The Man Called Noon

The Man Called Noon is a 1973 British-Italian spaghetti Western film directed by prolific British filmmaker Peter Collinson and is based on the 1970 novel of the same name by renowned American author Louis L'Amour. The film features a star-studded cast led by Richard Crenna, Stephen Boyd, and Rosanna Schiaffino.

Richard Crenna is in the titular role of "Noon", a wounded gunfighter suffering from amnesia. The movie revolves around his quest to reclaim his lost identity while navigating a desert filled with danger. He’s plagued by flashbacks that don’t provide enough context for him to piece together his past. The film's appeal rests on the mystery of the protagonist, with viewers sharing the tension and suspense of racing against time to uncover the enigmatic past of the man called Noon.

Stephen Boyd plays a seasoned cowboy named Rimes, a character who is simultaneously rugged, charming, and enigmatic. His role serves as a loyal friend and ally to Noon on his journey. Boyd's portrayal of Rimes adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, as he balances aiding Noon with his own murky intentions.

Rosanna Schiaffino stars as Fan Davidge, a young and beautiful woman who provides the narrative with a romantic angle. Her desire to help Noon sets off a chain of events that magnify the threat and danger of the ongoing mystery. Schiaffino perfectly embodies the strong and empathetic character of Fan, and her dynamic relationship with Noon adds complexity to the storyline.

The Man Called Noon is set in the American West in the late 1800s, masterfully employing the raw, natural beauty of the desert as the epic backdrop of the tale. The wild west setting infuses the story with a feeling of expansive solitude, its vast landscapes matching the uncertainty and isolation of the characters. This rugged setting ramps up the sincerity and desperation of the characters' journeys, ultimately resulting in a thrilling and suspenseful experience for the viewers.

The film's script, written by Scot Finch, does justice to Louis L'Amour's novel, retaining the expert pacing and gripping storytelling of the original text. The narrative frames the classic themes of memory, identity, and redemption in the backdrop of gunslinging action and adventure. The film is for those with a penchant for old-school cowboy thrills, dust-filled gun duels, horse chases, and a mysterious protagonist who's as indifferent to the threats around him as he is dogged in his search for self-discovery.

Director Peter Collinson brings his signature style to the film, painting a muscular and unpretentious Western, enjoying the conventions of the genre while still playing with characteristic ambiguity. His handling of action sequences impresses with realism, tension, and spectacular choreography.

The scintillating music by Luis Bacalov, known for his collaborations with other spaghetti Westerns, creates an atmospheric layer that ingrains itself into the unfolding drama, and expertly compliments the film’s atmospheric cinematography.

The Man Called Noon is a gripping exploration into the depths of identity and past lives, framed in the tension-filled environment of the Wild West. The movie indulges in and subverts classical Western tropes, all the while holding onto the rawness and rugged appeal that define the genre. The film impresses with its gritty, swirling action sequences and a suspenseful narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of the Western genre and classic cinema alike.