Scene Analysis: The Magnificent Seven (1960) "Testing Chico"

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Context

This scene occurs within the first thirty minutes of the 128-minute-long movie.

The scene includes five characters: Chico, Chris, and three villagers (Hilario, 

Tomas, and Miguel). This scene takes place inside a single room, most likely 

someone’s hotel room. The three villagers in the scene prior had asked Chris to 

gather men to fight in their village and protect them against Calvera and his men.

Summarize

The scene begins with Hilario, Tomas, and Miguel sitting at a table and Chris Adams 

standing and then they hear a knock at the door. Enters Chico a young, enthusiastic, 

and proud hopeful gunman. This is not the first gunman the audience meets, but the first 

one to enter for the “tryouts”. Chris gives Chico a test on his speed by clapping his hands 

together three times trying to stop the gun in between his hands. Chico fails, he is embarrassed

and leaves unhappy. Chris appreciates his enthusiasm but expresses that his young proud 

personality will get him killed.

Three Structural elements

11.     Camera Movement

“Testing Chico,” includes various shots. The shots in the scene are using 

spatial technique. First, shot/reverse shot, this type of technique is used 

when people are having a conversation so the audience can see both sides. 

This shot is used when Chris and Chico are closer to each other doing the

clapping test. Next, close up shot is used, only showing a character’s face

in entire frame. This shot happens once, zooming into Chico’s face. The 

audience sees and feels his dissatisfaction with not being able to complete

Chris’s clap test.

22.     Mis-en-scène (meez on scen)

This is a French theatrical expression meaning, “put into the scene,” 

simply the basic things in a certain scene. This includes props, setting, 

lighting, etc. For this scene, the five characters are in a small old time hotel 

room with a bed and a table strategically placed for all three villagers to be 

sitting at like judges at a performance. A three-point lighting technique is 

used, the audience gets a sense of depth but not too much depth which would

include intense shadows.

33.    Music

This scene includes no music. I believe the lack of music in the scene 

has a great impact on the scene. The only noises the audience hears are, 

clapping, character dialogue, and footsteps on the dirt floor. With a distraction 

of music in the background the audience would’ve not caught the emotions

on Chico’s face when he failed the clap test. Music is played in majority of 

scenes in this film, this scene did not need music.

Pivotal Moment

I believe this scene was a pivotal moment of this movie for two reasons. First, it was

the beginning of the “tryouts” for finding the seven gunmen. This scene was showing 

the first step in trying to stop Calvera. Next, the audience gets to officially meet Chico 

and see his enthusiastic and young personality. The one of seven personalities the audience

gets to know.