What is western? The color of films of this category attracts many viewers with an inimitable atmosphere, the film captivates with the gallant heroes of cowboys, dashing pursuits on frisky horses, charming girls and realistic duels. The stories about the Wild West began to enjoy special success in the 70s of the last century, immediately after the appearance of this topic in the literature. The public cheered on the stories of the incredible adventures of valiant sheriffs and vicious robbers from the vast expanses of Texas.
"Western" - the meaning of the word, where it all began
The word "western" maximally reflects the area on the territory of which all large-scale battles and skirmishes take place - the West. The genre is completely dedicated to one of the most famous periods in US history - the tipping point between complete lawlessness and democracy. The meaning of the word western speaks for itself. From here it is clear which films we can attribute to this genre. It is about them that we will be talking.
Features of the Western Genre
What is western? What are the features of this genre? Clint Eastwood, a multi-faceted actor and no less talented director, brought out and revealed the classic concept of Western. Thanks to his subtle instinct and ability to lure the public, Eastwood has become a real hero from the world of cowboys and Native American communities for many film and television viewers.
Many people are talking about western now. This genre of cinema has found its viewer. Distinguishing a real western from modern variations on this theme is quite simple, because many of them do not include the most important characteristics of the genre:
- The location of all the main characters is, of course, Texas (in recent years, many filmmakers have taken liberties regarding the epicenter of events).
- The events begin with the robbery of the most vicious of the local bandits, who keeps in fear the entire district of the town.
- In most cases, the sheriff is not distinguished by special heroism or fortitude, he himself obeys the instructions of the bandits and does not conduct legal actions against them.
- The real hero is a simple guy from the people, often a loner and a silent man who bravely opposes the gangster pack and rescues the most beautiful lady from the locals.
- In a hurricane of showdowns and chases, there always appear bounty hunters who are obsessed with lust for profit.
- After a whirlpool of heroic events, the star of the local sheriff (dead or alive) passes into the hands of the protagonist.
In all films dedicated to cowboys, the dynamics of the plot completely depends on the number and skill of shooting scenes with shooting. The weapons of this era were particularly spectacular: gunpowder flew out with a characteristic bass sound, and streams of smoke picturesquely enveloped the arrow.
Characteristic images and idols of the Western category
Western films are also distinguished by the fact that the protagonist always leads a rambling nomadic lifestyle, his appearance and alienated behavior testify to many trials and hardships, and courage and the desire to uphold justice are sometimes off scale.
The main villain and the robber has an unbearable character, the habit of insulting and attacking others, as well as bullying with law enforcers. The type is very colorful, thoughtful, in many scenes it can be revealed from an ambiguous side.
The main beauty of history has not only attractive external data, but also a rich inner world: thanks to her faithfulness, quickness and courage in most paintings, the main character wins.
The best westerns: names, list
To get into the atmosphere of the mysterious and dangerous Texas, it is worth reviewing the top ten paintings on this subject:
- "Wild Gang" 1969 release. In the center of the complex plot is the sunset of an entire era of the Wild West. The territory of the country is shrouded in the shadow of the First World War. The traditions and laws of cowboys and thugs are gradually erased from the memory of the population, giving way to more pressing issues. A gang of 6 experienced, but not young robbers already decides to crank out the last decisive "deal", after which he will repeat the fate of the entire Wild West ...
- No less successful premiere of 1969 "Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid" , which tells of two partners and loyal comrades from the gang society "Hole in the Wall." Thanks to Buch’s flexible mind and Sandes’s unconditional loyalty, they manage to rob the train twice, transporting money in the country. The leaders of the gang are put on the wanted list, the super-bloodhound of the country Baltimore is ordered to direct the capture. To hide from the field of vision of the ranger, two bandits decide to escape to Bolivia ...
- An earlier version from Fred Zinnemman titled “Exactly at Noon” tells the story of inner reincarnation. Will wants to take root with his wife Emily in one of the stable towns. But the former convicted Miller returns to Will’s hometown to take revenge on anyone who allowed his arrest. First, Will decides to flee to the nearby prairies with his wife and comrades, but halfway through he realizes the need to correct past mistakes and save the townspeople from death.
- "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" from the magnificent John Ford. The central line of the plot is the life of Senator Stoddard, whose name is well known to everyone. Once a politician appears in one of the old cities of the Wild West - Chibone, to honor the memory of his good friend Tom. The local journalist decides to ask the senator about the reason for his arrival and in return receives incredible material - the story of the victory over the wild gangster Liberty Valance.
