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Great Treasure Hunt

Great Treasure Hunt (1972)

Feb 07, 1972 1h 34m Western

This dark, dusty western concerns a wealthy criminal, a blind man, and four mercenaries. The blind man wants to get his mitts on the crooks' gold. He can't do it alone, so he hires the quartet of soldiers-of-fortune to help him. There's bloodshed in abundance in pursuit of that goal.

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Directed by Tonino Ricci

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Tonino Ricci

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Thematic Analysis

Great Treasure Hunt 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 Tonino Ricci 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 1972, 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 Great Treasure Hunt took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1462 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1972, when this film was released:
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Great Treasure Hunt shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself, which focuses more on action than character development, Great Treasure Hunt subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Any Gun Can Play and The Professionals explore similar territory, Great Treasure Hunt stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 7, 1972
  • Runtime: 1h 34m