the other hand, is truthfully convincing. His mere presence leaves out that intimidating and ruthless killer aura, making him one believable bad guy.
Just the three actors’ performance would keep you at the edge of your seat. However, the complexity of the plot serves as an additional spice for the movie as well. The double-crossing relationship among the cast members will leave you quite confused who really is who (the good, the bad, and the ugly) in the middle of the film since they seem to change characterizations in every scene. Greed obviously eats them up alive, making them willing to do anything just to get their hands on the hidden wealth -- even if it means bloodshed. Aside from the interesting cinematography, the amazingly pattered musical score by Enio Morricone complements the scene, specifically the film’s violent climax.
Sergio Leone’s ever playful mind is very much evident in this extremely remarkable film. Humor, action, suspense and a little touch of drama were all in all packed in this 161-minute film. The experience of watching this Western is indeed one that you’ll remember.