Thunder Over El Paso / I senza Dio (Roberto Bianchi Montero, 1972)

[Mickey13]

Copied from the Spagvemberfest 2023 thread:

@Mickey13

This could have become a minor classic had it been headed by a more resolute director and had it been outfitted with a more distinguished cast. Be that as it may, the movie still packs a punch and certainly punches above its weight, especially taking into account its very late release date. However, there is no disguising the fact that it could have turned out even better and on certain occasions, it sinks in that it lacks that extra push, failing to leave a lasting impression in the end. Sabato and Avram are both fine and generate quite a bit of chemistry when they are on screen together, the bigger issue resides in Jose Jaspe who looks more like a dissheveled hobo rather than a charismatic Mexicano and he appears somewhat miscast as the bloodthristy gang leader.

Montero’s execution is more than adequate and exhibits some uncanny stylistic flourishes seen for instance in Sabato’s kaleidoscopic flashback scenes which almost resemble the grindhouse feature presentation in their colorful efflorescence and stand in stark contrast to the rest of the ordinarily helmed storyline. With that being said, some shootouts are at a loss for some additional oomph in that they are somewhat lacking in the stylistic department and it could be argued that some components could have been consolidated a tiny bit better, though I do realize this is just me cavilling about petty details. This is an outing every aficionado should track down sooner or later, as there is plenty to enjoy here and it constitutes one of the best entries released in 1972.