ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (1968) - a review of the greatest movie ever made (SPOILERS!)

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (1968), the first (of many?) videos on why it's my favorite movie. If you haven't seen this film, SEE IT before viewing my video, as there are spoilers and nothing can substitute for the real thing.
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Disclaimers: I am not a film scholar and am presenting only my own observations, for what they're worth. While I hope some may find my insights interesting, I do not claim they are definitive or exhaustive.
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This is intended for viewers who are familiar with the film, but if spoilers are not a deterrent, it is not necessary to have seen the movie to follow this video.
All clips taken from Once Upon A Time in the West (1968). This video was made for the purpose of film appreciation/criticism and I believe these contents fall under fair use IP laws. The clips in use are transformed using voice-over, sequential re-ordering and cuts, and are offered only to illustrate the discussion. I encourage all viewers to legally obtain and view every film I review before watching my videos.

[@jvkalex9080]

This was easily the all time greatest movie, not just western movie.

[@veronicaking5247]

I agree!

[@brianvincent4165]

I have watched this movie more than anyone who has ever lived. Over 450 times. Unquestionably the greatest film of all time, not just the greatest Western of all time.

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

You certainly have me beat.

[@brianvincent4165]

@@ShootMeMovieReviews You love the movie, that is all that matters, but thank you for your kind reply.

[@terrytenney4175]

I watch it every Christmas morning. It's my Christmas present for myself.

[@brianvincent4165]

@@terrytenney4175 Terry. Every Christmas morning? You are officially a LEGEND!! 😁😁😁.

[@jims7383]

Watched this when I was a kid when I was just getting into movies and film as an art form. The good the bad and the ugly was always my favorite and still might be cause it was the first movie that got me into film when I was about 14 or 15 (my dad made me watch it). But I loved that film so much I made him show me the rest of Leone. Ironically enough my dad didn’t like this one despite the former being one of his favorites. They both stuck with me for different reasons but there is something, something about this film that makes it truly special. The casting, the writing, the music, the photography. The only flaw imo is Claudia Cardinale. Should’ve cast an American actress. Beautiful woman I know and I know it’s spaghetti but she’s just a bad actress.

[@Luka2000_]

I watched many movies in my life and will watch more in the future. But none of them can compete with this movie. Its an absolute masterclass of a movie that should be studied and watched by many.

[@BrianVincent-gz2dq]

Over 450 watches of this movie,.....and still counting. Quite simply the greatest film of all time, not just the greatest Western.

[@kevinp3550]

I've seen it over a hundred times and I thought that maybe I was taking it too far! But it really put the hook in me after a few viewings. Now if I could get a double viewing for a year...🙃😃

[@HILAL19564]

I'd say this one for sure and the good the bad and the ugly. Only once upon a time in the west is more a pure western. The good the bad and the ugly is a western, war, adventure movie. A very good underrated imo masterpiece of Sergio Leone is a fistful of dynamite. And actually his whole filmography are straight up masterpieces. He made 7 movies. The first is a sandal movie I haven't seen but the rest of his movies are all masterpieces.

[@victoir2112]

As for reveals, I always loved the swinging light on harmonica. Magnificent.

[@brianvincent4165]

Richard. Seen this film 450 times,... and counting. Check a million comments to see my comments. You are the ONLY ONE who ever went on this sight and GOT IT. Undoubtedly the best scene,.. thankyou Richard.

[@danielparsons2859]

Henry Fonda as the villain is a brilliant performance.

[@paddydeceurt2133]

People of today....that like movies...will not have the capacity to understand that this is a Brilliant Masterpiece of Leone...it's not just a movie...Bronson, Fonda, Robards...Brilliant

[@hennagaijin100]

It was CC's movie

[@ohauss]

One thing often overlooked when talking about how Morricone's music and Leone's filming fit together is that Morricone, unlike other film composers, often wrote his music based on the script, telling the scene with his music, and capturing it so extremely well that Leone sometimes changed the pacing of the scene in shooting to match the music.

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

My understanding is that it depends upon the film. For instance, Morricone provided music for John Carpenter's The Thing that was not scene-specific, and left it to Carpenter's discretion how to implement it. However, for OUATITW, many scenes were scored and recorded before filming, and Leone shot to match the music. This is a potential subject for another video, as I think you can identify scenes in which this was almost certainly the case.

[@Mr.Goodkat]

He played the music during filming.

[@vladtheimpaler9118]

Watched this movie for the first time today… mind fucking blown!

[@83056]

Never noticed it until now. When Jill's train arrives I see wood for the McBain train station is being unloaded.

[@thecuss6817]

I was fortunate enough to see all the Leone films in the theaters in Arizona on first release in the 1960s. Greatest of all times; rate GBU first and this film second.

