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MC LIT 4 Survey of English and American Literature - 20240917 - 120407 - 0000

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Jannilyn G. Navarro
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58 views2 pages

MC LIT 4 Survey of English and American Literature - 20240917 - 120407 - 0000

Uploaded by

Jannilyn G. Navarro
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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MC LIT 4 Survey of English and

American Literature
NAVARRO JANNILYN G. BSE 3F

Movie Analysis

THE STRANGER RETURNS

Directed by: Luigi Vanzi

"The Stranger Returns" (original title: "Il ritorno del straniero") is a Spaghetti Western that
serves as a sequel to the earlier film "The Stranger." Starring the charismatic actor, Anthony
Steffen, the film follows a mysterious gunslinger who returns to confront his past and seek
vengeance against those who wronged him. Tony Anthony returns as the stranger, the poor
man's No Name, who wears a blanket because he cannot afford a poncho. The now classic
opening scene has him riding through a desert landscape, protecting himself from the sun
with a pink parasol and having conversations with his black horse, called Pussy. The scene is
closer to the surreal world of Jodorowski's El Topo than to the first stranger movie, but things
soon turn back to normal when the stranger finds a murdered postal inspector. He steals the
man's identification papers (you never know) and rides into town, where a stagecoach is
robbed (and all the passenger massacred) by a gang of eternally laughing crooks. The bandits
were not after a strongbox, but after the stagecoach itself, that is entirely made of gold. The
film features a range of supporting characters, each representing different facets of frontier
life. Their interactions with the Stranger enrich the narrative and highlight the moral
dilemmas faced by individuals in a lawless environment. The cinematography in "The
Stranger Returns" captures the essence of the Spaghetti Western genre. The use of wide
shots emphasizes the desolate landscapes, while close-ups during tense moments heighten
emotional stakes.

The film's visual style effectively conveys the gritty atmosphere of the Wild West. The film
centers on the theme of revenge, as the protagonist seeks to right the wrongs of his past. This
quest for vengeance is intertwined with a desire for redemption, showcasing the internal
struggle between morality and the need for justice. The Stranger embodies the archetype of
the lone hero, often depicted as an outsider. His journey highlights themes of isolation and
alienation, reflecting the harsh realities of life in the Wild West where trust is scarce. The film
critiques the corrupt systems that exploit the vulnerable. The antagonist represents the
greed and moral decay prevalent in society, emphasizing the struggle between good and evil.

This is the first of the Stranger movies I have seen, from what I have read about it, the first
film was not only more serious in tone but also quite unrewarding. The fact that any sequel
was made for it at all is a great testimony to the popularity of the Spaghetti Western genre
around this time. The Stranger Returns has limited psychology but that is not necessarily a
bad thing. While lacking a little bit in ambition, there is some fun to be had from the two
dimensional characters moving around like puppets and from the little time that is wasted on
any semblance of narrative depth. Interesting to note that Anthony came up with the original
concept for the story of The Stranger Returns, and the Stranger remains his most famous
cinematic role. The Stranger Returns" is a compelling addition to the Spaghetti Western
genre, exploring themes of revenge, isolation, and moral ambiguity. Through its engaging
narrative and rich character development, the film invites viewers to reflect on the
complexities of justice and the human condition. Luigi Vanzi's direction, combined with
Anthony Steffen's performance, creates a memorable cinematic experience that resonates
with fans of classic Westerns.

Mr. Francis Molina

Instructor

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