The+Good,+the+Bad,+and+the+Ugly+2014

Answer the following questions on your linked page:

1. What is the plot (what does the character want)? The plot of the story is that Blondie, Tuco and Angel Eyes want to get their hands on the 200,000 gold coins that are hidden within a grave. Blondie knows the name of the grave, while Tuco knows the name of the graveyard (and he later discloses this information to Angel Eyes when interrogated and tortured)

2. What is the theme (what does the character need)? The character need to learn that sometimes you have to trust others, and sometimes you have good reasons not to.

3.Choose a scene that best exemplifies the theme. Identify and explain how 10 elements within the scene (reference mise-en-scene, editing, sound, cinematography, lighting) create meaning in reference to that theme.

The scene I chose was the scene when Tuco and Blondie are underneath the bridge planting the explosives to blow it up.

1. A long shot is used when Blondie and Tuco are walking down to the bridge with the explosives. This shows the damage done by the war and the horrors if it, and it is also ironic since they are carrying explosives through a war zone. This shot is later contrasted by the medium then close up shots of Blondie and Tuco, representing how they are reaching a new level in their partnership.

2. While Tuco and Blondie approach the bridge, they are shown to be walking underneath the bridge. This choice of shot was interesting, because on both sides of them there is light. It can be interpreted that they are choosing to go down the way of secrecy and mistrust, which is later shown when Blondie lies about the name of the grave.

3. At the beginning of this scene, the music changes from a battle action song to a more patriotic and slow song, which is signifying how they are moving away from the action and that it is dying down. Then, a sort of holy chant begins, mixed with the marching beat of drums. This is a transition from the battle scene to a much more passive one, but the music also shows that tension and suspense still exists in the atmosphere around them. However, this music fades when they begin talking to each other.

4. The placement of the box of "explosives" in this scene is very important. This can demonstrate the tension between Tuco and Blondie as they are planting these explosives, showing how their relationship has reached a new tension point. 5. This sequence of shots is run with parallel shots showing the captain of the Union forces under medical support, and he states how he is anticipating something that is about to happen to help their cause.

6. Tuco seems to be having an internal debate as to whether or not he should share his half of the secret, the location of the graveyard. In the end, he decides to trust Blondie and provides the correct information. Blondie, meanwhile, lies and gives false information about the name of the grave, telling Tuco the name of the grave next to the one with the money. The lighting in this shot falls onto his face from the side, which gives off a contrasting dark side to his face.

Also, the positioning of the characters gives away a clue that Blondie does not regard this conference as important as Tuco, while Tuco is desperate to get this information, looking hopefully and puzzled at Blondie.

7. The lighting and angle of the shot while they are sharing secrets is also vital and symbolic. The bridge is located to the right side of both of them (looking from the camera) but Blondie is seen to be more in the shadow of the bridge. On the other hand, Tuco is standing in bright full lighting, showing every facial expression and emotion. I believe that this positioning represents how Tuco is being more honest and truthful ("light") than Blondie, and that at this point Blondie is still suspicious and reluctant to acknowledge their partnership fully.

8. As Blondie confirms that his grave name is correct, he quickly lights the fuse and hurries away. I believe this shows his guiltiness and unwillingness to continue being questioned about his part of the story, showing how he is lying and giving false information 9. There is something ironic about the dialogue in this scene, which takes place when they are handling explosives. Blondie and Tuco are sharing vital secrets that raise the tension of their entire relationship, and this is capped off by the lighting of the fuse & explosives, and the destruction of the bridge.

10. At the final part of this scene, the bridge is blown up, and the sad patriotic music returns. I believe that this symbolizes how peace has been restored in the area through the destruction of this structure. Long and wide shots are again used to show the destruction all around and the horrors of war.