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A Taste of Death

A Taste of Death (1968)

Sep 14, 1968 1h 31m Western

Scaife, the sadistic leader of a gang of cattle thieves, terrorizes the people of a Colorado mountain town. Bill Ransom, the retired sheriff, is the only one to stand up against Scaife and his men, among whom is Dan El, a former friend of his. Dan El is also the father of Tony, Bill's adopted son...

Directed by Sergio Merolle

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Sergio Merolle
Writer
  • Biagio Proietti

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Thematic Analysis

A Taste of Death represents a fascinating example of Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Sergio Merolle brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1968, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of A Taste of Death took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 1898 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1968, when this film was released:
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Taste of Death shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Once Upon a Time in the West, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Taste of Death offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Duck, You Sucker and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly explore similar territory, A Taste of Death stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 14, 1968
  • Runtime: 1h 31m