08/28/06 Django

Django (1966), directed by Sergio Corbucci

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home & Leslie's office (Raleigh, NC); suggested by Jason

When a film becomes so universally influential, generally from a low-budget origin that is purely of heart and determination, it is awesome to see the ultimate cool swagger that such a film can pull off without even knowing it is. Such is the legacy of the exemplary Italian spaghetti western classic "Django." Franco Nero plays the titular renegade who wanders into a western town dragging a coffin behind him (that is so cool by the way)...and mixes it up with the local conflicts between Mexican bandits and Confederate vigilantes. This mysterious stranger rescues a woman, Maria, from the torture of both warring clans...and then uses his smarts to play both sides against each other in order to make a big score of his own. When the you know what is about to hit the fan, Django reaches down into the coffin he's been dragging around to reveal the gatling gun inside (you know it's where Rodriguez got the idea for "El Mariachi" and "Desperado"). Forced to let his weapons do the talking, Django shows how much of a stoic bad ass anti-hero he is, trying boldly to get the money and rescue the girl that he will never be able to love. What is remarkably poetic here is the level of brutality that is on display, showing just what lengths Django is willing to go to for what he believes in. It's said that Tarantino's infamous "ear-cutting scene" in "Reservoir Dogs" originates from the similar scene in this film. Also, the climactic conclusion to the film shows a violent escape planned by Django be foiled by his love Maria being shot and his own hands being crushed in retribution by some of the bandits. This all leads to the heroic finale where an embittered Django stands his ground in a lonely graveyard, with shattered hands gripping a pistol, and takes down the last pack of bad guys in his wake. The stirring musical score, including the ringing "Django" theme song, keeps the bloody and introspective beat going as well. Overall this is such a cool, cocky, and landmark film...that it is hard to overlook in due recognition. So many of today's shoot-em-up westerns and gangster flicks owe credit to this revolutionary and simple genre pioneer. And please, don't touch his coffin.

5 out of 5 stars