This article examines the evolving role of women in Westerns, from passive side characters in early classics to empowered protagonists in modern films and literature. Discover how women have moved from the margins to the centre of the Western myth, redefining traditional roles and adding complexity to the genre.
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Myth of the West: Cinematic Landscapes and the American West
Discover the importance of landscape in Western cinema, where the vast, untamed wilderness of the American West acts as a character in itself. From Monument Valley to desolate deserts, this article delves into how Western filmmakers have used the environment to enhance themes of freedom, isolation, and moral conflict.
Continue readingMyth of the West: How the Western Influenced Other Genres
The influence of the Western genre extends far beyond the frontier. This article explores how Western themes, characters, and moral conflicts have shaped genres such as sci-fi, neo-noir, and anime, showing the versatility and enduring appeal of the Western myth.
Continue readingMyth of the West: The Western as National Myth and Propaganda
The Western genre has been more than entertainment—it’s served as a powerful tool for American identity and propaganda. Uncover how the Western myth has shaped perceptions of American values, from Manifest Destiny to Cold War patriotism, and how it continues to reflect and critique the nation’s ideals.
Continue readingMyth of the West: The Decline and Resurgence of the Western
Follow the Western genre’s journey through its decline in the late 20th century to its resurgence in the 1990s and beyond. This article explores why the Western fell out of favour and how filmmakers and authors revitalized it to reflect contemporary values and complexities.
Continue readingMyth of the West: Shifting Perceptions of Morality and Justice
From the straightforward moral binaries of early Westerns to the complex ethical questions in revisionist films, this article delves into how the Western’s portrayal of justice has evolved. Discover how the Western has responded to shifting societal values, offering insight into the nature of law, order, and justice.
Continue readingMyth of the West: The Western as a Global Genre
The Western genre’s themes resonate globally, inspiring interpretations in Italy, Japan, and Latin America. Explore how different cultures have adopted and transformed the Western to reflect their unique histories, from Spaghetti Westerns to samurai films and beyond.
Continue readingMyth of the West: The Evolution of the Western from Zane Grey to Blood Meridian
Trace the Western genre’s evolution, from its early romanticized tales of frontier life to the gritty realism of modern classics like Blood Meridian. This article provides a comprehensive look at how key authors and filmmakers have redefined the Western myth for new generations and kicks off my “Myth of the West” cycle.
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