Get Mean

Get Mean is a 1975 adventure film that brims with spaghetti western influences and sprinkles of fantasy and historical drama - an intriguing mixing pot of genres that sets a stage for some serious fun. Directed by Ferdinando Baldi and spotlighting a stellar performance by Tony Anthony, the film stands as an artistic statement of genre-blending that is unique for its time.

Get Mean begins with the protagonist, known as The Stranger (played by Tony Anthony), tossed into a barren landscape, disoriented and with no memory of how he got there. The Stranger is an archetypal spaghetti western character with a pseudo-clint-eastwood feel - a free-thinking, laid-back lonesome cowboy. However, the landscape he finds himself in is far from typical. Instead of the usual sunbaked deserts and dusty saloons of the wild west, The Stranger finds himself in a surreal, almost otherworldly realm.

The Stranger is soon told that he is not only in a different place but also a different time - the Spain of the Middle Ages, no less. The visible contrast between the landscape and his cowboy nature offers ample plot nuances and a comedic backdrop. This clash between a cowboy's ideology of freedom, justice, and pursuit of happiness, and the archaic, feudal landscape makes for a charming narrative experience.

Amid the depths of confusion and chaos, The Stranger is commissioned by a reclusive princess (played by Diana Lorys) to escort her back to her homeland in Spain. The mission? To retrieve a priceless treasure and free her people, who have been oppressed by her evil twin sibling. As with any remaining true to the spaghetti western genre, accompanying this mission is a substantial pound of pure gold that serves as the Stranger's motivation.

The movie packs a punch in the form of Lloyd Battista, who plays the villain with an intimidating countenance. His character, Sombra, a barbaric henchman working for the rogue princess, leaves a lasting impression with his savage, unrefined personality and nuanced performance.

Raf Baldassarre makes an appearance as a Viking warrior, offering another layer of cultural texture into the movie's historic setting. His character adds an additional dynamic to the plot by introducing a multi-sided conflict within the narrative landscape.

While the plot largely revolves around classic spaghetti western themes like treasure hunt, rescue missions, and facing off with goons, the unique time-traveling aspect helps Get Mean stand out distinctly from other works of its genre. The elements of fantasy are smoothly incorporated within the narrative, complementing rather than overpowering the western storyline.

As the story unravels, there are action sequences aplenty with all the gunfights, chases, bar brawls, and explosions that you'd expect from a quality western. The fight scenes are choreographed well, interspersed between patches of dark humor and cowboy charm. The film keeps up the energy levels and manages to hold interest through different segments of the story.

Another highlight of Get Mean is its cinematography. The use of European sets and landscapes, such as the old, eerie castles and expansive barren plains, bring about a refreshing change from the clichéd American West's deserts and saloons. The film brilliantly captures, with style and flair, the contrasting personalities and landscapes and seamlessly intertwines them within a compelling narrative.

Further enhancing the movie is a fantastic musical score composed by Bixio-Frizzi-Tempera that tastefully borrows from both western and medieval tunes. The music adds to the adventurous, mysterious, and quirky aura of the movie while setting up the mood for each scene beautifully.

On the whole, Get Mean is an adventurous ride that expertly breaks genre boundaries while delivering a fun-filled quest. The classic elements of a spaghetti western blended with medieval undertones, fantasy, and time travel aspects make it a unique and enjoyable cinema experience. The performances, especially by Tony Anthony, are truly memorable, and the twists and turns in the narrative keep the viewers on their toes throughout the runtime. It's not just a movie; it's an entertaining time-travel trip with a cowboy!