He's whittling on a piece of wood

An ancient race...
I do not own any rights or anything that has to do with this movie, I just love the scene!

[@justinmeyerhoff5031]

frank riding with the trumpet score in the back, one of the coolest shots ive ever seen in any film. i get genuine chills every time.

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

Absolutely! Henry fonda was bad ass.

[@fernandocast435]

i made a clip precisely just of that one part

[@terrorsaur599]

I love how Jason Robards subtly foreshadows what happened to Cheyenne. His slightly slouched-over posture, the slight stagger in his walk, his trouble breathing, the pain in his eyes and facial muscles, his calm, collected demeanour in contrast to Cheyenne’s usual witty, energetic personality, all of these tiny details perfectly lead up to the big reveal in the end. This is easily to one of the best films to rewatch. The attention to detail in the acting, direction, writing, staging, etc., is simply unparalleled.

[@allenissuperman]

I just noticed the pain in his face when rode up to Harmonica. I never noticed that before

[@frankdeleon4209]

This isn't acting this real men being themselves. Coincidentally camera's were around.

[@pirobot668beta]

"An ancient race"...one line elevated this movie to greatness.

[@boomerrob9223]

This movie portrayed the end of the old west. Its also the greatest western made. It will never be surpassed. its literally the ultimate Western.

[@mitchellmelkin4078]

boomer rob, The end of the Old West?How? Even if financed by a robber baron, I see the railroad as analogous to the Transcontinental line, which would place the film in the late 1860's. I may simply have forgotten, but is the date ever mentioned? I strongly suspect the armorer got things right, so looking up the vintage of the pistols would likely be a telling point. However, if my surmise is accurate, the Old West still had a lot of years to run. Just look to Fonda's other role in a Leone film, "My Name Is Nobody", for that perspective.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Aren't you forgetting about the two classic Westerns that came out in 1966 : "Billy the Kid vs Dracula" & "Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter" ?

[@jimbodjango8900]

The good the bad and the ugly imo is the greatest

[@KilliK69]

@@jimbodjango8900 GBU is pop. OUATITW is art. same difference between Goodfellas and Godfather.

[@Ridendrty]

@@KilliK69 art is subjective and to quote Stephen Wright “beauty is in the eye of the beer holder”

[@Rick9482]

1968 and 50 years later where still admiring this great film. I'm especially pleased about the format it was shot in as it doesn't age itself as many films do over time. In a hundred years more time, it will still hold up to critical scrutiny.

[@jovanbregu2057]

This is like a Da Vinci masterpiece...you cant fake it .

[@hennagaijin100]

Techniscope. A Leone staple.

[@williammorrison3863]

Too me, the greatest movie ever filmed. Truly a masterpiece.

[@brianvincent4165]

Spot on. The GOAT, regardless of genre. The ultimate desert island film for eternity, when you can only select one. I have watched this over 500 times and continue to watch it every fortnight. That may sound a little sad, in some way, but I have also played a song called LEAN ON YOU by Sir Cliff Richard EVERY DAY for 33 years. I need to get a life! 😅😅😅. I need to get a life

[@samsavojbolagi5513]

true, they do not make them great again, more money in some trash computer generated that only 15 yr old watch now days

[@randywhite3947]

@@brianvincent4165no you don’t

[@trashpanda314]

When Frank rides in and the music plays, my god. Gives me chills.

[@Filmimaverick33]

Same thing always happens with me

[@MrPicklerwoof]

Frank coming into frame suddenly with the soundtrack booming would have been one of the most memorable moments in the history of Westerns, if it wasn't for the fact the film already contains about a dozen other scenes that are even more legendary.

[@gamalat122]

I agree with you

[@jagfromtexas]

So true!! Spot on!

[@simonadkins9929]

So true

[@michaellayton1413]

OMG will never see anything like it again

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

​@@michaellayton1413it's freaking legendary Henry fonda working with legendary Sergio Leone!

[@mattirealm]

RIP Ennio Morricone......How much great music did that man write? And he was humble. He spoke about Bach and how Bach had to write a mass like every week, and considered his own work far easier. The music in all his movies was excellent, but I especially love the cues in this movie. The cues for each different character which he does so brilliantly, and of course, the intense final gun fight. Great movie!!!! Great composer as well!

[@unpopulareconomics]

He compared his work to Bach and nobody groaned, everyone nodded along. A scant few get to put themselves in the company of such genius - and Ennio Morricone was one. RIP indeed.

