The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Sergio Leone tells his entertaining tale unhurriedly, letting the film (and most scenes) breathe. That, along with the lived-in quality of Carlo Simi’s costumes and sets, gives the film’s world some credence. The story is somewhat larger-than-life and the acting (particularly Eli Wallach, but that goes for Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef as well) is operatic, but it always feels appropriate. Shot exquisitely by Tonino Delli Colli (who makes use of the full range, going from extreme close-ups to wide open shots); the action scenes have a great clarity and tension to them since Eugenio Alabiso and Nino Baragli’s editing is unafraid to use all those shots. Lastly, Ennio Morricone’s score is memorable.
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