Criticism of Once upon a Time in the West Directed by Sergio Leone
Once upon a Time in the West, directed by Sergio Leone, is a story of
evil and vengeance (with a dose of mystery) set in the American West.
As the story develops, characters are introduced who are essential to
an understanding of the plots. Since there are two simultaneously
developed story lines, the maturation of each character provides the
viewer with insight as to why certain events occur as they do. But an
analysis of the four levels of characterization (physical, social,
psychological, and moral) of the two main characters will afford the
viewer a greater understanding of the subliminal message of this story
set in the Wild West during construction of the transcontinental
railroad. That not-so-apparent theme is the triumph of morality over
amorality.
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The antagonist of Once upon a Time in the West is a character wielding
a sorrowful harmonica and a quick gun, portrayed by Charles Bronson.
This character is appropriately named Harmonica. Harmonica's physical
appearance is convincing of a stereotypical cowboy, being a rough, gun
slinging nomad. However, when more closely examined, a more
sophisticated and mysterious character is revealed. Harmonica, of
medium stature with a stone face, possesses a focused, purposeful
personality. We are quickly convinced he can defend himself when he
survives the three-against-one gun fight in the opening scene. When
compared to other men in the movie, Harmonica is dressed in the
lighter colors of red and light tan, as opposed to dark brown and
black. Thi...
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...hat is underscored by having Frank, in the movie's
climax, participate in a fair duel with Harmonica (instead of
ambushing him or having Harmonica killed by Frank's henchmen). In
light of all Frank has done in the past, we find ourselves asking why
not this time as well. Momentarily at least, we wonder whether Frank
actually possessed a pinch of morality-only to conclude that such was
not the case.
Harmonica and Frank are two very interesting and complex characters,
and without the juxtaposition of them, Once upon a Time in the West
would not be such a captivating movie. Sergio Leone's intricate design
for Once upon a Time in the West provides a superb environment in
which to situate these characters, and allows them to be a foundation
on which all other characters, themes, settings and plot elements
could build.
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The story is an Eastern take on the Hollywood western with a dash of satire,
Into the Wild, a 2007 nonfiction film based on New York Times bestseller book written
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