The Big Gundown

The Big Gundown is a dramatic and thrilling Italian Spaghetti Western film released in 1967. It is imbued with tension, suspense, and action, featuring a riveting plot that zeroes in on the narratives of a bounty hunter and an accused murderer. Directed by Sergio Sollima and written by Sergio Donati, this film features a compelling duo of Lee Van Cleef and Tomas Milian in the lead roles, and is masterfully complemented by the atmospheric soundtrack composed by legendary maestro Ennio Morricone.

Lee Van Cleef stars as Jonathan Corbett, one of the best bounty hunters in the West. Corbett is held in high esteem as a competent and efficient arbiter of justice, the kind that neither hesitates nor blinks an eye when it comes to pursuing and capturing criminals. With numerous successful captures under his belt, Corbett quickly becomes a highly respected and valued vigilante.

On the vast, sun-scorched Texan plains, Corbett meets wealthy Texas Railroad baron Brokston (Walter Barnes), who, impressed with his rigorous law-keeping efforts, proposes a candidacy for the upcoming Senate elections. Corbett's life is about to take a significant turn, with the prospect of a political career now looming ahead.

However, as a final acid test of his gallantry before plunging into politics, Corbett is assigned the task of tracking down Cuchillo Sanchez, played by Tomas Milian. Sanchez is a Mexican peasant accused of a minor theft that he admits to, but more importantly, he's also accused of the brutal rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl, a crime Sanchez denies vehemently. Consequently, the chase for Cuchillo Sanchez spirals into a deadly manhunt filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Van Cleef's portrayal of the hardened, no-nonsense Corbett is one of his finest, contributing largely to the film's success. His stone-cold visage and gritty demeanor contrasts perfectly against Milian's roguish charm and cunning. Tomas Milian, in contrast to Van Cleef, portrays Cuchillo Sanchez with an incredible balance of vulnerability and rugged toughness, making his character compelling and captivating.

The Big Gundown unfolds across a visually breathtaking canvas, much like a painted mural of classic Western cinematography. The desolate beauty of the dusty Old West is captured with stark realism in the film. From arid deserts to murky river beds, from bustling towns to pristine mountains, the scenery of this movie serves as the perfect backdrop to the dramatic, high-velocity narrative.

Despite being made at a time when the Italian Spaghetti Western era was reaching its peak, The Big Gundown manages to stand out for its multidimensional story, which quickly evolves from what starts as a simple crime-drama chase. The film does not shy away from addressing serious themes, such as class discrimination and shards of political undertones, imbuing it with a grim realism that hits home, making it more than just a Western gunslinger movie.

One of the more notable features of this movie is the so-called ‘Gundown’ duel, represented here as a recurring theme. These duels act as catalysts, pushing forward the narrative pace of the movie and jolting the audience with their intensity and suspense.

Finally, Ennio Morricone’s score deserves a mention of its own. His music underscores major plot points, seamlessly accentuates the mood of the scenes, and provides consistent tonal command over the narrative. The whistling tunes are both haunting and enhancing, their resonance echoing throughout the film, creating an unforgettable and flawless pairing with the storyline.

Modern audiences will relish The Big Gundown’s gripping narrative, high stakes, and moral complexity. It's about more than outlaws and law enforcement. It's about the essence of right and wrong, about justice and its subjective nature. This film is a shining example of the Spaghetti Western genre and a testament to the captivating storytelling ability and stylistic elegance of its director. All in all, The Big Gundown is a remarkable cinematic experience that is truly gratifying and leaves you hooked till the very end.