[@hennagaijin100]

And it's hard to believe he did the score for 500 films. No other film composer has done more than thirty.

[@maximusaugustus6823]

This is the most dramatic badass western movie ever filmed. I have been rewatching it all the time last 50 years.

[@hellbach6268]

The dollars trilogy is awesome. But, this is THE greatest western ever made. Bronson is a bad ass!

[@baldo1667]

So is frank !!

[@RedDeathShinigami]

Here we are...the maniac psychopath and the almost supernatural Harmonica, almost like an Angel of Death. Love the dialouge before the final showdown. Frank lost it all, his men, the money, but nothing had ever mattered cause he just could'nt shake the fear of not knowing who this man is. Love how Morricone builds it as an epic duel between Darkness and Light. Even reflected in the colors, Harmonica wearing lighter colors and Frank Pitch Black. Almost an Angel fighting a fallen Angel. Bonechilling...

[@mikekemp9877]

casting bronson was as much a masterstroke as casting fonda.he gives nothing away just is.his appearences do appear to be supernatural and he is perfect drifting in and out of the movie like a ghost.i was reminded of his much smaller but vaguely similar role in jubal.there he is glen fords friend always like here on the edges but suddenly appearing to toss him a gun.simply brilliant performance by bronson in a movie with an outstanding cast.

[@martinblock5010]

@@mikekemp9877 das

[@user-tp5gm3dp3n]

المشهد الاخيرللمبارزة رمى هدا الفيلم الى العصر الروماني من اين اسرجيو هاته العبقرية

[@GBD-111]

Right, almost like Anakin vs Obi one

[@peterdoring7521]

In a documentation Leone mentioned it took him 4 days to choose the right outfit for Fonda....if you watch the film again and again you will still find new details that Leone had in his mind from the very start. It is really complex.

[@dpayne6359]

So you found out you're not a business man after all, just a man. An ancient race. Greatest lines I've ever heard in a movie

[@WalterLiddy]

There's very little dialogue in the film, but what there is counts.

[@qgde3rty8uiojh90]

@@WalterLiddy Every word, Walter. Every word.

[@Navarre751]

In the german version Harmonica says instead slightly mocking "A man ...". That in english is so- much- better! So much more senseful. Guess i have to watch the movie in english!

[@hennagaijin100]

People scare better when they're dyin

[@maciek8159]

So you know fashion and you can count...All the way to two

[@PaBasser]

Could watch this over and over and not get tired of it. It's that great

[@Wildflower90640]

"Did you make coffee?" "This time, yes!" Pieces coming together as Harmonica continues to whittle on some wood. Notice how Cheyenne praises the coffee but only has a sip. He knows he's dying, but he wants to see resolution between Frank and Harmonica. And he wants to see the widow McBain succeed before he takes his last breath.

[@chunder27]

Possibly the finest piece of cinema I have ever seen, I just wish I could see it again without knowing

[@nsrikanth6734]

From 2:32 mins, That is the best scene which portrayed an evilness of a villain with haunting music, tracking camera shot, sound designing of horse steps etc. Sergio Leone was a Master. Ennio Morricone was a Genius.

[@germancarfan]

Never gets old this movie just pure genius

[@tiffsaver]

Who can even believe that this movie is over 50-years old?? I still remember watching it for the very first time as though it were only yesterday. It came on TV very late at night, and I had never even heard of it. But when the blue eyes of the cold blooded killer happened to belong to Henry Fonda, I suddenly became wide awake... I knew that this was going to be something very special. The most amazing thing of all though, is that it still holds up today as well it did a half century ago-the acting, the music, the cinematography. This film is truly timeless.

[@jimkyle571]

You mean Claudia Cardinale alone wasn’t enough to get you hooked? I don’t think there’s a more beautiful woman in any role in any movie. The crane shot over the railroad station with her theme playing is as dramatic as it gets.

[@tiffsaver]

@@jimkyle571 As INCREDIBLE as Cardinale was in this role, Fonda was the first one to be seen. When I realized that he was the cold-blooded killer, it really blew my mind, as it did everyone else. Until then, he'd only been cast as presidents and heroes, so it was quite a shocking experience.

[@phillipbrown8346]

Well said my friend..WELL SAID!

[@nassermj7671]

Didya know they tried to talk Henry out of his blue eyes - contacts. He refused. Iconic acting brown or blue.

