3. Born January 3, 1929 Rome, Italy. Father was a director of silent films and considered a pioneer in Italian cinema. Mother was a silent film actress. At the age of 18 Sergio dropped out of law studies and began his own career in the film industry. Assisted in directing and making films 1948-1959. First solo directorial debut in 1961. Continued to direct and assist in making films until his death April 30, 1989.

4. "...the eyes are the most important element to me. Everything can be read in them..."

5. Wide Image format. Great depth of field. Expanded time: extended staging of duels, close observation of details, sparse dialogue. Important role of music (composed by Ennio Morricone). Moments of calm in conversations; enhanced sound effects.

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmdAsL1n6q4& feature=player_detailpage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmdAsL1n6q4& feature=player_detailpage

7. Although Leone has few films to his credit and had never won an academy award, he is absolutely considered an Auteur by many. Through his use of the camera, sound, music, and just the plain atmosphere of the film, one is able to decipher his films almost immediately. The term “spaghetti western” was originally a slam on the Italian film industry, but after Leone’s films debuted many filmmakers from around the world were ultra-eager to make “spaghetti westerns” of their own and try to imitate Leone’s style.