Keoma (1976)

The archetypical "twilight Spaghetti Western", made at the end of the genre's life amid dilapidated sets. The "plot" details Keoma's attempts to rescue a pregnant woman who has been shipped off to a plague camp. The local bosses (aided by Keoma's evil half-brothers) are using an outbreak of illness as an opportunity to tighten their grip on their town. Keoma, a half-Indian with a mysterious Italian accept, also has to deal with the lingering animosity between himself and his half-brothers.

Many aspects of the film might legitimately be described as "bad". The plot is barely there, and full of holes (why does he keep leaving the woman he's supposed to be protecting, why does the plague help the baddies control the town). The music is usually described as "divisive" although I think that's probably overly charitably. It narrates the plot in an overly screeching voice (alternating between the perspective of the pregnant woman, and an elderly woman who follows Keoma around and possibly represents death), with occasional interludes from a growly man representing Keoma. It would be easy to mistake the film for "style over substance" with the style primarily being "over the top" and literal (for example, at one point near the end Keoma is crucified). The single-shot flashbacks—where the characters stand and watch their younger selves—are genuinely classy though.

However, despite all of this Keoma is in fact fantastic. The atmosphere is excellent throughout – a downtrodden post-civil war mess which nobody knows how to fix. The landscape (some misty green Italian rolling hills little seen in other films) and sets look fantastic and only enhance the atmosphere. Although not entirely convincing as an Indian, Franco Nero is still excellent as an outcast returning home slightly lost after the civil war that may have given him some purpose (although he doesn't entirely understand it). His role as Keoma's father is possible William Berger finest role – an ageing and once-famous gunfighter who'd like to do something but also doesn't want to go against his (evil) sons. Although not his best role, Woody Strode is also excellent as George, a former slave who has become an alcoholic since being freed. The racial aspects of his story are handed surprisingly sensitively.

I think in short the film is a triumph of atmosphere and characterisation over plotting and good taste. The main characters are well-defined (where they need to be) and well acted, and it all works provided you don't think too much about the fine details.

Background note: I first saw some of Keoma when it was shown on late-night TV. It'd set the video recorder wrongly though and only caught the first 20 minutes or so. At the time I was somewhat relieved not to have to watch any more, however it stuck in my mind and eventually I sought out a video copy (not easy to find at the time) and then enjoyed it as the (flawed) masterpiece it is. It's now pretty well available on DVD and Blu-ray, so easy to track down.

• Spaghetti Western database entry with links to reviews