The author who invented the “Spaghetti Western” and launched Clint Eastwood’s career died in Rome on April 30, 1989. These are his streaming films that we love most.
Twenty-five years since the passing of Sergio Leonewe want to remember through the usual five streaming movies the work of the Roman filmmaker, who with his innovative vision of the western radically changed the aesthetic and narrative rules of the genre, and with them in some way the history of contemporary cinema. Enjoy the reading.
Five streaming films directed by Sergio Leone
- For a bunch of dollars
- the good, the bad and the ugly
- Once Upon a Time in the West
- down the head
- Once upon a time in America
A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Clint Eastwood against Gian Maria Volonté for the spaghetti-western that overturns the rules thanks to a direction made up of extreme close-ups, unbridled editing, and a nihilism that makes the protagonists stylized and cynical antiheroes. For a bunch of dollars it immediately becomes an object of study but above all of cult, creating that postmodern epic on which much subsequent cinema will be nourished, not only westerns but also action in general. The few words of the Nameless Stranger, especially the meaningful silences, make Eastwood a legend. With an overwhelming ending also thanks to the equally innovative music of Ennio Morricone. From applause. Available on Google Play, Apple iTunes, Netflix, NOW.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
On a narrative level, the most constructed and vibrant film of the trilogy starring Clint Eastwood. Magniloquent epic with great spectacular scenes, worthy in some way of David Lean, the good, the bad and the ugly it becomes a feature film of unique beauty, a concentration of expressive power that dares to mix rhythms, influences, and a look at the genre itself. Eastwood is at his most glacially charming, Eli Wallach And Lee Van Cleef they are two formidable counterpoints. Of the three films that the author and star shot together, in our opinion clearly the best. And the final three-way duel is simply perfect. Available on Rakuten TVGoogle Play, Apple iTunes, Netflix, TIMVision, Amazon Prime VideoNOW.
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
From a subject written by Bernardo Bertolucci And Dario ArgentoSergio Leone’s western masterpiece, because it is built on a truly vibrant narrative structure, with a final revelation that is still thrilling today. Charles Bronson as a hero he is obviously not Eastwood, but Once Upon a Time in the West can also count on Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale it’s a Jason Robards Jr., simply to frame. Masterpiece of suspense and epic storytelling. If Clint had agreed to play him, it would truly have been Leone’s most untouchable film. It still remains extraordinary. Available on Rakuten TV, Google Play, Apple Itunes, Netflix, TIMVision, Amazon Prime Video, NOW.
Your Head Down (1971)
Sergio Leone’s most “political” western, the one that most likely drifts the most on a narrative level precisely because it is somehow more heartfelt. down the head it has many tired moments, but when they take it in hand Rod Steiger and above all an elegant and sly one James Coburn, suddenly it takes off and becomes dazzling. Perhaps a little too much dynamite and too few bullets to be a truly lion-style western, but still an admirable attempt at something different and more complex. Absolutely fascinating film precisely because it is ultimately unfinished. Available on Rakuten TV, Google Play, Apple Itunes, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, NOW.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
From the western we move on to the criminal epic, a ballad of youth, perdition and redemption through blood. Robert De Niro in one of his most melancholic performances he does Once upon a time in America a film with a beating heart, a colossal first of all about feelings and then based on an enthralling staging. James Woods as friend-enemy it is hypnotic, Jennifer Connelly, William Forsythe, Joe Pesci, Elizabeth McGovern and all the other truly remarkable cast members. In Italy it is an absolute cult film, in the United States the excessively cut version did not achieve the success it deserved. The myth of America at its worst. Or at its best. Available on Rakuten TV, Google Play, Apple Itunes, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, NOW.
