****

"Even when discussing the mythos of the American West, it is essential to recognize the significant influence of Italy on this narrative. During the 1960s, Italian filmmakers such as Sergio Leone and Sergio Corbucci redefined the Western genre with their unique interpretations, producing a series of gripping and violent films that many argue surpass the works of American directors like John Ford and Howard Hawks. These Spaghetti Westerns, characterized by their European casts, Catholic imagery, and passionate tales of revenge, emerged from Italy's deep-rooted fascination with America and Hollywood's legendary myths.

This cultural background sets the stage for "Heads or Tails," the latest film from "The Tale of King Crab" creators Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the movie features John C. Reilly as the legendary entertainer Buffalo Bill Cody, who brings his famous Wild West show to Europe. Cody's spectacle, filled with lasso tricks, sharpshooting, and cowboy songs, captivates Italy's elite, who revel in the opportunity to experience what they perceive as an authentic American Wild West experience.

Buffalo Bill, despite being a natural showman, struggles with the contradictions between his stage persona and his reality. When a wealthy Italian farmer boasts about his own cowboys' skills, Cody accepts a challenge to hold a rodeo contest between his team and the farmer’s ranchers. The farmer, planning to fix the contest as part of a gambling scheme, instructs his star ranch-hand Santino, played by Allesandro Borghi, to throw the competition. However, Santino's pride leads him to win the contest, humiliating the Americans and alienating his boss.

Santino's victory has dire consequences, prompting him to flee with Rosa (Nadia Tereszkiewicz), his true love and the boss's wife. Rosa dramatically shoots her husband before leaving, setting off a chain of events that sees Buffalo Bill taking on an unfamiliar role as a bounty hunter to restore his tarnished reputation. Reilly delivers a stellar performance as Cody, embodying both his public bravado and private insecurities with finesse.

As Cody's pursuit falters, the film shifts focus to Santino and Rosa's tumultuous journey. They quickly realize that escaping their old lives doesn't shield them from relationship struggles. Mistakenly lauded as a hero for a murder he didn't commit, Santino finds himself mythologized by revolutionaries. Like Buffalo Bill, he wrestles with maintaining his public persona.

The film's visual appeal is enhanced by Italy's picturesque landscapes, captured in a timeless celluloid color palette. Unlike classic Spaghetti Westerns, which were often shot in Spain, "Heads or Tails" offers a fresh visual perspective on one of the world's renowned Western-producing nations. The film’s narrative and aesthetic choices honor the Western genre while also examining how stories evolve over time and who gets to tell them.

Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, "Heads or Tails" builds on the directors' previous work, blending sentimentality with subversive elements to craft a film that is both timeless and thought-provoking. The film is currently seeking U.S. distribution, poised to bring its unique interpretation of the Western mythos to a broader audience.