[@tiffsaver]

@@nassermj7671 Covering up his baby blues would have been a crime. Btw, did you know that many of the most cold-blooded killers in the Old West actually had light blue eyes??

[@fatdrummer65]

This quickly became on of my favorite movies. So well put together. So much patience put in to each scene, the story slowly develops. each character placed and developed. So much emotion, pain and ecstasy and vengeance. Cant believe I went all these years without seeing this movie.

[@GMfish]

One of the best films ever made, should easily be in everyones top 3!

[@StarlasAiko]

Nothing beats the music of Morricone

[@rickalva5673]

the whole cast was born for this film,

[@nightowl7459]

Absolutely, although I'm not sure one or two of them were the directors first choice?

[@fenrislegacy]

@@nightowl7459 Leone wanted Clint Eastwood for Harmonica but he turned down the role. However, interestingly, Bronson was Leone's 1st choice for A Fistfull of Dollar, For a Few Dollar More, and Tuco & Angel Eyes. It is clear that he absolutely wanted to work with Bronson so, who knows, maybe Bronson actually was his 1st choice but since he'd already turned him down thrice... The stars aligned for this one, that's for sure.

[@lurdileideteixeiramotaferr6598]

@@nightowl7459 l

[@44excalibur]

Eastwood was originally asked to be in this movie as the Man With No Name, but turned it down, so it went to Bronson.

[@44excalibur]

@@fenrislegacy Well, the character was originally going to be the Man With No Name, with “Harmonica" being yet another one of his many aliases, like “Blondie," “Joe," and “Manco." Eastwood wanted to pursue a Hollywood career by that point, so he turned it down and the role was changed to a different character with Bronson instead.

[@michaelgeraghty3989]

I had the great pleasure of meeting Jason Robards who was seated next to my table in an LA restaurant. Very gracious guy.

[@itsgleneaton4883]

A Masterpiece. And Bronson ranks with Brando as the most natural actor I’ve ever seen. No school of acting can teach that.

[@tobe1207]

Gotta give it to Fonda too

[@necrosiskoc9617]

@@tobe1207 Pretty sure this is the only film where Fonda played the villain... He did a damn good job of it too

[@kungfutaichibocaraton9587]

Movies like this one, the good, the bad and rhe ugly, the outlaw Josey wales and unforgiving Should NEVER be remake, never ever !

[@Jan-pn6kq]

The dialog in this movie is amazing. "Nothing matters now, not the land, not the money, not the woman. I came here to see you. Cause I know now you'll tell me what you're after." "Only the point of dying." "I know."

[@Jimmyjackfruit]

Jason Robards was awesome in this movie. One of the best actors of our time. "Hey Harmonica, when they do you in. Pray it's someone who knows where to shoot. Awwye!" Classic..

[@tylershields7521]

Out of all five of Leone's Western Films, I have to admit the moment when Frank is riding in with that music gets me the hardest.

[@raincoatriver]

Yeah, same here.

[@James-gr2ds]

Agreed. But I cannot find the name for this piece of music. There is a piece called 'Frank' but it is not this one.

[@raincoatriver]

In the film may be the only time you'll hear it. It's such a short piece of music that it was not included on the original soundtrack release. The effect, however, is massive.

[@lobobtz]

James M look "as a judgement" is what you are looking for

[@raincoatriver]

Good find...it comes in halfway through the piece of music.

[@simonadkins9929]

The comments on this page are worthy of the film…. Excellent

[@alanpage3973]

The greatest Western ever in my humble opinion

[@necrosiskoc9617]

When he splashes the water on his face and the music drops is just an amazing moment...

[@timselves1]

This film is a masterpiece the whole way through, but the final twenty minutes are just stunning. The set, the actors, the imagery, the music, lack of dialogue, the sheer weight of the few words that are spoken.....I see hear, imagine something new everytime I watch it. Truly magnificent.

[@thesoultwins72]

Tim Selves............ ..Excellent comment - and likewise, I believe without a shadow of doubt that OUATITW is not only the best 'western' ever made, but one of the finest films in cinema history. What is especially stunning about this scene [and in truth, the entire film] is that despite it being almost 3 hours long - there were just 17 pages of script. Yet Leone and Sergio Donati [with help from Dario Argento and Bernardo Bertolucci] fashioned a mesmerizingly poetic narrative that transcends mere words. Leone's use of extreme close-ups on the actor's faces - and particularly their eyes - tells more than words could ever do and generously allows the audience to use their own imaginations. In my humble opinion - no other film director had such a special and rare talent.

