Day of Anger

Day of Anger is an electrifying and intense 1967 spaghetti western film that masterfully merges western thematic elements with a profound narrative. The film is directed by the skillful Sergio Sollima and stars the celebrated American actor Lee Van Cleef in the lead role, along with the captivating Italian actor Giuliano Gemma and the proficient German actor, Walter Rilla. The film expertly weaves an intriguing, touching tale that explores the dynamism of vengeance, justice, and survival in the lawless Old West.

The film opens by introducing Scott Mary (Giuliano Gemma), a young, poor street sweeper in the gritty town of Clifton. Scott is continuously ridiculed and shunned by the townsfolk who perceive him as an outcast due to his unknown parentage. The movie vividly depicts Scott's struggle with his social status and his inherent desire to outgrow his predicament.

Enter Frank Talby (Lee Van Cleef), a hardened, mysterious gunfighter who rides into Clifton one day. Talby is an iconic character that displays a unique blend of toughness, strategic cunning, and a somewhat obscured sense of justice. Van Cleef portrays this character with a commanding screen presence, lending an intense, magnetic aura to Talby.

Scott and Talby's paths cross when Talby saves Scott from one of the many instances of torment at the hands of the townsfolk. Enamored by Talby's skills and defiance, Scott forges an unlikely bond with him. Talby, in turn, takes Scott under his wing and starts mentoring him in the arts of gunfighting and survival in the raw and ruthless western world. The transitional journey of Scott from a street sweeper to a gunfighter forms a significant arc of the story.

The film chronicles the chilling revenge plot of Talby, who is returned to Clifton to settle unfinished business. His struggles with the corrupt power centers of the town build up a suspenseful storyline. There's a constant sense of impending doom that looms large over Clifton, and it's perfectly encapsulated in every frame by director Sergio Sollima.

Walter Rilla plays the role of Murph Allan Short, a previous acquaintance of Talby who was responsible for his exit from the town years ago. Rilla's character adds an enthralling dynamic to the narrative, leading to a Myriad of dramatic confrontations and duels imbued with high octane action and thrilling intensity.

What sets Day of Anger apart from the regular westerns is its profound exploration of its characters. The film delves deep into the morality of its characters, portraying them as flawed individuals rather than stereotypical heroes or villains. The relationship between Talby and Scott, for instance, evolves through many nuance and complex layers, creating a powerful emotional resonance.

The cinematography of the film is particularly noteworthy. The dusty, desolate landscapes are a constant reminder of the rugged, perilous life in the Wild West. The practical sets, combined with the authentic costumes, transport the viewers back to the 19th century American West era. The sweeping camera angles, chilling close-ups, and action-packed sequences augment the tense atmosphere of the movie.

Coupled with the brilliant direction and exceptional performances, Rafael Romero Marchent's screenplay brilliantly manifests the gritty realities of survival, retribution, friendship, and morality. The dialogues are sharp, intense, and impactful, adding depth and substance to the storyline. Director Sollima develops the narrative at a steady pace, perfectly balancing the action elements with intense dramatic sequences.

The music of the film, composed by Riz Ortolani, is hauntingly beautiful and resonates perfectly with the overall tone of the film. The rhythmic score adds a gripping dimension to the action scenes and perfectly supplements the emotional beats of the movie.

Day of Anger is far more than your typical spaghetti western. The film transcends genre norms and offers something different – an absorbing feast of emotions, action, and societal dilemmas. Van Cleef's charismatic performance, Gemma's evolutionary character, and Sollima's crisp direction make this movie an essential entry in the western genre. This movie offers a spellbinding experience to both, hardcore western aficionados and the casual audience alike. With its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, Day of Anger stands tall as a high point of 1960's western cinema.