An Introduction to the Genre Western Films An Introduction to the Genre

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

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)

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

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

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

Film Clips Silverado Tombstone Pale Rider

Observing Craft What did you notice? Discuss After discussion show clip: Swatter http://youtu.be/b4wj0ETbcec

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

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

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

“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.

“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.

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

John Ford https://archive.org/details/TheAmericanWestofJohnFord

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.