Big Guns - Les grands fusils

.. Delon? That's something that I reckon is more true of other movies, but since he is involved in this one too, let's just say it for this too. You may know him from other bigger roles and movies, but this little movie that can is also one to watch out for.

There is nudity and a lot of violence. Some you may feel is too much (especially when it comes to hurting females), but you always have to see this as a movie of the time. While certain things are being hinted at and you may disagree with priorities the hero sets out ... it is what it is. He still is a "good" one ...

At the start of this film, hit-man Tony Arzenta wishes his son many future birthdays, so you kind of know how that's gonna work out...eh? One accidentally blown up family later, Tony's out to get everyone involved. All he wanted to do was leave the mob, but we all know that there's only one way to leave the mob, and that's by industrial tribunal...no wait...

What made this film stand out for me is the overwhelming sense of style that is apparent in every frame. The primary colours are played out with precision in every scene, from the decor, to the clothing, to parked cars, everything is decked out in yellow, blue, or red. Watch the film and see what I mean. An immense amount of detail has gone into the cinematography here, and that makes the film worth watching.

Other than that - our leading man in icy and laid back, but it's Richard Conte who stands out for me as the mafia don. He's world weary and genuinely shocked that the mafia have accidentally killed a woman and a child, and his whole approach to the Tony Arzenta problem is handled in a business-like, resigned manner. Conte is great here, just like he was in The Violent Professionals.

This is a classic and was unknown to me until I received it as part of an Italian Crime Movie box set. One of the best (in my opinion, of course).

The explosive, sharp-shooting underworld thriller, 'Tony Arzenta' remains an absorbingly gritty Euro-crime classic from expert genre director, Duccio 'Puzzle' Tessari. There's simply no earthly good reason why this uncommonly adrenalizing 70s revenger shouldn't be mentioned in the very same J&B bated breath as cult favourites, 'High Crime', 'Violent Professionals', or 'Violent Rome' as,'Big Guns' high caliber poliziotteschi, and in some specifically groovy sequences, Duccio Tessari's Teflon tuff, well oiled shoot' em up teasingly usurps them!

Employing the reserved, Martini-cool Gallic master of Alpha understatement, Alain Delon as grieving, pitilessly vengeful, Tony is a casting coup; the frosty-eyed, whippet-lean, enigmatic arbiter of righteous retribution, blazes his balletic trail of brutal revenge deep into the ruinous underbelly of the Cosa Nostra remains a gloriously cathartic experience! I readily admit that the unspectacular premise of a weary hit man striving to break free from the mafia's mercenary clutches is a well-thumbed conceit; but when said coda is so rigorously reinterpreted by the uncommonly talented duo of Delon/Tessari, and throbbingly propelled by a truly lovely, heart-skippingly sexy score from gifted sound-wrangler, Gianni Ferrio, any hint of formula is resolutely quashed beneath Big Gun's stylish torrent of cinematic savvy, and the electrifying charisma of the polo necked prince of retro killer chic, Alain Delon, makes resistance nigh on useless!

as many others. at the first sigh. different not only for the experience of director in the genre but for Alain Delon. who gives the impeccable performance from many others roles of his career. Tony Arzenta is a film about Mafia but different by expectations. for the small details. for the way of revenge. for atmosphere. sure, for the end. the flavor of Scily story, old, patriarchal, deeply defined by tradition, only a nuance but one real important is the piece who defines this seductive thriller about a man looking his definition of justice. short, a film who must see. for story. and, more important, for interesting science to explore old clichés of genre in the inspired manner. a beautiful film.

I have just finished watching a Japanese video version of this film (titled Big guns) and found it very entertaining. I would recommend this Franco/Italian made movie to any lovers of the Italian crime genre,why, well for a start the great cast of Euro-stars, apart from Alain Delon there's Marc Porel (Murder to the tune of 7 black notes/live like a cop die like a man), Anton diffring, Richard Conte, Carla Gravina and Erika Blanc. Also the way the movie was executed, a familiar story (of a mafia hitman who wants to retire) but shot and paced excellently. Of course- things don't go to well for the 'want-out' hitman (Delon) and finds himself with a personal vendetta on his hands.

Great bloody shoot-outs, great car chases, sexy leading ladies (who also get ruffed-up) and a phat "Schiffrintastic" score sometimes reminiscent of 'Harry's creed'. The version I watched ran into 112 mins and was widescreen.

If you get the chance, check this one out.