The Grand duel
 

PostED ON OCTOBER 16

Every day there is a little-known filmmaker and a film to rediscover; doing justice to those forgotten in the history of cinema is also the role of the Lumière film festival.

Le Grand duel, 1972 © DR

Who is he?

Born in 1939, Giancarlo Santi first worked as an assistant director for Marco Ferreri, Luigi Comencini and Glauber Rocha before becoming a second-team director for Sergio Leone. The Grand Duel is his directorial debut. He was also an actor for filmmaker Ermanno Olmi.

His film at the Lumière film festival

A sheriff who doesn't wear a star comes to the rescue of a young man accused of killing a powerful figure, whose sons are determined to avenge him.

What makes it worth (re)discovering? 

The Grand Duel has all the hallmarks of a spaghetti western. There's the duality of very serious characters and ludicrous supporting characters lending a touch of comedy. The opening credits, with their distinctive western typography, the typical melodious music and the straightforward action scenes set the tone for this movie with its unrelenting protagonist. Incarnated by Lee Van Cleef, this enigmatic sheriff gives careful attention to his appearance on screen. First, we see the American actor's elegant black hat, then his famous knife-bladed face and piercing eyes. Clad in a black suit and white shirt, Van Cleef's presence and quiet, intelligent charm single-handedly give the film its charisma. He is soon flanked by a young character with a much looser look, played by a sort of B-movie Clint Eastwood lookalike, actor Peter O'Brien. The pair complement each other and are ready for a fight.

Virginie Apiou

SCREENINGS

The  Grand duel  by Giancarlo Santi (1972, 1h38)
Pathé Bellecour - Monday, October 16 at 4:15pm
UGC Confluence - Thursday, October 19 at 7pm
Lumière Terreaux - Saturday, October 21 at 10pm