"A Professional Gun" (aka, "The Mercenary") is an oddly paced film that is mostly enjoyable--but highly uneven. Some aspects of the movie are quite good (such as the Ennio Morricone score) but the plot itself often seems contradictory and confusing. Mostly, the motivations and behaviors of Franco Nero's character make little sense and change almost randomly.
The film begins with a small-time bandit (Tony Musante) in revolutionary Mexico (about 1915). He talks about 'the revolution' but mostly is just a leader of some opportunistic thugs. When he meets up with a cool mercenary (Nero), he pays through the nose to have the mercenary tutor him on warfare. As the film progresses, the bandit slowly evolves into a revolutionary hero, whereas the mercenary seems interested in one thing--money. But, as I said above, this guy's motivations inexplicably change--and this change left me cold. It just seemed formulaic and nothing in the film seemed to explain this change. In addition, a smaller and somewhat unrelated subplot involving a nasty Jack Palance is sprinkled throughout the film.
A few things to look for in the film include Nero's revolver that shoots SEVEN times when he's taking a shower as well as Palance's butt. Not a brilliant and occasionally a confusing film--but enjoyable nonetheless provided you don't try to think too much as you watch.
Finally, the casting is ironic. Musante plays a Mexican, while he's American born and bred. Nero plays a Polish-American, while he's an Italian!
The film begins with a small-time bandit (Tony Musante) in revolutionary Mexico (about 1915). He talks about 'the revolution' but mostly is just a leader of some opportunistic thugs. When he meets up with a cool mercenary (Nero), he pays through the nose to have the mercenary tutor him on warfare. As the film progresses, the bandit slowly evolves into a revolutionary hero, whereas the mercenary seems interested in one thing--money. But, as I said above, this guy's motivations inexplicably change--and this change left me cold. It just seemed formulaic and nothing in the film seemed to explain this change. In addition, a smaller and somewhat unrelated subplot involving a nasty Jack Palance is sprinkled throughout the film.
A few things to look for in the film include Nero's revolver that shoots SEVEN times when he's taking a shower as well as Palance's butt. Not a brilliant and occasionally a confusing film--but enjoyable nonetheless provided you don't try to think too much as you watch.
Finally, the casting is ironic. Musante plays a Mexican, while he's American born and bred. Nero plays a Polish-American, while he's an Italian!