Django & Django: Sergio Corbucci Unchained

Django & Django: Sergio Corbucci Unchained is a 2012 Italian documentary film that serves as a tribute to the Italian filmmaker Sergio Corbucci, directed by Quentin Tarantino's longtime cinematographer, Enzo Girolami's son, and Sergio Corbucci collaborator, Sergio's brother Lucio and a few other co-directors. It is a comprehensive tribute to the career of Sergio Corbucci, an essential figure in the spaghetti western genre and Italian cinema. Throughout its runtime, the documentary weaves a comprehensive narrative, showcasing the life, films, and philosophy of this enigmatic filmmaker. Born in 1927, in Lajatico, a small Italian town, Sergio Corbucci's fascination with cinema started at a very young age. As a teenager, he joined a film company in Rome where he quickly rose through the ranks from being a film distributor to an assistant director. The early years of his career were marked by modest successes, followed by numerous collaborations with Italian directors. During this period, Corbucci became well aware of the emerging spaghetti western genre that gained popularity worldwide, particularly in Europe and the United States. His breakthrough came in 1964 with the film, 'Il figlio di Django.' This film was a low-budget western with limited production resources, yet due to its raw talent and Corbucci's ability to capture an authentic and gritty atmosphere, it gained immense popularity among the masses. This achievement was a turning point in Corbucci's career. It opened the doors to bigger-budgeted projects, collaborations with notable actors, and opportunities to experiment with new ideas. Corbucci's work in the spaghetti western genre earned him the nickname, 'The King of the Redneck Westerns.' This moniker came as a result of his fascination with the grittiness of life on the American frontier, focusing on outlaws and marginalized individuals rather than your typical heroes. Notably, his western films showcased his unique perspective on social issues, often blurring the lines between the good and the evil. His approach humanized outcasts, shedding light on their struggles, and raising questions about the morality of society. This unique narrative approach made him stand apart from other directors, particularly those specializing in spaghetti westerns. The release of 'Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!,' also known as '[ Django Spara Per Prima),' marked another significant milestone in Corbucci's career. This film, released in 1967, catapulted international fame to the director. Critics and audiences alike appreciated the gritty realism and dark narrative that defined his style. Corbucci's use of graphic violence, moral ambiguity, and the unconventional western protagonist, Django, cemented his status as a master of the genre. Throughout his career, Corbucci remained devoted to exploring complex themes through his western narratives. As time passed, Corbucci continued working in various genres like the war film 'The Mercenary' (1968), the crime-drama 'Bandits in Milan' (1966), and 'The Great Silence,' often collaborating with notable actors, including Franco Nero and Tomas Milian. Many of his films showcased an undeniable sense of empathy and understanding, reflecting the complexity of the human experience. However, it was Sergio Corbucci's collaboration with Franco Nero that led to the rise of his western genre's most iconic hero, 'Django.' Released in 1966, 'Django' showcased the story of a former slave turned bounty hunter on a mission to rescue his wife. The film featured a gripping narrative, coupled with its raw aesthetic, catapulting Corbucci to international fame. This iconic character of Django, portrayed by Franco Nero's memorable performance, became synonymous with Sergio Corbucci's work. However, it is worth noting that Sergio Corbucci's legacy suffered due to his involvement with Fascist ideology. Born before the outbreak of World War II, and growing up during the Italian Resistance against Nazi occupation, Corbucci had been part of Italian Fascist ideology at a young age, and later in life began to change to more socialist leaning. Critics and film enthusiasts alike have been debating the director's stance and whether it was genuine or a facade. Despite this, Corbucci's body of work remains a testament to his cinematic prowess and his commitment to storytelling. The documentary 'Django & Django' features interviews from notable filmmakers, actors, and critics who have worked in the spaghetti western genre and Italian cinema. The contributors shed light on various aspects of Corbucci's career, his creative process, and his unique perspective on human nature. Additionally, footage of his films is extensively displayed throughout, giving audiences an opportunity to analyze his narrative approach, camera techniques, and use of music. This documentary not only celebrates Sergio Corbucci's life and work but also delves into the cultural context that shaped the evolution of the spaghetti western genre. Through 'Django & Django: Sergio Corbucci Unchained,' a comprehensive and engaging biographical tribute to Sergio Corbucci emerges. It is a cinematic journey, exploring the complexities of this master filmmaker, his life as well as his films. This tribute pays homage to the man behind some of the most enduring western films in Italian cinema history.