Emma's Blog: Genre Research

Genre: Westerns

Westerns are a genre that is typically set in the American West anywhere from 1865 to the end of the 19th century. The stories are centered around characters such as cowboys, outlaws, natives, and settlers as they explore/exist in the “Wild West”. This genre emphasizes the desolate and dry essence of the western frontier as well as the environment’s dangerous elements. While the genre does draw in a broad spectrum of viewers, its violent and action-packed nature targets a male audience.

Genre conventions – Content

Key elements found in westerns are character archetypes. Most characters in westerns typically fall into one of three main categories: hero, villain, or victim. Heroes in this genre are typically self-reliant, solitary males. Although, some heroes may receive support from a side character. Villains are also typically male characters who outnumber/overpower the hero. Not always, but oftentimes, these villains are outlaws or robbers. Lastly, characters categorized as victims are usually women, children, or older men who are being threatened by actions of the villain.

The storyline of most westerns include certain key events. The story typically begins with the premise of a hero entering or returning to a location where they bear witness to the villain’s control or criminal activity. The hero then decides to pursue justice either to protect victims or to gain a reward of some sort. This choice leads into the main action/plot of the story where the hero will put their life at risk to defeat the villain. The story continues as the hero and villain battle it out via various shoot outs, a staple of the westerns genre. Finally, the story concludes with the hero prevailing over the villain.

Setting is also a huge part of the westerns genre. Most scenes take place within American desert towns. The hostile conditions of the desert play a role in the story by contributing to the solitary and rugged atmosphere of the location. Within these towns, staple settings are saloons and town-streets. These locations are typically where most of the action (shoot-outs) take place. Since action and violence is so prominent in the genre, most viewers know to expect its occurrence in these two particular locations. Another setting seen in westerns is that of trains. This particular location also fits the typical storyline as the trains are usually subject to robberies by the villain.

Genre conventions – Production Techniques

Throughout the production, sound is used to add emphasis to the action taking place on screen. Drum beats are often used in instances when action is building because the sound builds anticipation towards what is taking place. These drums, either paired or followed by the sounds of gunshots, bolster the adrenaline rush provided by the violence/action on screen. Music created from simple string instruments is also typical of the genre. This is because the music contributes to the setting’s isolated and demanding atmosphere seeing as many of the characters portrayed do not have the time nor the money to indulge in lavish activities. As such, the simple string instruments stress the unpretentious nature of the town, and by extension, the cowboy. Lastly, much of the other music and instruments heard in this genre draw influence from Mexican and Native music to further establish the western and untamed nature of the location.

Specific shot choices are also vital in the westerns genre. A variation of the medium shot known as the “cowboy shot” is extremely popular in many westerns. The shot is taken from the mid thigh up and is used to draw attention to the character’s hip. This is because the hip is where the character’s gun and holster is usually located. Further, the shot is able to remain close enough to display emotion on the character’s face.

Institutional Conventions

Since westerns target a male audience, covers typically display main characters or “heroes” in a masculine fashion (confident, physically strong, handsome). Other stereotypically “masculine” features are also emphasized in the marketing of westerns. Covers include guns, villains, and victims which appeal to violence and heroic attitudes in an attempt to capture the interest of males.

Film Sample #1

The film Tombstone (1993) is an American western, somewhat inspired by events in Tombstone Arizona during the 1880s. The film embodies the genre as the theme of justice is central to the plot and it follows the typical storyline of many films in the western genre. In Tombstone, the heroes step up to take action against the villains known as the Cowboys, who appear to be stronger as they run the town of Tombstone. The film also includes multiple shootouts, a staple of westerns, as shown by the gun fight scene at the O.K. Corral. The film also suits the genre as an appeal to heroics is main to the plot. The heroes are protecting the victims, (townspeople) and are fed up with the lawlessness of the town. Lastly, the heroes, through much gun violence, are victorious over the villains, an ending that is common in the westerns genre.

Film Sample #2

Unforgiven (1992) is an American western film directed by Clint Eastwood portraying a retired outlaw who goes on one last job for the sake of his children. He is tasked with killing two cowboys who disfigured a prostitute. This film embodies the westerns genre as the main hero, Will Munny, portrays the typical main-character archetype of hero. He takes the job not only to support his children’s future but to also pursue justice for the prostitutes. These characters fall into the typical westerns archetypes as Will is the hero and the victims are his children and women. The film also embodies the genre by including much gun violence as the heroes hunt the Cowboys and are hunted by Sheriff Little Bill. This fits the typical plotline of westerns’ heroes risking their life to pursue justice. Much of this action takes place in or outside of a saloon, a setting typical of westerns. Lastly, the movie includes the usual ending of westerns in which the hero prevails over the villains after an intense gun battle. This is displayed by the shootout between Little Bill and Will. Will restores justice for the victims and warns he will return should the prostitutes be harmed.

Some Other Westerns to Consider: