• Sergio Leone, born in Rome in 1929, was a highly influential Italian filmmaker renowned as the pioneer of the Spaghetti Western genre. • His distinctive style, characterized by extreme close-ups and lengthy long shots, is evident in his iconic Dollars Trilogy starring Clint Eastwood and the Once Upon a Time series. • Leone's films often presented morally ambiguous characters and a realistic, violent depiction of the American Old West, departing from traditional Western tropes. • He collaborated extensively with composer Ennio Morricone, creating memorable scores that enhanced the dramatic impact of his films. • Despite the success of his Westerns, Leone's later works, such as Once Upon a Time in America, explored different genres and themes, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker. - digital collage