- "A few dollars more" from Sergio Leone. The picture covers the events of the life of the bounty hunter (A man without a name) and the desperate colonel of the local police Mortimer. A difficult duet was formed against the backdrop of a general desire to catch the Mexican Indigo, who is terrorizing the Wild West. The state authorities offer hunters decent money for each villain caught, and for the Indigo gang, everyone will receive several dollars more.
- "For a Fistful of Dollars" talks about the life of the suburban village of San Miguel, which over the years has become an arena for the two largest gangs of the Wild West. The visiting tramp shooter decides to intervene in the established rhythm of life and save the locals from the attacks of thugs.
- The Searchers (1956) . The era of the Wild West was not easy. They reigned their own laws and customs, which drove many people into unimaginable situations, depriving them of the slightest right to act on the principles of humanity. Ethan Edwards lost his own niece - the girl was kidnapped by evil Comanches. Five years of tireless search and constant solitude guide the former Confederate army soldier on the right path.
- "Train to Yuma" (2007) - a modern vision of the war between bandits and shooters from small towns. Locals want to send the leader of the local gang, Ben Wade, by rail to the guarded fort of Yuma, and only Dan Evans, a former veteran of the terrible Civil War, could decide to escort such a dangerous bandit, but robbers attack the first place for an overnight stay.
- “Once in the Wild West” (1969) - tells the story of an unhappy widow whose lands sunk into the soul of a local businessman. Having obtained the territory, the ransomware will be able to build a railway and rely on significant profits later. An ambiguous couple decided to save the widow: the Cheyenne bandit and the mysterious tramp.
- The leader among the films of the Western genre is the picture "Good, Bad, Evil" (1967) , which opens the curtain of secrecy over the Wild West during the Civil War. The trinity of brave men decides to find the lost gold, but the devastation in the country and constant hostilities deprive the heroes of the only way to receive information - trust in others.
The top ten cinema products will not only brighten up a couple of hours of free time, but also give an unlimited number of positive emotions from watching broadcast frames.
A selection of westerns with action movie elements
Mixing several genres in one film is a skillful focus for directors trying to close holes in the script and give the plot dynamism and intrigue. What movie genre can western be combined with? Militants have become the best "partners" for Western. The following paintings are recommended for viewing:
- “The Hangman” (2015) - the picture is dedicated to the story of Aman, a mysterious and elusive shooter who hunts two loots at once: Wild West bandits and his personal demons of the past.
- "Barbarians and Thieves" (2012) . The escape of the two killers, which seemed initially perfect, turns into another test. In the forest, in the midst of darkness and animals, two fugitives fall into the hands of a marshal waging war with a Chinese businessman.
- "Fort Alamo . " The authorities are conducting widespread agitation, urging everyone to go to buy land. This period in the history of the Wild West is marked by the campaign of the President of Mexico on the dream of many nomads - Fort Alamo. Filmed based on real historical events, it tells about the battle of Alamo - the largest battle between the forces of the Mexican army and rebel troops of American settlers
Wild Western - a new wave of popularity of the genre
A new influx of Western fans appeared immediately after the release of the famous movie "Wild, Wild West" with the inimitable Will Smith. The attraction of the film was the crushing humor of the protagonist, interesting scenery and no less multifaceted characters of minor characters. Also, many critics attribute the “Slow West” to the wild western, which is filled with the true spirit of the cowboy era and conveys as accurately as possible their inner experiences and dreams.
Entourage - the main bait of Western
The lion's share of all time is allotted to landscape frames in films, because thanks to them, the viewer is immersed in the atmosphere of events and can not tear himself away from viewing literally until the last frame. The classic sites for shooting are the isolated forts of Texas, of which there are a lot of left in the country, abandoned or restored ranches, real farms and, of course, small towns with themed saloons.
External irritants, or What influenced the genre
Many historians and screenwriters have noted the great influence on the development of Westerns of Japanese film masterpieces about the adventures of the samurai, their characters and the desire to win justice and truth. Well, we will not deny that there is some truth in such statements. And what do lovely ladies think about the paintings of the genre we are considering?
Western from a female perspective
What is western for the fair sex? Especially for the female audience, some directors released several juicy premieres at once. One of the most colorful and original can be considered the film "Bandits", which shows fragile women in the role of gallant riders and shooters. Charming bandits became a true thunderstorm of the Wild West of the period of 1888.
Spaghetti Western and its features
What is western? The meanings of the word and the specifics of films of this genre we already know. In the world of cinema, a concept like spaghetti western appeared. What it is? A similar name was attached to the Italian versions of films about the Wild West. A peculiarity of this variety of westerns is their picture romance: the characters have an attractive appearance, a touching melody always sounds in the background, and a happy ending always awaits the viewer. Films in Italy are filled with real sensitive irony and subtle sarcasm.
Happy viewing!