The Showdown Analysis

Analyze the film techniques Sergio Leone uses in the final shootout among Blondie, Tuco and Angel Eyes. Think of the camera angles, music, and camera movement especially. How does he reinvent this typical Western device?

quick cuts from person to person

pan

extreme close ups on faces, hands, eyes

wide angle shot

long shot

medium shot

establishing shot (before the showdown, in the graveyard, with the three men in a circle .)

birds cawing

tense music- bells, flamenco clappers, drums, cymbal

Leone's use of quick camera movements and switches between angles allowed the intensity to grow before the first shot was fired.