The Endings and Themes of 'Once Upon a Time in the West'

Introduction

'Once Upon a Time in the West,' directed by the legendary Sergio Leone, is a pivotal film that captures the essence of the Western genre and its shift from the Old West to the New West. However, the differences in film endings across different releases have sparked considerable debate and curiosity among viewers. This article delves into the variations of the film's endings and explores the thematic depth that enriches the narrative.

Variations in Endings

One of the most discussed aspects of 'Once Upon a Time in the West' is the subtle differences in its edited versions, particularly regarding the pacing and the emphasized aspects of character fates. While some versions might focus on different elements, the core ending remains consistent. This consistency is crucial in understanding the film's underlying themes.

North American and European Versions

The most significant variation occurs with the ending. The first version released in North America cuts the film when Cheyenne and Harmonica's characters leave Claudia Cardinale at Sweetwater. This truncation leaves the fate of Cheyenne unresolved, leading viewers to believe that he and Harmonica simply rode off into the sunset. In contrast, the European version comprehensively depicts Cheyenne's grim fate, revealing the harsh transition from the Old West to the New West.

In the European release, Cheyenne is clearly mortally wounded, but he conceals his pain until he meets Harmonica. The audience is left with a poignant imagery of a dying Old West and the burgeoning New West represented by the arrival of the train and Jill.

The Thematic Significance

The way the film was edited in the North American version severely impacts its thematic message. Sergio Leone's intention with the ending is to highlight the inevitable shift from the untamed frontier to the structured modern world. By ending the film in this manner, the overarching theme of the film is lost. This is further exacerbated by the fact that the director stated he was finished with the Western genre before making this film, indicating that the transition was a central goal for him.

Comparison of Endings

The North American ending omits:

The grimacing and hunched posture of Cheyenne at Sweetwater, indicating his pain and declining health. The explicit revelation that Cheyenne has been gut shot, showing a slow and painful death. The scene where Harmonica turns away as Cheyenne dies, emphasizing the finality of the transition. The moving image of Harmonica carrying Cheyenne's body, as the train with Jill arrives, symbolizing the Old West's end and the New West's arrival.

These key scenes significantly affect the film's message, leaving the viewer with a different interpretation of the transition themes.

Conclusion

The debate over the variants in 'Once Upon a Time in the West' concludes with the understanding that the European version provides a more complete and consistent narrative, preserving Sergio Leone's original vision. While the North American edit offers an engaging but incomplete story, the European version delivers a richer and more thematic experience, capturing the true essence of the film's message.