[@jims7383]

I used to rate Once Upon a Time in America above this but now this is my second after GBU. I feel that there’s something off about the dialogue in OUATIA that keeps it from masterpiece level. In this the dialogue is off (understandably because it’s an Italian production) but it works with the mythology of the west in a way an American gangster film doesn’t. Either way, 3 incredible films. Fistful and Few Dollars are great but don’t reach these levels. Either way Leone is a master. Also the three first mentioned films have some of the best film scores (top 100 for me) ever made. RIP to the other genius, Morricone

[@batcaveloner1383]

Duck you Sucker is Leone’s best film.

[@kevinp3550]

Duck you Sucker is an overlooked masterpiece.

[@tbolin25]

Thank You, I'm glad somebody said it!!! A Masterwork of Cinema and the Greatest film ever made!!! That reverse crane shot with the very real Monument Valley acting as a witness partially hidden by a huge squall, Stunning!!!!

[@endrebody7578]

Undoubtedly the best movie ever made, every minute of it is a masterpiece, you can even look at it in 4-6 minute installments as video clips , No country for old men came close to this in the western genre, otherwise Gladiator and Drive are worth mentioning

[@chriswest8389]

Henry Fonda was channeling an evil entity called Frank. This is a tour de force in method acting. The menace in those blue eyes without any movement, revealing the evil entity within. If I was an acting coach, this would be my go to example, a master class, of how to also act, or not act- hes almost beyond technique in this role, with your mouth( how not to- the crime boss in 'Your honour') By comparison here, before he murders the young boy, Frank is almost expansive. Theres a flicker of movement at the corners. And he saves the best for last. As the younger , bearded Frank is revealed, the spectral like figure, we see his bone chilling smile. Those simian looking teeth...... Next to the chauffeur in ' Burnt Offerings', its the most chilling Ive ever encountered cinematically speaking.

[@NoLegalPlunder]

Ever since I saw this movie back in the 80s it's had such an incredible grip on me. While I think many movies from the 30s vie for the greatest ever made, I keep coming back to OUATITW. It's beautiful, brutal, haunting & mysterious. The movie studios really missed out by not have Sergio make more than 1 movie in the 70s. It seems like we should have gotten more movies from him.

[@Mr.Goodkat]

What movies from the 30's do you think vie for greatest ever made?

[@culturefan6363]

the best movie ever, everything is perfect: shots, edit, music, dialogs, acting.

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

Nevermind the bad dubbing of Claudia Cardinale in the saloon, after she's told there's a hot bath waiting for and only four people have used it so far:"one at a time or all together?" But that's just nitpicking. This is one brilliant movie.

[@andrewwilson9057]

The visuals are incredible but sound scape really got me, noises that linger, build, stop, start had me in suspense as crazy as this sounds i could watch this film blind folded and still be blown away. the sound of the windmill lives in my head

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

Absolutely. I could make a long video about the use of sound in this film. Unfortunately KZbin is one-by-one blocking all my videos. But the use of ambient sound both as score and as a story-telling device is unparalleled. The cicadas' sudden silence that warns McBain that someone is out there in the tall grass is absolutely chilling.

[@xjp1998]

Things I love about Leone are the sets he built and the locations for his shots Many of the buildings from Once Upon a Time in the West are still standing and still used in films, and the cemetery at the end of The Good the Bad and the Ugly has been fully restored in Spain and you can visit it. One thing about Once Upon a time in the West it holds the world record for the longest coach ride in movie history. Jill starts the ride in Spain and it ends in Monument Valley Utah.

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

That's really cool re: the cemetery. Definitely a place to see if I ever get over there.

[@xjp1998]

@@ShootMeMovieReviews on KZbin, just do a search for the cemetery in the movie and they do a travel and show you exactly what it looks like today.

[@hennagaijin100]

But not on the same wagon or with same horse. Look closely.

[@JeffTheHokie]

The full version of it was a great movie. Any lackluster reviews probably come from a shortened-for-time version for US theaters. In the butchered version they left out the entire trading post scene where we first see Cheyenne.

[@hennagaijin100]

Paramount removed 40 minutes. Their version made no sense. Why it was a critical and financial dud.

[@kentsigmon268]

Very good job of summing up this movie in the short time you used to do it. I first saw this movie on TV when I was a teenager. My dad was a big western movie fan and he got bored with with it in the opening first 15 minutes and went to bed . I could tell it was going to be good and I was right. I'm 66 years old and watched it many times. I always hated my dad didn't stick it out . He missed a damn good movie.

[@g.panitikan1929]

this is my favorite movie of all time, thanks for this❤️

[@eltoneagle8136]

An absolute masterpiece 👏

[@Leopejo]

I've been watching all the reviews and analyses I could find on KZbin about this film, both in Italian and in English, and yours is one of the most interesting ones. Thanks.

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

Thanks! I do plan to do more on the film when I get a chance.

[@kevinp3550]

For you freaks reading this. Pick up a copy of Christopher Frayling's, "Something to do With Death", a fantastic analysis of this movie. And that isn't to take anything away from this most excellent video!

