Decades Project: 1960s Movie–The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Is this the greatest western ever? If it is not, it is definitely in the top five. I remember seeing The Good, the Bad and the Ugly when I was young, probably too young to appreciate it. And then, in junior high, I got the Metallica box set of their concert in Mexico City (Live Shit: Binge & Purge). The concert opens with “The Ecstasy of Gold” by Ennio Morricone (you know, the fantastic theme from the movie). Hearing it reminded me of the movie, and I decided to rent it and watch it with my dad again. Being older and much wiser, I was able to appreciate this Sergio Leone classic.

I think one of my favorite things about the movie is how it flips the classic western hero, like John Wayne, upside down. Blondie is an anti-hero. He has no problem shooting people, or betraying/abandoning a partner. The classic standoff scene is a great example. And it is such a beautifully shot film. You can see why Quentin Tarantino loves it so much, and has paid homage to it in multiple movies. 

So take a break from whatever you are doing this weekend, and watch the greatest Spaghetti Western ever made.