Hole In The Forehead

Hole in the Forehead is a 1968 Spaghetti Western produced in Italy under the original title "Un buco in fronte," which translates directly to "A hole in the forehead". This gritty and riveting Western came to life under director Giuseppe Vari. The film stars charismatic Serbian actor Dragomir Bojanic-Gidra, famous for his roles in prominent Eastern European hits, paired with contrasting co-actor Robert Hundar and the stunning Rosy Zichel.

The story is set in the tumultuous Wild West, where gold was the primary motivation for people's actions, and sometimes, their survival. Bill Blood (Dragomir Bojanic-Gidra), a ruthless bounty hunter, steps into the heart of this chaos. Bill epitomizes his persona as a fearless and invulnerable gunslinger unphased by the dangers of his profession, which always seems to promise the possibility of violence and conflict.

Blood pursues a group of outlaws who’ve seized a substantial shipment of gold from a Mexican village. Blood's obtuse and combative nature makes him an unsafe ally but an incredibly terrifying opponent. Unlike many other western heroes, who often rely on their quick-draw skills, Blood brandishes a small cannon that he skillfully operates single-handedly and delivers a deadly blow to the adversaries, leaving them with a 'hole in their forehead'. Bojanic-Gidra plays Blood with a great balance of sinister and sardonic smirk, and his unyielding chase for bounty makes him a formidable antihero that captures the audience’s attention.

Opposite Blood is Dynamite Jim (Robert Hundar), who plays a freelance adventurer with a soft spot for the exploited and oppressed. Although Jim also displays his skill with weapons, he carries a noble outlook, often lending a helping hand to those in need, a contrast to Blood's more mercenary nature. Hundar's portrayal of Jim adds a significant texture to the film's story, complicating the straightforward good versus evil trope.

Rosy Zichel beautifully plays the female lead which adds another layer to the narrative. The character developers have rolled her into the plot in a way that isn't just a typical damsel-in-distress painted in most western films of the era. She has her own motivations and influences the dynamics of the movie, straying slightly from the perceived path of the traditional Spaghetti Western plot.

Director Giuseppe Vari successfully encapsulates the raw and mysterious allure of the Wild West. He emphasizes the intensity of each duel with excruciatingly tense close-ups to capture every conflicted emotion present on a character’s face. The film's cinematography lends the narrative a harsh and stark atmosphere, echoing the rawness of the setting and storyline.

One of the film's strengths is its soundtrack, created by the renowned composer Roberto Pregadio. The spaghetti western genre is known for its epic soundtracks, and Hole in The Forehead is no exception. Close your eyes and you can envision the barren landscape, tense shootouts, and brooding heroes. The dramatic music concurrency sets the mood for this epic adventure in the wild west, emphasizing the narrative's high stakes and continuous sense of peril.

Hole In The Forehead may not have achieved the global fame of other Spaghetti Westerns like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, but it carefully constructs an engaging story of obsession, survival, and justice in an unforgiving environment. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre with its blend of hard-boiled gun action, morally ambiguous characters, and a hint of romantic intrigue.

In summary, the movie is a fine blend of raw storytelling and dramatic Western standoffs. A forgotten gem waiting to be rediscovered, a characteristic representation of the Spaghetti Western genre where you can grasp complex characters, pathos-filled set-pieces, and an unfettered snapshot of life in the lawless West.