[@skubaduba871]

Just faces are enough

[@williamwalker146]

That last twenty minutes or so you speak of, just gets more tense with each scene, and oh what a tense twenty minutes it is. It has yet to be paralleled for its intensity.

[@abboblue78]

One of my top westerns ever , actors, scenery and storyline absolutely fantastic, today’s film makers please take note.

[@kenneththompson8933]

Also ..The Wild Bunch, Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, The Ballad Of Cable Hogue, Hired Hand, McCabe & Mrs. Miller.

[@hennagaijin100]

And to think Sergio was laughed at and ridiculed in the 1960s.

[@TheShick95]

4:56 slight tilt from harmonicas head, accepting the duel, amazing acting, little details like this make actors and movies so danm great

[@charlesmiller6281]

There are so many Westerns where when you are watching them its easy to think "this is one of the all-time great Westerns!" Then you watch even one little scene from this one and realize, "Okay, maybe 'one of' but this is The One." Just epic on so many levels you can not even believe it. Why, the score alone would be enough to rank it above all the others!

[@christiansoldier1968]

...ain't it the truth.

[@LtBrown1956]

charles I watched this the first time on TV (late show) one sunday night with my mother in the early 70's ....I was quickly engrossed and have loved it ever since. every inch a masterpiece

[@fivestring65ify]

@@LtBrown1956 The first time I watched it was on late night tv. I've loved it every since. I used to watch the dollars trilogy too. And I also watched the Trinity movies. Good times back in the 70's.

[@83056]

@@LtBrown1956 I first saw the film in a old run down movie theater in downtown Toronto.

[@skubaduba871]

@@83056 Imagine this one in theater now :)

[@brianmccarthy5657]

This is my favorite Cowboy film!

[@messertl]

One of the most awesome scenes in all cinema. Slow and measured. The way, for example, Harmonica takes notice while looking up. The score is awesome in and of itself. And the dialogue. "I knew you'd come. "

[@fonetikus]

Cardinale, Bronson, Fonda and Robards. Directed by Leone, soundtrack composed by Morricone. They don't make 'em like these anymore !

[@decespugliatorenucleare3780]

I can't stand the usual "old school lovers" superior attitude, but I think I have to agree with you on this one. I was listening to Cheyenne's theme from this soundtrack, and not only it was exactly him: it was so perfect it made me miss him. Amongst which nowaday's production can we hear anything even loosely resembling this level of artistic accomplishment? Rethoric question, of course: none.

[@scottknode898]

Sergio Leone directed some classics before his untimely death in 1989 especially this one and the Clint Eastwood Dollars triology. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is a good classic with Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach.

[@fivestring65ify]

This movie is worth watching for the soundtrack.

[@billstevens4550]

ZFFCW56A630134588 I I

[@Kelly14UK]

Best revenge scene ever

[@AbhilashGregory1985]

Heading towards 50 years ....the film still is TRUE EPIC!

[@user-xp4zx6wk4m]

ممكن اسم الفلم وشكرا

[@angeloargentieri5605]

@@user-xp4zx6wk4m C'era una volta il West, film mitico e leggendario, di due geni immortali Sergio Leone e musica straordinaria di Ennio Morricone !!

[@TheThewholetruth]

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.

[@jesusalonsoguevarasanchez9578]

Eso es de Pale Rider de Clint Eastwood, Hermano... otro grande del oeste!!!

[@nyclion13]

The railroad station scene, at the beginning, is pure genius.

[@tj1838]

The movie is number one it's been my favorite for at least 40 plus years however the music score has taken my heart away the last 20 years music like that is not made today. The music score will live on forever.

[@joemcmillan2089]

One of the best westerns ever.

[@terrytenney4175]

THE BEST WESTERN EVER !!

[@eliabellucci3479]

​@@terrytenney4175 THE BEST FILM EVER!

[@tony.bickert]

Through a half century of loving this film, every part of it, this particular scene, anchored by the shot of Fonda riding to his fate with Harmonica, his horse in step with the music, has come to stand alone as my favorite. Thank you for clipping it.

[@patrickmckeegan5345]

I love Henry Fonda in this movie.

