American Cinema Schedule Today – Finish Movie #2 – start Westerns – Western #1 Wednesday – Western #1 – Film Noir due Thursday – Finish Western #1 – Western #2 Friday – Finish Western #2 Monday – Western #3 Tuesday – Finish Western #3 Wednesday – Turn in Western Reviews – Film Noir and Westerns test Thursday – Seniors shadowing – make-up day Friday – No school (Fall Break)

Western Movies The Making of the West

“As far as I’m concerned, Americans don’t have any original art except western movies and jazz…” Clint Eastwood

An Overview Major defining genre of American film industry Nostalgic look at days of the untamed American frontier One of the oldest, most enduring and flexible genres One of the most characteristically American genres Nostalgic historical feel

Setting and Time Set in the American West Almost always in the 19th Century (1800’s) Often incorporate the Civil War into the film directly, or the background May extend further back into the colonial period or forward into the mid-twentieth century May range geographically from Mexico to Canada – Usually set against stunning American landscapes 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

Some possible locations Isolated forts Ranch houses Isolated homestead Saloon Jail

The Hero Typical traits Traditional Western Heroes Often semi–nomadic characters Sole possessions consist of clothing, a gun and maybe a horse local lawmen ranchers army officers cowboys territorial marshals skilled, fast-draw gunfighter 1. What would your western hero look like?

Traditional Elements Hostile elements (often Native Americans) Guns and gun fights Violence and human massacres Horses Trains (and train robberies) Bank robberies and holdups Runaway stage coaches Shoot-outs and showdowns Depicts code of honor rather than law Social status through acts of violence, or generosity

Traditional Elements continued Outlaws and sheriffs Cattle drives and cattle rustling Stampedes Posses in pursuit Barroom brawls Breathtaking settings and open landscapes Distinctive western clothing (denim, jeans, boots, etc.)

Spaghetti Westerns Revival of the western genre in Italy (1960’s) Low budget films Locations chosen for their cheapness, and similarity to American mid-West (southern Spain was often chosen) More action and violence than Hollywood westerns Clint Eastwood started his career in these

Revisionist Westerns Questioned the role of native as a savage Questioned the hero versus villain theme Some gave women much larger roles

Our Films The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance – 1962 – John Ford The Outlaw Josey Whales – 1976 – Clint Eastwood True Grit – 2010 – Ethan and Joel Coen