For a Few Dollars More

I have resolved the dilemma of whether A Fistful of Dollars or For a Few Dollars is better because I consider the second film to be more mature. Leone had already found his style by that point and he had refined his collaboration with Ennio Morricone to the point that there isn't much to criticize about the direction and overall filmmaking craftsmanship of the film. Sergio Leone's merit is in revitalizing the dying western genre by tarnishing it, lightening it with comedic elements, creatively working with genre stereotypes, and imprinting characters on previously interchangeable supporting roles. In short, he made it more entertaining. On the other hand, his early westerns have issues in their screenplays. When you look at the motivation of his heroes and their thought processes, you have a collection of unique idiots in front of you. If the main villain Callaway possessed ideas such as releasing his prisoners to eliminate members of his gang, he probably wouldn't have survived puberty. Leone simply made undemanding B-grade movies for the mass audience and, unfortunately for him, he had ambitions to move toward more serious filmmaking statements and more serious genres, which happened with his legendary film Once Upon a Time in America. That says something about the film industry and its viewers, not about Sergio Leone. Overall impression: 65%. (10/12/2011)

Once again, the flawless Leone and his other contribution to the highlights of the western genre, which stands a little unfairly in the shadow of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. In addition to the traditionally excellent direction, script and music, the film is mainly driven by Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef, who, as two rival bounty hunters, create a dangerous and "hellishly fast" central duo that I definitely wouldn't want to cross paths with. The story is not as extensive as in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but everything is made up for by the perfect atmosphere full of charged colts, delicious man-on-man fights and the character of the two mentioned "antiheroes", who spare smiles, but give joy to every genre fan. I have nothing to complain about, definitely my favorite western after Once Upon a Time in the West :) (04/21/2011)

The year 1965 was a turning point in world cinema. A year after his gun-slinging western debut, Sergio Leone added a few more bucks on top, embarking on a long line of “übermovies". Admittedly in the shadow of the two following movies, but even so it is a simply perfect piece. Ennio is also at his creating zenith and what his music manages to do with a scene that is already perfect is simply amazing. For instance, the “watch" duel in the ruins of the church... To help things, the casting is simply wonderful. The central duo needs no mention, but it would be a sin not to highlight Gian Maria Volanté in the role of El India. This is simply one of those MUST SEE pictures. Adios. (02/03/2008)

Everything that was good about the first installment is here twice over. The stuffiness on screen is almost unbreathable, the villain here has definitely crossed the point of no return. The film mops the floor with the standards of previous westerns, drowning in anachronisms, drug taking, we’re witnesses to suicide and rape. The two protagonists are all the more fascinating for it, maintaining their rules, credos, and self-respect in such a world. Paradoxically, there is something of the essence of freedom in such a dirty and disillusioned film, as if suggesting that only a completely broken world can offer the ultimate possibility of self-realization; see further post-apocalyptic works, zombie films, etc. (07/08/2021)

One of the main plots of Once Upon a Time in the West, "Someone is going after someone, but it's not until the end that we find out why," was used by Leone here. It would seem that Clint's Monco is playing second fiddle in For a Few Dollars More... But he simply isn’t able to do that and he is great and draws attention to himself as always.__P.S.: Van Cleef is traditionally good, of course, but I like him even better as a villain.__P.P.S. I recommend listening to the soundtracks from A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The way Morricone develops and refines his music over time, how he interweaves individual motifs and makes them into an unforgettable work, deserves incredible admiration. (09/18/2007)