Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
For a Few Dollars More is a 1965 Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone, featuring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Gian Maria Volonté. It is the second film in the “Dollars Trilogy” following A Fistful of Dollars and preceding The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The film is set in the American Southwest and Mexico, focusing on bounty hunters and their pursuit of a notorious outlaw.
The Story Unfolds
The Bounty Hunters
The film introduces two rival bounty hunters: Manco (Clint Eastwood) and Colonel Douglas Mortimer (Lee Van Cleef). Manco is a laconic and skilled gunman, while Mortimer is an aging but equally deadly former military officer. Both are independently tracking the same target, El Indio (Gian Maria Volonté), a ruthless bandit with a substantial bounty on his head.
El Indio’s Escape
El Indio escapes from prison with the help of his gang and embarks on a spree of bank robberies. His most ambitious target is the Bank of El Paso, reputed to have a safe full of gold. Manco and Mortimer, recognizing each other’s skills, reluctantly decide to join forces to capture El Indio and his gang.
The Climax and Resolution
The Bank Heist
Manco infiltrates El Indio’s gang by pretending to be an outlaw, gaining their trust. The gang successfully robs the Bank of El Paso, but El Indio decides to hide the loot in a secluded place to wait for the search efforts to die down. Meanwhile, Mortimer follows closely, waiting for the right moment to strike.
The Final Showdown
Tensions build as Manco and Mortimer plan their final move against El Indio. The climax unfolds in a series of gunfights, culminating in a dramatic duel between Mortimer and El Indio. Mortimer kills El Indio, avenging a personal tragedy involving his sister, who was raped and driven to suicide by El Indio years earlier.
The Conclusion
The Division of Spoils
Manco and Mortimer part ways after dividing the bounty. Mortimer declines his share, satisfied with avenging his sister’s death. Manco takes the bounties from El Indio and his gang, riding off into the sunset with a cartload of bodies and the promise of a substantial reward.
Movie Ending
For a Few Dollars More ends with Manco riding away, having claimed the bounty for El Indio and his gang. Mortimer finds closure in avenging his sister, while Manco remains the enigmatic, solitary bounty hunter.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in For a Few Dollars More.
Type of Movie
For a Few Dollars More is a Spaghetti Western, characterized by its stylized violence, morally ambiguous characters, and distinctive music.
Cast
- Clint Eastwood as Manco
- Lee Van Cleef as Colonel Douglas Mortimer
- Gian Maria Volonté as El Indio
- Klaus Kinski as Wild, a member of El Indio’s gang
- Luigi Pistilli as Groggy, a member of El Indio’s gang
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Ennio Morricone, whose music enhances the film’s atmosphere and tension. The soundtrack is iconic, featuring themes that have become synonymous with the Spaghetti Western genre.
Filming Locations
For a Few Dollars More was filmed in various locations in Spain and Italy, including:
- Almería, Spain: For the desert and town scenes.
- Rome, Italy: For some of the interior shots and studio work.
Awards and Nominations
While For a Few Dollars More did not receive major awards at the time of its release, it has since been recognized as a classic of the Western genre and is highly regarded for its direction, performances, and score.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film was part of the Dollars Trilogy, which helped establish Clint Eastwood as a major star and Sergio Leone as a master of the Western genre.
- Ennio Morricone’s music was integral to the film, with Leone often playing the score on set to inspire the actors.
- The dynamic between Eastwood and Van Cleef’s characters added depth to the film, contrasting Manco’s cool demeanor with Mortimer’s calculated intensity.
Inspirations and References
The film draws inspiration from traditional Westerns but incorporates elements of Italian cinema, creating a unique blend that defines the Spaghetti Western genre. Leone’s direction and Morricone’s music set a new standard for Western films.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut closely follows Leone’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While the film is not directly adapted from a book, it is influenced by classic Western literature and cinema. Its themes and characters have been analyzed in various books and essays on film history.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Manco and Mortimer’s first encounter and subsequent partnership.
- The tense bank robbery and its aftermath.
- The climactic showdown between Mortimer and El Indio.
- The final scene with Manco riding off with the bounty.
Iconic Quotes
- “When the chimes end, pick up your gun.” – Colonel Douglas Mortimer
- “The man with no name is back. The man in black is waiting.” – Tagline from the film
- “My mistake. Four coffins.” – Manco
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The use of musical motifs to represent characters and their emotions is a hallmark of Morricone’s score.
- The recurring use of close-up shots during gunfights adds to the film’s tension and stylistic flair.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $600,000, and it grossed over $15 million worldwide.
- Clint Eastwood was paid $50,000 for his role, significantly more than his salary for A Fistful of Dollars.
- The film’s title in Italian, Per qualche dollaro in più, translates to “For Some More Dollars,” emphasizing the film’s focus on bounty hunting.
Why Watch?
For a Few Dollars More is a quintessential Spaghetti Western that showcases the talents of Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, and Ennio Morricone. Its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and iconic music make it a must-watch for fans of the genre and classic cinema.
Director’s Other Movies
Sergio Leone also directed:
- A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
- Duck, You Sucker! (1971)
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
- High Plains Drifter (1973)
- Unforgiven (1992)
- Django (1966)
