1,253
16
Research Paper, 2 pages (350 words)

Landscape in the classic western

The article “ Landscape in the Western Classic text: Landscape in the Classic Hollywood Western” by Stanley Solomon focuses around the central claim that landscape is definitive to the film genre of Western, defining both plot and characterization. First, the severity of the barren landscape against which the plot of Western movies revolves suggests that the characters in the movie either have to be rugged or likely to fall prey to more rugged ones. Scarcely populated rural places allow for the clear-cut distinction between an honest group of citizens with local sheriff as their leader and a gang of immoral criminals. Since the landscape is clear-cut and straightforward, so are the characters and their moral traits. The same is true for sharply delineated codes of behavior that have to be grasped by both criminals and good guys.

The severe natural and human environments, in which the characters of the Western have to act, develop skills crucial to survival, including “ competence in the face of danger, courage, determination, and endurance” (Solomon 1976). The threat in most cases comes not from nature that, for all its mercilessness, is fair and predictable in its threats, but from human villains. The struggle between moral and immoral characters is the cornerstone of the plot.

A peculiarenvironmentoften tells a lot about the women’s role. Most of female characters, exactly like men, should possess strength of character and survival skills that are looked up to by men. At the same time, women bring a humanizing effect to movies, supporting the value of human life.

Western movies often call for insights into the past of the character, in contrast to urban movies where the emphasis is on the throbbing present of the city life. A Western character arrives at the scene a mature man, shaped by his past experiences, that often involve some indelible tragedy. Understanding a character’s past is essential, although information of it is often presented as a mere hint. “ The interrelationships of landscape, characterization, and the past” form the central focus of the Western genre (Solomon 1976).

Bibliography

Solomon, Stanley. Beyond Formula: American Film Genres. 1976.

Thank's for Your Vote!
Landscape in the classic western. Page 1
Landscape in the classic western. Page 2
Landscape in the classic western. Page 3

This work, titled "Landscape in the classic western" was written and willingly shared by a fellow student. This sample can be utilized as a research and reference resource to aid in the writing of your own work. Any use of the work that does not include an appropriate citation is banned.

If you are the owner of this work and don’t want it to be published on AssignBuster, request its removal.

Request Removal
Cite this Research Paper

References

AssignBuster. (2022) 'Landscape in the classic western'. 13 January.

Reference

AssignBuster. (2022, January 13). Landscape in the classic western. Retrieved from https://assignbuster.com/landscape-in-the-classic-western/

References

AssignBuster. 2022. "Landscape in the classic western." January 13, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/landscape-in-the-classic-western/.

1. AssignBuster. "Landscape in the classic western." January 13, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/landscape-in-the-classic-western/.


Bibliography


AssignBuster. "Landscape in the classic western." January 13, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/landscape-in-the-classic-western/.

Work Cited

"Landscape in the classic western." AssignBuster, 13 Jan. 2022, assignbuster.com/landscape-in-the-classic-western/.

Get in Touch

Please, let us know if you have any ideas on improving Landscape in the classic western, or our service. We will be happy to hear what you think: [email protected]