3.10 Western

The Western genre, a cornerstone of American storytelling, emerged from the nation's frontier history and mythology. It has shaped film and television narratives, establishing iconic settings, character archetypes, and themes that continue to resonate.

Western storytelling explores fundamental conflicts like civilization vs wilderness and justice vs lawlessness. Its visual style, featuring widescreen landscapes and iconic costumes, has influenced cinematography across genres. The genre's evolution includes subgenres like Spaghetti Westerns and space Westerns.

Origins of western genre

• Western genre emerged as a distinct storytelling form in American literature and film, reflecting the nation's frontier history and mythology
• Storytellers in film and television draw inspiration from early western narratives to craft compelling tales of adventure, conflict, and cultural identity

Early western literature

Top images from around the web for Early western literature

• 

  Western (genre) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "Quindaro, or, The heroine of Fort Laramie : a tale of the… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dime novel - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Western (genre) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "Quindaro, or, The heroine of Fort Laramie : a tale of the… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Early western literature

• 

  Western (genre) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "Quindaro, or, The heroine of Fort Laramie : a tale of the… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dime novel - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Western (genre) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  "Quindaro, or, The heroine of Fort Laramie : a tale of the… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales (1820s-1840s) established many western tropes
• Dime novels popularized western stories in the late 19th century (Buffalo Bill)
• Owen Wister's The Virginian (1902) considered the first true western novel
• Zane Grey's novels (Riders of the Purple Sage) further defined the genre in the early 20th century

Silent film era westerns

• The Great Train Robbery (1903) pioneered western film techniques and storytelling
• William S. Hart starred in and directed influential silent westerns (Hell's Hinges)
• Tom Mix became a popular western star, known for his flashy costumes and stunts
• Silent westerns established visual storytelling techniques still used in modern filmmaking

Golden age of Hollywood westerns

• John Ford's Stagecoach (1939) revitalized the genre and launched John Wayne's career
• 1940s-1950s saw a surge in western production (High Noon, Shane)
• TV westerns like Gunsmoke and Bonanza brought the genre into homes
• Classic westerns established enduring narrative structures and character archetypes

Iconic western settings

• Western settings play a crucial role in establishing atmosphere and themes in film and television storytelling
• These iconic locations serve as characters themselves, influencing plot development and character interactions

American frontier landscape

• Vast open plains symbolize freedom and opportunity
• Rugged mountains represent challenges and isolation
• Desert landscapes create a harsh, unforgiving environment
• Rivers and waterholes serve as vital plot points and gathering places

Small frontier towns

• Main Street serves as the central hub for conflict and community
• General stores, banks, and jails represent civilization's tenuous hold
• Church steeples symbolize moral authority and community values
• Dusty streets provide dramatic backdrops for showdowns and chases

Saloons and brothels

• Serve as gathering places for diverse characters and plot developments
• Represent moral ambiguity and the temptations of frontier life
• Often feature pivotal scenes of conflict, negotiation, or revelations
• Provide opportunities for character development through interactions and backstories

Western character archetypes

• Character archetypes in westerns form the backbone of storytelling in film and television
• These archetypal figures allow writers to explore complex themes through familiar yet nuanced characters

Lone gunslinger

• Embodies rugged individualism and self-reliance
• Often has a mysterious past and complex moral code
• Skilled with firearms and capable in survival situations
• Examples include Clint Eastwood's "Man with No Name" and John Wayne's Ethan Edwards in The Searchers

Sheriff vs outlaw

• Represents the struggle between law and chaos on the frontier
• Sheriff often portrayed as reluctant hero upholding justice
• Outlaw can be sympathetic anti-hero or ruthless villain
• Dynamic explored in films like High Noon and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Native American portrayals

• Evolved from stereotypical "noble savage" or antagonist roles
• Later westerns attempted more nuanced, culturally sensitive depictions
• Characters like Scar in The Searchers or Wind In His Hair in Dances with Wolves
• Modern westerns strive for authentic representation and historical accuracy

Themes in western storytelling

• Western themes provide a rich tapestry for exploring fundamental human conflicts and societal issues
• These themes continue to resonate in contemporary storytelling across various genres in film and television

Civilization vs wilderness

• Explores tension between progress and preservation of nature
• Settlers and townsfolk represent civilization's encroachment
• Native Americans and frontiersmen often symbolize harmony with nature
• Theme central to films like Dances with Wolves and The Revenant

Justice and lawlessness

• Examines the establishment of order in frontier societies
• Vigilantism vs formal law enforcement (The Ox-Bow Incident)
• Moral ambiguity in pursuing justice (Unforgiven)
• Corruption and abuse of power in frontier towns (Once Upon a Time in the West)

Manifest destiny

• Reflects 19th-century belief in America's right to expand westward
• Often portrayed through settler characters and their motivations
• Critically examined in revisionist westerns (Little Big Man)
• Explores consequences of expansion on Native American populations and landscapes

Visual style of westerns

• Western visual style has significantly influenced cinematography and production design in film and television
• These stylistic elements create a distinct aesthetic that immediately identifies the genre

Widescreen cinematography

• Panoramic shots capture the vastness of western landscapes
• Use of deep focus emphasizes relationships between characters and environment
• Long shots establish scale and isolation in frontier settings
• Films like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West exemplify this style

Costume and set design

• Iconic cowboy attire (Stetson hats, boots, gun belts) defines characters
• Weathered, lived-in sets convey authenticity of frontier life
• Color palettes often reflect natural landscapes (earth tones, dusty textures)
• Attention to historical accuracy in props and set dressing (period-appropriate weapons, tools)

Practical effects vs CGI

• Traditional westerns relied heavily on practical effects (real explosions, stunt work)
• Modern westerns balance practical effects with CGI enhancements
• Practical effects include horse stunts, gunfight squibs, and environmental elements
• CGI used to enhance landscapes, create larger crowds, or depict dangerous stunts

