Taste of Violence

Taste of Violence is a 1961 French-Italian Western film set against the backdrop of the Mexican revolution, which gives the movie a unique blend of European and Latin American stylistic influences. Directed by Robert Hossein, a renowned film personality in French cinema, and co-starring Hossein himself, along with Giovanna Ralli and Mario Adorf, the movie presents a storyline filled with drama, action, romance, and betrayal.

The narrative starts off with incessant scenes of dusty landscapes that set the stage for an unpredictable tale out in the wilderness of the American frontier meets Mexican revolution. Robert Hossein plays the reclusive yet formidable character of Benito Valverde, who is imbued with both a troubled past and a thirst for justice. Valverde carries the pain, loss, and bitterness that he tries to hide behind his hardened exterior, providing a complex character for viewers to study and empathize with.

Alongside Hossein, one of Italy’s most prolific actresses, Giovanna Ralli, portrays Maria. She is a strong and resilient woman grieving for her lost family, swept up in the torrential times of revolution. The chemistry between Hossein and Ralli explores a romantic intensity that's quite refreshing for a Western. Mario Adorf, known for his vigor and intense performative style, takes the role of El Santo, the vicious and ruthless antagonist. The interactions and confrontations between these three form the crux of the story, creating a tense interpersonal dynamic amid the chaos of geopolitical conflicts.

The plot of Taste of Violence centers around the Mexican revolution, giving it a unique historical and cultural context quite distinct from many other Westerns. From pursuing personal revenge to navigating political upheaval, the characters' individual aims and endeavours are set against a larger historical backdrop. This connection to historical events enriches the film, providing a deeper layer of cultural and political significance.

A highlight of the film is its breathtaking cinematography. Bestowed with a standout visual style, the film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of desert life and warfare. Each camera shot beautifully captures the rough, rugged terrain and wide panoramas of the desert, mirroring the tough lives of the characters. The production values are a testament to the meticulous selection of settings, authentic costumes, and effective use of props, which all contribute to the credible atmosphere and gripping pace of the film.

One distinctive aspect is the film's score, which complements its storytelling exceptionally well. The background music produced by Italian film composer André Hossein, Robert’s father, is exceptional and is imbued with tension and melancholy. It ties together the story, the characters, and the landscape into a cohesive narrative, deepening the atmospheric depth and emotional impact of the film.

As a French-Italian production, Taste of Violence offers a surprising and refreshing variation from the classic American Western and offers a more international outlook for the genre. Yet it remains grounded in many of the hallmarks of the genre, such as solitary heroes, lingering looks, and epic gunfights. This tapestry of familiar Western tropes with a unique cultural flavor provides a novel perspective to the genre.

In sum, Taste of Violence serves as a poignant exploration of justice, revenge, love, and survival. Its fusion of Western cinema with elements of Mexican culture and French style results in a unique cinematic experience. Its thoughtful characterization, outstanding cinematography, engaging score, and authentic portrayal of the period make it a must-watch for fans of Westerns and historically-based films alike.