What Does Spaghetti Western Actually Mean?

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A significant number of top-notch Western films were produced in the past, dating back nearly as far as the film industry itself. For instance, “The Great Train Robbery,” a brief movie, was released an impressive 118 years ago in 1903. Essentially, a Western is a cinematic production set within the American West, but it’s much more than that. These films capture the essence of the frontier expansion era in America. They usually include characters such as cowboys, outlaws, Native Americans, and breathtaking landscapes typical of the American Southwest.

Just as with any genre, subcategories exist, and one of the most widely recognized is the unconventionally named “Spaghetti Western.” This label isn’t about cowboys or the American West, but rather the method of filmmaking. A movie is classified as a Spaghetti Western not because it’s filmed in the U.S., even though it may be set there; instead, this term refers to its production process, which typically happens outside of the United States.

Spaghetti Westerns, a genre of films, were predominantly produced in Europe, particularly by Italian directors, earning them the name “Spaghetti”. These productions often cost less than their American counterparts. The term “spaghetti” comes from the fact that many of these movies were directed by Italians, with Sergio Leone being a notable figure who popularized this style, though he was not the only one. In the 1960s and 1970s, more than 600 Spaghetti Westerns were produced. Notable ones had very limited budgets and were primarily filmed at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, Italy, with additional shooting taking place across various locations in Italy and Spain.

What does Spaghetti Western really mean?

What does it signify to classify a film as a Spaghetti Western? This term derives from its Italian roots, but let’s delve into what makes a Spaghetti Western distinct. Initially, Westerns were primarily produced for American audiences. However, the genre took an unusual turn starting in the 1960s when European filmmakers started contributing their unique perspectives.

Spaghetti Westerns are characterized by increased violence and a plethora of morally ambiguous characters due to them not being subjected to the limitations set by Hollywood’s Hays Code. These films often deviated from traditional Hollywood storytelling, offering more creative freedom. This led to the portrayal of even more sinister villains and heroes who differed significantly from typical Hollywood leading men.

Characters in Spaghetti Westerns were frequently rough around the edges and unsanitary. They straddled societal norms, a formula that proved effective. Traditional heroes, such as Howard Kemp portrayed by James Stewart in “The Naked Spur” and Jett Rink played by James Dean in “Giant,” were replaced by characters like Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name from Sergio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” This shift significantly transformed the genre, prompting filmmakers in America to reconsider their approach. As a result, Westerns made during the 1950s never returned to their original form. Modern Westerns continue this trend of incorporating violence and presenting complex, morally gray characters.

What were some of the first Spaghetti Westerns?

Many people who are knowledgeable about this film genre would agree that Sergio Leone’s “A Fistful of Dollars,” released in 1964, is the movie that ignited the popularity of Spaghetti Westerns. While there were earlier examples, when you consider the Western films produced during that period, it’s hard to ignore this iconic production. As a result, Clint Eastwood is often linked with Spaghetti Westerns, and rightfully so, given his numerous contributions to the genre. However, it’s important to remember that Eastwood initially made his mark in Hollywood as a ranch hand in the 1956 Western “Star in the Dust,” which was a traditional cowboy film produced in Hollywood.

Prior to his breakthrough role in “A Fistful of Dollars” in 1964, Clint Eastwood starred in two more Westerns produced in Hollywood (“The First Traveling Saleslady” and “Ambush at Cimarron Pass”). This film and the subsequent ones, “For a Few Dollars More” (1965) and “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” (1966), were directed by Sergio Leone. The three films collectively known as the “Dollars” trilogy are often hailed as the cream of the crop in the Spaghetti Western subgenre, although there are many other outstanding movies that fit this category.

Some of the initial instances of Spaghetti Westerns are Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in the West” and Corbucci’s “Django.” The latter, a highly violent movie, served as a catalyst for Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.” Other notable Spaghetti Westerns produced before 1964, while less famed in the U.S., include “Two Against All” by Alberto De Martino and Antonio Momplet, “Gunfight in the Red Sands” by Ricardo Blasco, and “Implacable Three” by Joaquin L. Romero Marchent.

Do they still make Spaghetti Westerns?

The genre of Spaghetti Westerns peaked in popularity during their prime, however, their reign ended around the late 1970s mainly due to an excessive amount being produced that ultimately led to decreased earnings. There’s much discussion online about which movie is considered the final Spaghetti Western, yet there’s no consensus. Some believe that “China 9, Liberty 37,” released in 1978 and directed by American filmmaker Monte Hellman, was the last Spaghetti Western. Although it was filmed in Europe, its American director casts doubt on this claim. Instead, some argue that “White Fang and the Big Kid,” a 1977 Italian production helmed by Vito Bruschini, is the genuine last Spaghetti Western. However, this film lacks the intense violence found in the 1960s’ Spaghetti Westerns.

Although contemporary cinema lacks the production of Spaghetti Westerns, the influence of European filmmakers on the Western genre and Hollywood films as a whole is indisputable. Quentin Tarantino, in an op-ed for The Spectator, expressed that the movie which sparked his interest in filmmaking and demonstrated the artistry of directing was ‘Once Upon a Time in the West.’ He went on to say that it served as a comprehensive film school within the movie itself, providing insight into how a director can manipulate a movie through his camera. In essence, Tarantino found himself captivated by its unique style, thinking, “That’s how you do it,” ultimately shaping an aesthetic in his mind.

Tarantino’s films “Django Unchained” and “The Hateful Eight” were influenced by the impact of Spaghetti Westerns on a wave of movie creators, with numerous other examples like “Bone Tomahawk,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “No Country for Old Men.” As Hollywood’s Hays Code no longer hinders filmmakers seeking to create authentic, gritty content, the conditions that birthed Spaghetti Westerns have evolved. However, their impact continues through the directors inspired by this subgenre, preserving its legacy.

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2025-01-13 15:30