1. Creating an Outline Thesis Statement/one sentence teaser Thesis: With a familiar setting fairly simple plot and familiar character stereotypes, Unforgiven uses the classic American film genre of the western to reveal a Old West that lacks the romantic images of past films and simultaneously creates an enduring story of man struggling twith the demons of his past in an attempt to recapture a life that has been left behind Unforgiven is deserving of its place as number 62 on the AFI’s top 100 films of all times.

2. Introduction Roman Numeral #1, often no further info is needed I. Introduction

3. Summary A brief summary of the film highlighting scenes and other items that will serve to illuminate and support your argument. II. Summary

4. Define Key Terms or Genre (How/Why does the film stand out from other Westerns?) III. Unforgiven and the genre of the Western A. Traditional 1. John Wayne 2. White hats vs. Black hats (the values) 3. Homage to the Western B. The televison Western 1. Changing face of the western 2. Westerns disappear C The Westen revived 1. Dances with Wolves 2. Unforgiven

5. Why is it on the list? What makes it a respected film? IV. Unforgiven’s place in AFI 100 A. Themes 1. Myth v. Reality 2. Redemption 3. Acceptance B. Critical Reaction 1. Critiques 2. Academy Awards

6. How are the characters/stars a creative force in the film? V. Clint Eastwood A. Connection to the Western B. As an autobiographical film

7. What did the film leave behind? VI. Legacy of the Film A. Awards B. Critical response to film C. Personal critique

8. Conclusion Restate assertions and add any final Commentary on the film VII. Conclusion