The Great Silence (1968)

The Great Silence (1968)

Year: 2018

Runtime: 105 min

Language: Italian

Director: Sergio Corbucci

Western

Amidst a harsh, snow-covered landscape, a relentless gang of bounty hunters, led by the formidable Loco, pursues a group of outlaws desperately trying to escape. A lone figure, known only as Silence, a mute gunslinger, rises to defend the outlaws, driven by a strong sense of justice and honor. As the pursuit intensifies, the lines between right and wrong become increasingly blurred, leading to a desperate battle for survival against a seemingly insurmountable foe.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Great Silence (1968) yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Great Silence (1968) (2018)

Trace every key event in The Great Silence (1968) (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Brutal Murders of Gordon and His Wife

Bounty hunter Henry Pollicut and his accomplices carry out a ruthless execution, killing Gordon and his wife in cold blood. This heinous act leaves their young son, who later becomes known as 'Silence', permanently speechless due to the brutal throat-cutting.

2

Silence Grows Up

As Silence matures, he adopts a fierce principle of allowing his adversaries to shoot first, using their mistakes against them. Armed with his reliable Mauser C96, he becomes a deadly marksman, bent on revenge against those who wronged him.

3

Harsh Winter in Snow Hill

In the rough winter of 1898, a terrible blizzard devastates the frontier town of Snow Hill, plunging its inhabitants into despair and poverty. This cruel landscape becomes a breeding ground for lawlessness and desperation.

Winter of 1898 Snow Hill
4

Pollicut Exploits Despair

Seeing the misfortune of the townspeople, Pollicut capitalizes on the chaos by offering bounties for outlaws. His actions attract the attention of Loco's criminal gang, hinting at a brewing storm of violence.

Snow Hill
5

James Middleton's Fatal Decision

In a desperate move, outlaw James Middleton leaves his gang to reunite with his wife, Pauline. Tragically, Loco captures him, leading to a grim fate that sends shockwaves through the criminal underworld.

6

Pauline's Plea for Revenge

Heartbroken by her husband's fate, Pauline writes an emotional plea to Silence, urging him to take vengeance against Loco for the pain inflicted upon her family. This plea sets the stage for Silence's vendetta.

7

New Sheriff in Town

A newly elected governor appoints Gideon Burnett as sheriff to restore order in Snow Hill. Although he means well, Burnett proves to be inexperienced, quickly embroiling himself in the criminal chaos erupting in the town.

Snow Hill
8

Silence and Pauline's Reunion

Upon reaching Snow Hill, Silence reunites with Pauline, who is determined to raise the bounty on her husband's murderers. Their bond grows as they plot to combat the brutality surrounding them.

Snow Hill
9

Pollicut's Menacing Offer

When Pauline attempts to sell her house to Pollicut, he offers protection in exchange for her compliance with his advances. Outraged, she rejects his offer, further solidifying her alliance with Silence.

10

A Fatal Duel Approach

As tension escalates, Loco tries to provoke Silence into a duel, resulting in a violent clash. Loco is apprehended by Burnett, who attempts to restore some semblance of order in the chaos.

Snow Hill
11

Burnett's Icy Demise

In a harrowing turn of events, Burnett finds himself trapped in icy waters following a treacherous accident on a frozen lake, meeting a slow and miserable fate as the temperature drops.

Frozen Lake
12

Loco's Ruthless Strategy

As Loco marshals his gang for a preemptive attack against Silence, he uncovers a sinister plan to claim Pauline for himself. His crew is now set on a collision course with a vengeful Silence.

13

Climactic Gunfight

In the film's dramatic climax, a hidden gunman shoots Silence, crippling his marksmanship. This moment of desperation leads to an intense gunfight where Silence faces off against Loco, culminating in a tragic outcome.

14

Pauline's Despair and Tragic End

After the death of Silence, Pauline succumbs to her grief and attempts to avenge her fallen love, only to meet a tragic end herself, adding to the film's haunting atmosphere of loss and sorrow.

15

The Aftermath and Reflection

In the wake of the violence, Loco and his gang claim spoils from a brutal massacre of outlaws. A title card reflecting on the tragic consequences of their greed appears, shifting public sentiment against bounty hunting.

Snow Hill

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:08

Unlock the Full Story of The Great Silence (1968)

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Great Silence (1968) in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Great Silence (1968) is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Great Silence (1968) Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Great Silence (1968), including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Great Silence (1968) Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Silence (1968)

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Great Silence (1968). Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Great Silence (1968)

More About The Great Silence (1968)

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Great Silence (1968): box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Great Silence (1968)

Similar Movies to The Great Silence (1968)

Discover movies like The Great Silence (1968) that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.