Dark Narrative Echoes Greek Tragedy

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MOVIE REVIEW
A Bullet For Sandoval (Los desesperados)
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Genre: Western
Year Released: 1970, 2023 VCI Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Julio Buchs
Writer(s): Julio Buchs, Federico De Urrutia, Ugo Guerra, José Luis Martínez Mollá
Cast: George Hilton, Ernest Borgnine, Alberto de Mendoza, Leo Anchóriz, Annabella Incontrera
Where To Watch: available November 7, 2023; pre-order here www.vcientertainment.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: With A BULLET FOR SANDOVAL, one can't help but be enamored by its rich blend of classic storytelling elements entwined with a dark thematic experience. It's a deep dive into the turbulent human psyche, all set against the backdrop of a changing Hollywood landscape in the form of a Western. It's this unique charm and a touch of peculiarity that might reel you in for the journey set before us.

We're introduced to a world crafted by Director Julio Buchs. It's a realm where the lines between ambition and desperation blur, told through a cautionary tale. The journey is not for the faint of heart; it's a poignant reminder of the isolating nature of unchecked ambition, leaving us with a haunting finale that's as unforgettable as it is unsettling.

Buchs's directorial style is evident as he masterfully sets the stage for a narrative that transcends its initial plot and morphs into a tale rife with existential undertones. George Hilton, in his portrayal of Jack Warner, perfectly encapsulates the soul of the film. His transformation from an honorable soldier to a desperate outlaw reflects the tumultuous era of the 60s when Hollywood stars like Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis sought refuge in European cinema.

Amidst personal tragedies and a vengeful quest, Ernest Borgnine's Don Sandoval stands out, not as the lead but as a pivotal piece in this complex narrative puzzle. The screenplay, soaked in the essence of Greek tragedy, elicits a profound sense of empathy and catharsis.

Yet, A BULLET FOR SANDOVAL isn't without its Achilles' heel. The narrative, while starting strong, tends to meander through its middle acts, losing the very intensity that could have solidified its status as a memorable Western classic. The finale, although impactful, only partially makes up for the pacing hiccups that pepper the film.

Francisco Sempere's cinematography is a love letter to the Spanish landscapes, infusing the narrative with a layer of visual poetry. The script, potent in its potential, unfortunately, feels like a casualty of excessive production cuts, lacking the rhythmic coherence that could have elevated the film. Gianni Ferrio's score, though fitting, falls just shy of etching a lasting thematic resonance.

A BULLET FOR SANDOVAL is a film that flirts with greatness but needs to commit to the relationship. It blends compelling ideas, intermittent brilliance, and unfulfilled potential. Despite its narrative hiccups and occasional pacing missteps, it's a film that holds merit and certainly warrants a watch for those intrigued by the darker shades of human ambition set against the rugged backdrop of the Western genre.

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[photo courtesy of VCI ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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