A village on the Mexican border, two families fighting over the arms and alcohol trade, and a nameless outsider who turns up to pit them against each other and pocket the spoils. «For a Handful of Dollars», released in 1964, is the film that started the craze for spaghetti western. It is also the first major role for Clint Eastwood, with music by’Ennio Morricone.
The film has a fascinating backstory: shot on a shoestring budget, it has been recognised as an unofficial remake of Yojimbo by Akira Kurosawa, which earned the Japanese studio Toho a successful lawsuit and a share of the box-office takings. It subsequently paved the way for And for a few dollars more and at Right, the Brute and the Thug.
The screening marks the start of the series of film screenings and discussions that FLC organises in conjunction with the association Ciné-Bleau, as part of its Events celebrating Italian culture. Three films in VOSTF The following are on this season’s programme: after Sergio Leone, next up will be The Girl from Bube by Luigi Comencini in February, then We loved each other so much by Ettore Scola in April. Each screening is followed by a discussion in the cinema.
Price: €7, to be paid to the cinéma l'Ermitage, online or at the till. Details of the cycle can be found at the FLC film and discussion series page.
A few words are enough, I reply personally.