The Ugly Ones

The Ugly Ones is a 1966 spaghetti western movie directed by Eugenio Martín and co-written by Martín, José Luis Martínez Mollá and Santiago Moncada. The film stars Richard Stapley, Tomas Milian and Halina Zalewska, among others. It exhibits a mastery of the genre, blending dynamic action, riveting drama and atmospheric cinematography, while providing Western fans a riveting, gritty and entertaining cinematic experience.

The film primarily features two main characters – the bounty hunter Jose Gomez played by Richard Stapley and the outlaw El Chaleco played by Tomas Milian. Stapley’s character is a steadfast and determined bounty hunter who is single-mindedly focused on bringing in his bounty. Milian, on the other hand, portrays an infamous bandit who isn’t afraid to resort to violence for survival, personal gain, or to maintain his freedom. The dynamic between these two characters forms the heart of the narrative, creating tension and intrigue.

The film introduces us to the sullen world of Jose Gomez, whose profession draws him into a relentless pursuit to capture the notorious bandit El Chaleco. On learning that an affluent rancher has offered a hefty reward for El Chaleco’s capture, dead or alive, Gomez sees it as an opportunity he cannot afford to miss. Thus begins an intense manhunt that takes the duo through stark vistas, shady saloons, and dusty small towns emblematic of Wild West imagery.

As Gomez relentlessly pursues the elusive outlaw, both of their pasts unfurl revealing hidden depths to their characters. While it may not be a sympathetic portrait, it provides the audience with insight into their motivations, challenging us to rethink our perceptions of heroes and villains.

Holocaust refugee Halina Zalewska further enriches the storyline by playing the potential love interest of both Gomez and El Chaleco. She portrays a captivating character who, despite being tangled in the dangerous pursuit between the bounty hunter and the outlaw, remains undeterred. Zalewska's character is multidimensional, displaying strength, courage, and real emotional depth that makes her character just as engaging as the two male leads.

The movie portrays a vivid depiction of the lawless West, enriched by the naturalistic performances of the actors. Richard Stapley delivers an intense performance as Gomez, a man bound by his code of duty, stuck in a life-threatening pursuit of justice. Tomas Milian is powerful as the desperate bandit El Chaleco, skilled at manipulating people and circumstances to his advantage, while wrestling with his violent nature that constantly threatens to erupt.

The action sequences are thrilling, and their impact is heightened by Martín's direction and Enzo Serafin's cinematic shooting. The film is as much a visual treat as it is an engaging narrative, with sprawling landscapes, highly detailed sets replete with authenticity that add to the atmospheric tension of the movie. The cinematography beautifully captures the desolate expanses of the Western frontier while adding gravity to intimate scenes.

The film's musical score provided by Bruno Nicolai provides an engaging harmonic accompaniment to the unfolding action. Whether amping up the intensity during a showdown or providing a pensive backdrop during reflective moments, the score adds another dimension to the film.

One of the notable aspects of The Ugly Ones is its character-driven plot. Rather than focusing merely on gunfire and horse chases, the film places equal emphasis on developing its central characters, providing depth and backstories to their actions and decisions. This character study immerses the viewer in their world and forces us to question our allegiances, just as the characters in the film question their own.

The Ugly Ones, despite its catching title, shouldn't be dismissed as just a conventional Western. It is a deeply nuanced film that presents an intense and compelling study of morality, desperation and duty as it explores the lengths to which its characters will go to accomplish their goals. The film, through its nuanced storytelling, layered performances, and atmospheric aesthetics, makes a solid contribution to the Western genre. It is a hidden gem that rewards viewers with its dramatic depth, intricate character studies, and suspense-filled drama, colored with the dust and grime of a lawless land.