1. An Introduction to the Genre
Western Films
An Introduction to the Genre

2. What do you know? In your notebooks:
Write down all the things you remember from the film clips we watched in our last class.

3. Instructions Note taking
When you see WORDS PRINTED IN RED you will write them down.
Your notes will be used as reference later on.
Cornell Notes is an excellent way to organize your note taking

5. The Western nostalgic eulogy to days of the untamed American frontier
most characteristically American genre
one of the oldest, most enduring and flexible genres

6. Popularity Popularity of westerns has waxed and waned.
Most prolific era was in the 1930s -1960s.
There was a resurgence of the genre in 1990s.
Recognize this fellow?

7. Stereotypical Characteristics
Central plot is maintaining law and order on the frontier.
Each movie is a morality tale
Depicts code of honour rather than law
Fast-paced action story
guns and gun fights (sometimes on horseback)
Often the hero of a western meets his opposite "double," a mirror of his own evil side that he has to destroy.
hostile elements (often Native Americans)
violence and human massacres
Conquest of the wilderness
Social status through acts of violence or generosity.

8. Terms and Definitions
Archetype = a typical example of something; a reoccurring symbol (or motif) in literature; an original pattern or model of something
Example: He is the archetype of a corporate executive.
Iconography: pictorial material relating to or illustrating a subject; the symbols or visual representations associated with a particular genre of film
From: Merriam Webster’s dictionary

9. Archetypal Conflict 5 main types of conflict in stories:
Human versus self
Human versus human
Human versus environment
Human versus society
Human versus God (or fate)

10. Western Conflicts good vs. bad white hat vs. black hat
new arrivals vs. Native Americans
humanity vs. nature
civilization vs. wilderness
Civilization versus lawlessness
schoolteachers vs. saloon dance-hall girls
lawman or sheriff vs. gunslinger
the rugged individualist vs. the community
the cultivated East vs. Wild West
farmer vs. industrialist

11. Setting and Time Set in the American West with stunning landscapes
Landscape may become a central character in the film
Late 19th century (1880s) through early 20th century (1930s)
Incorporates the Civil War into the film directly or the subtext
May range geographically from Mexico to Canada
Stress the harshness of the landscape or juxtapose the beauty of it with the dirtiness of a town
Important events in the 19th century: civil war, California Gold Rush, progression of the railroad, migration from the east across the mountains to the west
Some recent films – Desperado etc, have examined the modern day cowboy, who fights against drug barons rather than rustlers

12. Observing Craft
Write down all of the things you notice about these western films in terms of:
Camera work (framing, angles, point of view)
Music/sound
Editing
Costuming
Colors
Lighting

13. Film Clips
Silverado
Tombstone
Pale Rider

14. Observing Craft What did you notice? Discuss
After discussion show clip:
Swatter

15. Traditional Western Character Archetypes
Noble, local lawman
skilled, fast-draw gunfighter
Hard working ranchers
Brooding (quiet) Cowboys
Corrupt, local lawman (bully)
Manipulative Jezebel (prostitute)
Helpless virgin
Vengeful daughter (righteous revenge)
Victimized widow

16. Traditional Western Hero Archetype
courageous, moral, tough, solid and self-sufficient
Semi – nomadic
maverick characters (often with trusty sidekicks)
could usually stand alone and face danger on his own, against the forces of lawlessness (outlaws or other antagonists)
expert display of his physical skills (roping, gun-play, horse-handling, pioneering abilities, etc.)
Sole possessions consist of clothing, a gun and maybe a horse

17. Western Iconography Spurs Stetson (hat) boots Colt. 45’s (hand gun)
Prostitutes
Saloon
Sheriff (the law)
Faithful Steed (horse)
Indians
American Flag
Dusty roads
Wide, open landscapes
trains (and train robberies)
bank robberies and holdups
stage coaches
Cows: cattle drives, cattle rustling, stampedes
posses in pursuit

18. “Cowboy Code”
The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
He must never go back on his word or a trust confided in him.
He must always tell the truth.
He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.

19. “Cowboy Code” continued
He must help people in distress.
He must be a good worker.
He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.
The Cowboy is a patriot.

20. New Western Elements Use of the flawed hero Stronger roles for women
Critical views of American government, military, and their policies
More sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans
Critical views of masculine figures
Nontraditional sexuality

21. John Ford

22. Setting as Character
Does the environment hold promises for the settlers or is the landscape part of the struggle? Look closely at the mise en scène, the relationships between characters, the lighting and the color, the camera angles.