8) Depp’s Blind Shootout (Once Upon A Time In Mexico)
This scene definitely plays to Rodriguez’s more adventurous side, but there are so many layers to Depp’s guided shootout beyond watching an eyeless man shoot his way through henchmen. His character, Agent Sands, spends most of the film searching for the best plate of Puerco Pibil so that he can assassinate the chef, establishing early on that the man is stark raving mad – but we wonder how much of a hero is left inside of him. His intentions seem jaded, but that’s when things turn sour for the CIA agent, and after falling into enemy hands, his eyes are removed by some rather nasty tools.
It’s here where Sands becomes a fully rounded character, paying a small child to be his eyes while navigating dangerous streets filled with gun-toting lackeys. The typical, snarky Sands is nowhere to be found, as Depp starts mumbling more profound and meaningful statements – possibly knowing his demise isn’t too far off. Utilizing heightened senses, he relies on his small guide as far as he can, but when a true threat presents itself, he lets the boy run to safety, and then wastes some baddies by tricking them into making noise. Mix that badassery with Depp then sneakily killing Eva Mendes, and you’ve got some of Rodriguez’s best work – creativity, outlandishness, and a hint of emotionality.
Rodriguez knows how to choreograph a fight scene, that’s for damn sure, but teaming with Depp for a sightless death could be one of his most lucrative gambles.