[@NoLegalPlunder]

There are so many stunning scenes in this incredible movie, but this one gets me every time. I love the imagery of Frank trotting nearer to his destiny as the violin pulses. Beautiful but filled with the sense of doom. What a contrast. What also gets me is how Harmonica looks up as if he senses Frank is near. There are bits and pieces like this throughout the movie where one wonders if Harmonica is more an avenging spirit from beyond than a human. This ambiguity makes it so fascinating. This movie is one of a kind.

[@terrytenney4175]

Best western EVER !

[@jk21nola91]

4:55 He was looking DOWN at Frank…

[@pirobot668beta]

Shades of 'High plains drifter'

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

Magnificent film from start to finish. Beautifully directed, acted, written and the soundtrack... no words can explain. In one-hundred years and onward, humanity will never see such a beautifully done film.

[@shotbro4998]

Visually, musically, story-wise, performance-wise and dialogue-wise this movie is absolutely perfect. The greatest film ever made

[@williamwalker146]

One of my favorite scenes in the whole movie. Cheyenne in a way signals that the film is about to reach a new level of intensity and we're about to get what it is we're after.

[@kevinkantell7381]

My childhood rolled all into one movie 🍿

[@refoilion]

I love this scene I can't ever forget ( he's whitling on a piece of wood I got a feeling when he stops something is gonna happen)

[@tbolin25]

Note the hint of resignation and even sadness in Franks delivery when Harmonica says "only at point of dy'n" and Frank responds "I know".

[@savannahdockins7022]

Greatest movie ever made.

[@jaycollins9244]

When the camera cuts to "Frank" as he lopes in with that music behind him, I can't stop from saying out loud every time, "Holy Shit."

[@ghostofpambo6266]

I'm really impressed with Bronson's performance at 4:50 His expression doesn't really change all that much but something comes alive in his face. You can see it in his eyes. He's been waiting years for this moment to get his revenge on Frank but he's still restraining himself. Still has that poker face which in part, has kept Frank from killing him. Frank knows there's something different about Harmonica and its been eating at him as to what his connection to Frank is.

[@user-xp4zx6wk4m]

ممكن اسم الفلم وشكرا

[@TysoniusRex]

​@@user-xp4zx6wk4m Once Upon a Time in the West

[@jimmason8502]

Best Western movie ever. Best sound ever. Best And Claudia Cardinale!

[@stevenbrown1225]

Great movie. Great line: "An ancient race." Almost as good as "We all got it coming, kid." From Unforgiven.

[@ChiefManny1]

"Deserves got nothing to do with it!"

[@michaeldalscais2538]

A fine comparison! Unforgiven is the last western. William Munny has a lot in common with Frank: both killed women and children. I like to think that Frank’s not pure evil. He’s like a younger version of William Munny.

[@paulwalker1793]

Absolutely love this film,and the music was stunning beautiful.

[@paoloro000]

Ogni singolo sguardo che Sergio Leone ha ottenuto dagli attori è pura poesia , non riesco a trovare una sola scena fuori posto ! con lui qualsiasi attore dava il meglio .

[@jeffsnowden5119]

First saw it first in France, then in Germany where it was over- dramatically called (translated) “Play me the song of death” and then back in England and eventually wound up with the dvd. Absolutely no doubt that it is the greatest Western of all time and will never be surpassed.

[@matthewtaylor3308]

The greatest Western ever made.

[@noahbawdy3395]

One of the best Westerns ever made :D

[@Tombro1856]

And I agree %100 thanks

[@jamesgill3319]

The finest Western ever made.

[@anasfaltics]

I love this, us, sitting round the camp fire, remembering these guys, these moments. gets better each time.

[@alparker5918]

Ahhh... Cardinale! I don't know of her personality, but looks, Numero Uno.

[@Cam-pg4wl]

Cheyenne was right-Claudia Cardinale is so strikingly beautiful.

[@hennagaijin100]

And she can act too

[@MrBoBoTom]

That's how you do a final confrontation right there.

[@gianlu64]

I think that the most tragic fact about this scene is that Cheyenne is dying and he knows that, and he is the only one who knows. And he talks about his mother, about the girl, about Harmonica and all... and only much later we learn that he was doomed to death. Look at his every move, every glance, every thing that he says and does and think that he is dying and with much pain for a shot at the stomach. I find all of this very touching.

[@ghostofpambo6266]

Great post!

