Codes and Conventions of the Western Film Genre

JC Clapp, North Seattle CollegeInformation here is compiled using and heavily borrowed from:

http://www.slideshare.net/MrRyanSIS/western-movies and http://www.slideshare.net/e4001105/western-genre-analysis#

Setting and Time• Usually set in the 19th century during

westward expansion between about 1860-1910 – the American Civil war is incorporated usually somehow

• Geographically is set in the American West between northern Mexico and Montana – often in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming – in a beautiful landscape

• Desert town streets with dust, dirt, stagecoaches, saloons, and horses.

• Scenes take place in isolated forts, ranch houses, isolated homesteads, saloons, jails, trains, hotels, secret hideouts, and whorehouses

Typical Narrative Themes• Conquest of the wilderness and

subordination of nature – or the capture of territory from the “Natives”

• Society based on a code of honor rather than law

• Social status is achieved through violence or generosity

• The outside arrival of the law or government seen as oppressive

• Murder and killing is just a way of life• “Indians” often attack settlers and are

shown as violent and unreasonable• Sometimes the cavalry comes to the

rescue

Tone and Approach• Stories of the American West –

each film is a morality tale• The West usually shown in a

romanticized way – the landscapes are vast and stunning and harsh

• Nostalgic historical feel• Some modern technology of the

time being depicted (telegraph, printing press, railroad) to symbolize the end of the frontier lifestyle and westward expansion of civilization

Typical Characters: The Hero

Always a solitary male, usually unmarried, ultr-masculine, semi-nomadic. His possessions are only his clothes, a gun, and a horse. He has a strong code, and is motivated by revenge or justice. He mediates between civilization and the lawless frontier. He often served in the Civil War and is an excellent marksman.

Typical Characters:Victims & Villains

• Sidekicks and Helpers: local sheriff, prostitutes, deputies, townspeople, and loyal followers that help the Hero.

• Villains: male criminals trying to steal cattle, rob the bank or train, or take over the town . They have a leader with an arrogant attitude and a quick trigger finger.

• Victims: old men, women, children, and often at least one of the Hero’s sidekicks

• Native Americans in full traditional dress (called “Indians”) – usually in an antagonist role and depicted as “noble savages” that are trying to stop civilization from progressing – sometimes a friendly helper

• Women are either prostitutes, showgirls, or mothers. And they rarely play more than a small or supporting role. They wear natural looking make-up and long dresses with petticoats . They are associated with being indoors or at home. They look to men for protection and security.

Iconography• Cowboy boots, cowboy hats

(Stetsons), spurs, chaps, collared shirts and vest, long pants, gun holsters, cigars

• Pistols (Colt 45s), rifles, ropes, shoot-outs, quick-draws, posse chase scenes

• Horses, saddles, stagecoaches, trains, herds of cattle

• Everything has an earthy sepia or semi-sepia tone. No bright colors.

Storyline of (almost) every WesternHero arrives in town and saves the victims from the villains and then leaves. He begins his quest for justice or power and is challenged by the villains who attempt to kill him in various shoot outs. A group of gunmen/helpers are hired to defend villagers from bandits. There is a final shootout and the hero ultimately wins. (Occasionally there is a romantic subplot)

Example: Tombstone (1993)