The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

Blondie, The Good (Clint Eastwood), is a professional gunslinger who is out trying to earn a few dollars. Angel Eyes, The Bad (Lee Van Cleef), is a hitman who always commits to a task and sees it through--as long as he's paid to do so. And Tuco, The Ugly (Eli Wallach), is a wanted outlaw trying to take care of his own hide. Tuco and Blondie share a partnership making money off of Tuco's bounty, but when Blondie unties the partnership, Tuco tries to hunt down Blondie. When Blondie and Tuco come across a horse carriage loaded with dead bodies, they soon learn from the only survivor, Bill Carson (Antonio Casale), that he and a few other men have buried a stash of gold in a cemetery. Unfortunately, Carson dies and Tuco only finds out the name of the cemetery, while Blondie finds out the name on the grave. Now the two must keep each other alive in order to find the gold. Angel Eyes (who had been looking for Bill Carson) discovers that Tuco and Blondie met with Carson and knows they know where the gold is; now he needs them to lead him to it. Now The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly must all battle it out to get their hands on $200,000.00 worth of gold.

Critical Acclaim

Upon its release in 1966, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly initially received mixed reviews from critics who were divided on its stylistic choices and moral ambiguity. While some praised Sergio Leone's innovative direction and the film’s epic scope, others were less favorable, critiquing its violence and perceived lack of depth. Despite this, the film attracted significant attention for its unique approach to the Western genre, characterized by its operatic grandeur and Ennio Morricone's now-iconic score.

Over time, critical perception of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly improved substantially, with the film now celebrated as a classic. Roger Ebert revisited the film in later years, awarding it a perfect four-star rating and acknowledging its "pure cinema" quality. Modern critics commend Leone's masterful storytelling and the film's visual composition, helping it achieve a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's complex characters, particularly Eli Wallach's portrayal of Tuco, are often highlighted for adding depth to the traditional Western archetypes.

The lasting impact of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is undeniable, as it has become a definitive work that influenced countless filmmakers and reshaped the Western genre. Its iconic trio—The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly—has permeated popular culture, inspiring homages and references in various media. The film's climactic showdown is frequently cited as one of the greatest sequences in cinematic history. Recognized by the American Film Institute and other prestigious organizations, it remains an enduring symbol of cinematic innovation and a testament to Sergio Leone's visionary direction.