[@pathfinder44ltd]

The very fact that Jill, Cheyenne & Harmonica are all linked through DEATH by murders committed by Frank is such irony. All the while, Cheyenne is being framed, Jill 'railroaded' (pun intended) & Harmonica seeking revenge, only to become allies in the destruction of Morton's intentions & Frank's demise.🎬 A story brilliantly scripted & told through cinema, EXCELLENT!📽️

[@jamesedwards2237]

Always liked Jason Robards acting chops. Understated and still impressive!

[@michaeljensen2013]

Can't saw more but you are right. all the president's men.

[@Kelly14UK]

Same. Boss guy, Cheyenne.

[@dxpvxo711]

An ancient race... Brilliant

[@raincoatriver]

And to think, the American public ignored this masterpiece when it was new (I didn't). "West" played in Paris, France for four and a half years at the same theater. The French got it.

[@trickydick6152]

But the American public were served an ultracut version "to sell popcorn" as Leone himself said.

[@raincoatriver]

I often compare this film to "2001:ASO". Released in the same year, 1968, methodical pacing, extraordinary attention to detail, music to die for, unforgettable characters and touched by directorial genius.

[@jjrj8568]

Cahiers du Cinéma always knew the truth and puts american "critics" to great shame.

[@rojardakar1313]

Wow! Never talk bad about the French again..

[@Wowzersdude-k5c]

Critics ignored all of Leone's Westerns, at least in America. Considered them sort of cheap B movies of low quality.

[@peregrinec5477]

I LOVE THIS FILM! I saw it for the first time maybe 30 years ago at my mom's place and her husband was a big western fan. I thought I had seen all of the, "spaghetti westerns" by Sergio Leone. I love how Henry Fonda plays against his type. He is scary, he is so bad. And, Jason Robards. He's like the sexy scumbag type. Charles Bronson is so great as, "Harmonica." Claudia Cardinale is AMAZING. She isn't the two dimensional female character typical for the genre, or Leone's films. Cast is terrific and the soundtrack. After the first time I saw this film, I couldn't sleep because the soundtrack. Great film. I think it is #1 in my favorite western films ever.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

There's something so eloquent about Bronson's short answer to Fonda when he replies to Bronson's question "So, you found out you're not a businessman after all" with "just a man.": Bronson - "An ancient race." Brevity is the soul of wit.

[@hvymettle]

Brevity is also the soul of lingerie.

[@LtBrown1956]

pink before those remarks, I like Fonda's comments about how his "businessman mentor" would not have worried one bit about Bronson being on the loose but the unfinished nature of their relationship (fonda and bronson's) did not allow him (fonda) to just walk away.

[@fishingwithrick3991]

" Soon other Mortons will come along to kill it off." Profound. What a great movie.

[@kennethsizer6217]

💯 amen to that. The more a man talks, the less he really has to say.

[@pycargue]

Epic

[@user-rn2ss7ni6h]

One of the Sergio Leone's masterpeace...

[@69adrummer]

I always like the friendship those two formed. It was professional, respectful, a bit coy at times but always with the mutual understanding that they would work together to get thru. It also helped that they both knew they were good with a pistol and that kept them at peace with each other.

[@williamwalker146]

I always loved it. It comes off so darn naturally. An outlaw breaks into an unsuspecting woman's home with intent to do (some kind of) harm, and instead, a fruitful, pleasant brother/sister sort-of relationship forms between the two. They have problems enough, but they don't sit and talk about their problems. They just sit and talk. I love it.

[@shotbro4998]

The best movie of all time

[@ramonalejandrosuare]

The movie's existential brilliance can be seen in the relationship between Harmonica and Frank. The former is more than a man to the latter, but an embodiment of an inescapable past come back to haunt him. Everyone has that phantom from their past they can't escape, an amalgam of previous mistakes that brought them to where they are in life at the present moment. A career murderer like Frank knows Harmonica is the phantom of his sins come to find a reckoning, even if he doesn't know who Harmonica exactly is. Throughout the movie Frank is obsessed with the question of what Harmonica wants, consumed with it to the point that answering its riddle takes precedence over just killing him. He ultimately confronts Harmonica, knowing that it could probably lead to his demise, not because he cares about who Harmonica is, but because answering the question will shine meaning upon Frank's life. In No Country For Old Men, the movie's iconic villain, Anton Chigurh, poses a critical question to a man he is about to kill by asking, "If the rule you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule?" Frank's own need to understand why Harmonica would want to kill him is his own particular way of answering the same question.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