Western subgenres

• Western subgenres demonstrate the versatility and enduring appeal of western themes in storytelling
• These variations allow filmmakers and television producers to explore new narrative territories while maintaining core western elements

Spaghetti westerns

• Italian-produced westerns of the 1960s and 1970s
• Characterized by stylized violence and morally ambiguous protagonists
• Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy starring Clint Eastwood defined the subgenre
• Influenced modern filmmaking with innovative cinematography and memorable scores

Revisionist westerns

• Challenge traditional western myths and stereotypes
• Offer more complex portrayals of Native Americans and women
• Explore darker aspects of frontier life and American expansion
• Examples include Little Big Man, Unforgiven, and The Wild Bunch

Space westerns

• Blend western themes and tropes with science fiction settings
• Explore frontier concepts in futuristic contexts
• TV series like Firefly and The Mandalorian exemplify this subgenre
• Films such as Outland and Cowboys & Aliens combine western and sci-fi elements

Influential western filmmakers

• Key directors have shaped the western genre, influencing storytelling techniques across film and television
• Their work continues to inspire modern filmmakers in various genres

John Ford's legacy

• Directed classic westerns like Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
• Pioneered use of Monument Valley as iconic western backdrop
• Developed complex characters and explored themes of community and American identity
• Influenced generations of filmmakers with his visual style and narrative techniques

Sergio Leone's impact

• Reinvented the western genre with his Dollars Trilogy and Once Upon a Time in the West
• Introduced stylized violence, morally ambiguous characters, and epic scope
• Innovative use of close-ups, wide shots, and musical scores
• Influenced modern action and crime films with his visual and narrative style

Modern western directors

• Clint Eastwood transitioned from actor to director, creating revisionist westerns (Unforgiven)
• Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight offer postmodern takes on the genre
• Coen Brothers' No Country for Old Men and True Grit blend western themes with other genres
• Contemporary directors like Taylor Sheridan explore neo-western themes in film and television

Western narrative structures

• Western narratives employ specific storytelling structures that have influenced broader film and television writing
• These structures provide frameworks for exploring themes of justice, identity, and survival

Journey and quest plots

• Central character embarks on a physical and often spiritual journey
• Obstacles and encounters along the way test the protagonist's resolve
• Often involves a search for someone or something (The Searchers)
• Journey structure allows for exploration of diverse landscapes and characters

Revenge stories

• Protagonist seeks retribution for past wrongs (Once Upon a Time in the West)
• Often involves a tragic backstory revealed through flashbacks
• Moral complexity as hero becomes consumed by vengeance
• Climax typically features a showdown between protagonist and antagonist

Man vs nature conflicts

• Characters struggle against harsh frontier environments
• Survival stories showcase human resilience (The Revenant)
• Natural disasters or extreme weather create additional challenges
• Often intertwined with themes of civilization vs wilderness

Music in westerns

• Music plays a crucial role in western storytelling, enhancing atmosphere and emotional impact
• Western scores have influenced film and television music across genres

Iconic western scores

• Ennio Morricone's scores for Sergio Leone's films defined spaghetti western sound
• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly theme became instantly recognizable
• John Ford's westerns often featured traditional American folk tunes
• Modern westerns like There Will Be Blood feature innovative, atmospheric scores

Folk and country influences

• Use of guitars, harmonicas, and fiddles evoke frontier atmosphere
• Traditional ballads often tell stories within the film narrative
• Johnny Cash's music in westerns (The Ballad of Little Joe)
• Contemporary country artists contribute to modern western soundtracks

Spaghetti western soundtracks

• Blend of orchestral elements with unique instrumentation (whistling, whip cracks)
• Use of leitmotifs to represent characters or situations
• Influenced by Ennio Morricone's innovative approach
• Modern filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino draw heavily on this style

Western's influence on other genres

• Western themes, archetypes, and visual styles have permeated various genres in film and television
• This cross-pollination demonstrates the enduring appeal of western storytelling elements

Western elements in sci-fi

• Star Wars incorporates western themes (Han Solo as space cowboy)
• Firefly blends space opera with explicit western tropes
• Westworld explores western themes in a futuristic setting
• Post-apocalyptic films often draw on western imagery and themes (Mad Max series)

Neo-westerns in contemporary settings

• Modern-day stories utilizing western themes and structures
• No Country for Old Men sets a western-style conflict in 1980s Texas
• Breaking Bad incorporates western imagery and moral ambiguity
• Hell or High Water explores classic western themes in a modern economic landscape

Western tropes in action films

• Lone hero archetype in films like Die Hard and Rambo
• Showdown sequences inspired by western duels
• Use of desolate or frontier-like urban settings
• Themes of justice and moral codes in vigilante films (Death Wish)

Decline and revival of westerns

• The western genre has experienced fluctuations in popularity, influencing broader trends in film and television storytelling
• Recent revivals demonstrate the genre's adaptability to contemporary themes and audiences

Post-1970s decline

• Shift in audience tastes towards other genres (sci-fi, action)
• Revisionist westerns challenged traditional genre conventions
• Decreased production of western films and TV shows
• Genre perceived as outdated or politically incorrect

21st century western resurgence

• Critical and commercial success of films like True Grit and The Revenant
• Increased interest in complex, morally ambiguous western narratives
• Integration of western elements into other genres (Logan, Wind River)
• Revival of western-themed video games (Red Dead Redemption series)

Western themes in TV series

• Deadwood revitalized the western genre for television audiences
• Justified blends western themes with modern crime drama
• Westworld explores western tropes in a sci-fi context
• Yellowstone combines western elements with contemporary family drama