What does it mean to be a Spaghetti Western? As dictated by Leone's aesthetic choices with "A Fistful of Dollars," Spaghetti Westerns are heightened, more stylized versions of 1940s, For a movie to be considered a Spaghetti Western, it's not even filmed in the United States, despite being set there. Spaghetti Westerns were filmed in Europe, often for less money than, A spaghetti western is a Western film made by Italian filmmakers, often shot in Europe and released from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, known for its gritty tone, stylized violence, morally ambiguous characters, and minimalist dialogue., Spaghetti westerns are characterized by the presence of more action sequences than was common in other Western film genres. The early films in this genre were often an attempt to imitate the success of American westerns, but with exotic locations, anti-heroes, and more violence., What sets Spaghetti Westerns apart from their American counterparts? These films are characterized by their morally ambiguous protagonists, stylized violence, and a unique blend of intense close-ups and panoramic shots., What Is a Spaghetti Western? The term “ Spaghetti Western ” refers to the Western films that were shot in Italy, but generally featured American movie stars and adhered to the genre templates.