This, and the flashback, are the pivotal scenes of the whole movie. It's not a question of good or bad. It's more ancient. There is something ancestral going on between those two. We don't know who Harmonica's brother was, or why he was killed. With his black boots, pants and holster, he was even dressed like an iconic western villain. But, killing him and leaving Harmonica alive, Frank give Harmonica the right, and the duty, to seek for vengeance. Harmonica doesn't even really hate Frank, by chasing him he did what he had to, expecting Frank doing the same, but Frank wanted to evolve instead, to become a businessman, and so he sent his henchmen to answer to Harmonica's challenge at the beginning of the movie. For the whole movie, Harmonica is hindering and making fun of Frank's attempts to be other things. To show him he is not fit. To strip him of the businessman and face the man. Once Frank introduced himself as "just a man" Harmonica's tone changes, he is not making fun of him any more, there is even a sense of simpaty between the two "just men" ("An ancient race. Other Mortons will be along, and they'll kill it off").

[@fivestring65ify]

No country for old men is a rare movie nowadays. It had a feel kind of like this one. This movie is the best of the best. Who can forget Harminica telling the henchmen Frank sent that they brought two horses too many.

[@jjrj8568]

great post, I agree with many of the things you say here; in my opinion, Frank's journey in this movie is about rejecting his own life (and the promise of business and fortune as a respectable elder) to confront the sins of his past. He knows, deep down, that facing Harmonica and probably dying is his last chance at redemption and meaning; after all, he confronts him as "just a man". Frank seeking Harmonica in this scene is the equivalent of a criminal willingly turning himself to the police...just to be shot and killed after drawing his gun.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

Killing the harmonica player seems like a rather poor way to get information from him. And it is most convenient that the villain of the story is as concerned with getting at what that damn harmonica means as do the audience. As for what is going on in Frank's mind, I've no idea. I'm not a psychopath. But, yes, I suppose that somebody who has done so much harm to others lives in something like "existential" dread, though I think you are misusing the word. High art this is not. It is, however, good pop cinema that strings the audience along quite skillfully.

[@Dirtyboxer1]

@@Kermit_T_Frog I don't think this had any pretentions of being high art, and if it were I'd probably dislike it. I watch movies to be entertained. I love so much about this movie, from the casting to the music, to the long sweeping shots and intense, personal close-ups, and especially how most of the story is told through action and body language, not speaking. I hate explanatory monologues. I'd rather the director show me what's going on and let me figure it out, like in the beginning of Wall-E. I like dialogue in movies, but I'd rather it mean something.

[@amirbeydoun6472]

This movie is a western legend.

[@dannygjk]

This is a great way to demonstrate honor. You fight each other like men. The modern way is to wait until a guy has his guard down celebrating someone's birthday and do a drive by to kill him and whoever happens to be there.

[@Doctor_Yodel]

Thomas Headley but harmonica and frank where not those sorts of men

[@kevinhillary4057]

2:25 coolest line, music, and shot ever. I love this part so much

[@robinjohnson553]

one of my favorites.didn't know it had such a following.line that sticks with me.Frank, so you're the one who makes appointments.harmonica,and you're the one who doesn't keep them.

[@Bismarck.1871]

Cheyenne was my favorite character by far

[@richardmeo2503]

Best western ever made. Good Bad Ugly a close second.

[@raimarulightning]

I know it's probably controversial, but I think Frank is the most interesting character in the entire movie alongside Cheyenne. Henry Fonda just makes him so damn magnetic, even for all the sadistic shit he does. That "I know" really exemplifies it. There's a reluctant, even melancholic acceptance of what's to come. It really makes Frank feel much more human than Harmonica, who really seems like a vengeful spirit throughout the movie.

[@wlucius111]

I have to agree with you. His character was really fleshed out. That scene where Morten tells Frank that he could never be a business man, you could almost see in Frank's eyes the let down as it was something he was striving for but now being told it won't be possible. That he will always be just a killer. That one instance, I actually felt bad for Frank. A man that was trying to be more than just a killer but seeing now, that really is all he is.

[@tobe1207]

One of the first blue eyed villians too. This was back when badguys usually wore black and looked sinister. And goodguys wore white hats. But sergio wanted a charming, blue eyed villian

[@williamwalker146]

Really? I mean, I get it that some people think Harmonica was portrayed almost as being a kind of supernatural being, but that's why Once Upon a Time in the West is one of my favorite westerns, might be my favorite: because it portrays the main hero as being more human than most westerns typically do.

