Cast
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Franco Nero
as Keoma
William Berger
as William John Shannon
Olga Karlatos
as Liza Farrow
Orso Maria Guerrini
as Butch Shannon
Gabriella Giacobbe
as The Witch
Antonio Marsina
as Lenny Shannon
Joshua Sinclair
as Sam Shannon
Donald O'Brien
as Caldwell
Leonardo Scavino
as Doctor
Wolfango Soldati
as Wolf
Victoria Zinny
as Saloon Hooker
Alfio Caltabiano
as Clay
Woody Strode
as George
Roberto Dell'Acqua
as Jeff (uncredited)
Riccardo Pizzuti
as Slade (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Enzo G. Castellari
Producer
- Manolo Bolognini
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Western/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Keoma distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Enzo G. Castellari 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 1976, 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 Keoma took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 349 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Keoma shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Fistful of Dollars, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Keoma subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Where the Bullets Fly and Ben & Charlie explore similar territory, Keoma 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: November 25, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