[@filipankenbrand2040]

Facts! Great Video!

[@BervikGameShorts]

Awesome review, although I wanna see your take on tiny details such as each of the gunmen having different approach on combat e.g. Harmonica utilizing manipulation and intimidation as an advantage as well being one step ahead, Cheyenne using the environment for his tactics, and Frank just being a cruel man with the fastest gun in Sweetwater

[@almost_harmless]

Masterful storytelling.

[@muhsinalhameed6408]

Definitely one of the icons in movie making world

[@dougo2641]

The absolute GOAT of motion pictures. 1st time watching was early 80s as a kid and I was mesmerized. The opening train scene with Bronson cannot be beat.

[@dougo2641]

And my mom said when it came out it mostly failed because women hates Henry Fonda’s villain character at the time. Now it’s a masterpiece.

[@josev4338]

Another great review.

[@klamlk7466]

in the german dub the final phrase is "Play me the Tune of Death" wich gives less Context as to the Brother, but man the phrase hits hard

[@NoahSpurrier]

I don’t like to pick THE best, but this is definitely in the category of best movies.

[@kevinp3550]

Greatest movie ever made? ABSOLUTELY F-ING RIGHT! And it should be pointed out that Leone directed his extras like no other. I'm very happy that other people love this movie like I do. Excellent review!

[@terrytenney4175]

Greatest movie EVER !

[@Inevitibility23]

Could you do another review covering the film's plot, themes, and story? You nailed fhe cinematography but there's a lot more to unpack that I'd love to hear a detailed analysis of.

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

Thanks! I'd really like to, and perhaps I will. I've mostly stopped making videos because KZbin has terrible copyright policy that leads them to blocking about a third of my videos - it's become not worthwhile to make them given such high odds of being blocked (without justification). However, this one is still up so maybe I can do another on the same film. By the way, if you're looking for another western that explores similar themes, check out The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence if you haven't already. It expressly delves into the idea that as westward expansion demanded greater 'civilization', there was dwindling room for the so-called 'shootist'. Both films have a nostalgia for the heroic archetype of the lone gunman, but both acknowledge that such a man cannot exist in a modern society. There are lots of westerns that explore this, but imo these two are the best.

[@cheemluke]

Thank you for this scholarly review of one of my favourite Leone films🙏🏾☺️

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertpierce1981]

Best western ever

[@user-cn4cs2lk5y]

There's only one film which is equal to OUTW. Ist ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA. GOD BLESS YOU SERGIO. But also Ennio Morricone. Two genius.

[@kennethblacklidge5223]

Brilliant...thanks!

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@rubenr.mossdc4070]

My favorite movie also!

[@fawnfindslove]

Thank you.

[@NebukedNezzer]

I was 24 years old when this movie was made. I LOVE it as the best western ever made. later when HBO did the 2 year Rome series I recognized the same film crews work.

[@thalastkg]

My all-time fav Movie ever.

[@Joe3pops]

Jill's train arrival and plenty of wood. No that's complimentary!

[@AlgisKemezys]

I love your info and more.

[@owensweetland342]

The Magnificent Seven ( original ) is awesome.

[@Pablo113]

.....a Masterpiece!!!!!!

[@elchoya8432]

henry fonda said this film didnt make nickle in america but was a smash in europe seems that this played a year in the same theatre in paris.seems the europeons could take fonda as a villian .

[@PauloRoberto-nq1fb]

Obra prima

[@user-bt2oe7wb8z]

Seeing this, I saw the signboard printed Chinese Laundry, which is a kind of underplot, I think.

[@nelliethursday1812]

Considering that the Chinese contributed greatly to the building of the West especially the railroad I think not

[@kevinp3550]

PS, please🙏 make another video of this movie!

[@randolphstephenson]

Good Bad Ugly/Outlaw Josey Wales/ Once Upon a Time in the West.TOP THREE!🤔

[@takaspark78]

Note that I'm expelling anything a moviegoer would notice. In monotone.

[@bouarichbrahim7408]

top!

[@mnish3627]

❤❤❤

[@jhberg17]

Third greatest Leone Western.. GBU, For A Few Dollars More

[@octavreu7096]

👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@paullefebvre1992]

Is it just me or is Henry Fonda kinda weird looking?

[@ShootMeMovieReviews]

You mean as opposed to his usual look, or just in general? There's a story about how he darkened himself up (including color contacts) for the role and Leone was upset, and said he wanted him in the first place for his blue eyes etc. It's clear he still dyed his hair and grew them sideburns though. And of course he's suntanned as all get out.

[@paullefebvre1992]

@@ShootMeMovieReviews Not in general, but in the shots you highlight in your video. Maybe it's the insane tan and dyed hair...

[@vladtheimpaler9118]

@@paullefebvre1992 it’s his chewing tobacco 😅

[@peterwinters8587]

just you

[@johnbrowne2170]

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is the best western ever made.