[@alex324ization]

The must intriguing character is off course harmonica, it's only after we start thinking on Fonda and cheyenne and realized they where also interesting characters but Branson in this picture was may be the most charismatic character in cinema history

[@54blewis]

Casting Fonda as the villain was a stroke of genius….cold,methodical and deadly…actually calling him a villain doesn’t do his character justice, he’s much more than that, he epitomizes the changing nature of his time both ruthless and patient with very little empathy, he uses violence as a craftsman uses tools or an artist uses a brush,in fact his use of violence is in a way artistic…there’s a sense of style and fulfillment,the tying up of loose ends sorta tidying up,an exclamation point to his actions, he also understands human nature he preys on people’s weaknesses,greed and fears….harmonica is an unknown,a variable that doesn’t quite fit in the equation which puzzles,confuses and dismays him,so the final showdown is a way to find the true nature of his adversary and thus tie up a loose end ,only then can he be at ease…,even to the point of death…all this Henry Fonda carries out with the brilliance of a veteran actor,fleshing out a complicated character…

[@damirbabic7403]

A masterpiece of western ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@terryely7341]

My favorite movie of all and the music is excellent and every actor plays their part precisely...and the timing and the continuity are the works of a genius.. Perfect❤😁❤

[@steelcity9778]

Growing up I used to watch this with my mom as I got older this became my favorite scene in the movie the way just sits and waits for Frank is Cheyenne never says a word to him cuz he knows what's coming

[@davidsomerset8411]

I love when movies used to have ALL STAR cast now we're lucky if they have just 1 that can act

[@Luca-bv5ic]

Yeah, compare one of the best movies of all time to an average movie made today. Perfectly accurate and fair comparison, so deep bro, says so much about the state of the world today smh😩😤😤.

[@daleolson3506]

And they are all on drugs,whispering is not acting.

[@sinbin001]

There aren't any real stars anymore. Superb film. And Fonda playing against type is brilliant.

[@Wayoutthere]

The last of the real men. Majestic, and never to be made again..

[@wdavis6814]

Modern westerns will NEVER have this masculine mystique... It's over and gone.

[@romelioboone8382]

In my opinion this is one of the best westerns in the world that I've ever watched!

[@donholmes3267]

Jason & Henry + Charles, what a cast !

[@leftcoaster67]

So Fonda was 63, Bronson was 47, Robards was 46. Claudia was 30, even Woody Strode was 54. You would NEVER see that today.

[@bryangonzales1774]

Best Western scene ever !!

[@PaulEglinton]

What a masterpiece.

[@tomd3098]

1:51 "Hot, strong, and good." Best coffee description ever. /s

[@skull8093]

Have you ever had a coffee called odin force? Brew a cup of that black, and you'll get exactly that. Hot, strong, and good.

[@boomerrob9223]

Great description of Gill, too.

[@alexstewart8097]

@@boomerrob9223 Agree! ...says His prophet.

[@hennagaijin100]

Like his mother made.

[@xxlCortez]

Cheyenne's death feels a terrible waste. A good character killed like an afterthought.

[@slimanegrandpere6246]

Epic scene, Frank galloping with horse at 2.33 is one of the all time great cinematic scenes. Notice how few words are spoken between Harmonica and Frank, Leone was a genius on subtle acting dialogue in his movies. We don’t see these cinematic scenes or attention to detail in todays movies.

[@psychocuda]

Another thing that makes this scene so brilliant is only realized if you've seen it before. You'll probably miss it the first go around. Cheyenne has been mortally wounded but doesn't show it, unless you pay close attention. The way he rides the horse, slumped slightly forward, the grimace when he sips the coffee. He knows he's dying but doesn't want to upset Jill. I think he even fools the trained eye of Harmonica, because after the duel, Harmonica seems surprised when he learns of Cheyenne's wound. Such small, subtle details make Leone an absolute genius in filmography.

[@rlsfrny]

I also think I never caught the subtext of Cheyenne's line to Claudia Cardinale when he says why don't you go and give them boys a drink. Really, what he knows is there's a gunfight coming and he wants to spare her witnessing it.

[@dominiccundari8334]

I love how each character has there own music in the movie!

[@williamwalker146]

Yet Frank and Harmonica share the same song, don't they?

[@SuperGrandmother3]

this was mu uncle's favorite movie & it took me watching it a second time to figure out why harmonica's music sounded twisted & sad.