Film Synopsis: ‘The Good, The Bad and
The Ugly ’
Stand off scene)
The
climactic stand-off near the end of the film ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’
is considered to be one of the most successful examples of master craft when it
comes to applying the four areas of film, cinematography, editing, sound and
mis- en- scene. The scene features the three main characters meeting in a
stalemate, as all three are after the gold buried in an unmarked grave. They
stand-off in a gun slinging duel, as they are all after the treasure for
themselves. The tone is expressed through this scene through strategically
framed shots, amplified use of editing to the beat of the music and fitting
costume, as well as setting and orientation of characters.
The scene’s
cinematography has little variability, however, that works to its advantage.
Long shots establish the characters orientation in the setting to one another,
to distinguish what is about to unfold. Close ups of the subjects’ faces shows
how each character is reacting to the situation. The extreme close ups of the
characters’ hands places emphasis as to when they will draw their pistols. This
allows the composition of the scene to focus on what needs to be seen, such as
the characters facial expressions and their hands holding the firearms.
The editing
for this scene is amplified by the music in the background. It begins with long
takes and slow pace cutting. This intensifies the tension between the subjects
and draws out what little action that there is, in order to tell the narrative
through a minimal approach. Nearing the climax of the standoff, the music
increases in pace. Fast cutting of clips is used to compliment the rhythm of
the track, therefore shifting the tone to become more energetic as the
characters begin to draw their pistols.
In
conclusion, the composition of this scene is communicated through music that is
amplified by the pace of the editing. The narrative is solely conveyed through
visuals, rather than having the characters use speech, as visuals are a more successful
way of storytelling than being told the story.
Callum Pugh
Word count:
344
‘The Good,
The Bad and The Ugly ’, DVD 2005, Film 1966, 20th Century Fox
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