intro to western

Introduction

• The discussion centers around the film genre of Noir, particularly a contemporary film set in the late 1940s.

• Key characters from the film include Daisy and her relationships, including a rivalry with Todd Carter.

Overview of Noir

• A hallmark of Noir films involves morally ambiguous characters and dark, often urban settings.

• The film discussed exhibits Noir characteristics: crime, moral complexity, and a sense of doom.

Key Scene Analysis

• Climactic Shootout Scene: features Daisy in a remote cabin where secrets about racial identity and a mayoral race rival are revealed.

  • Daisy holds photographic evidence of Todd Carter’s criminal behavior (pedophilia).

  • Distrust and danger loom as characters like EZ and Mouse confront violence.

  • Mouse's reluctance to execute difficult tasks brings tension.

Characters' Dynamics

• EZ and Mouse:

  • EZ relies on Mouse to deal with situations that EZ is unwilling to confront directly.

  • Mouse, characterized as a "force of nature," acts decisively and violently, representing moral nihilism in the environment.

  • The dynamic raises questions about the morality of using friends to carry out violent acts.

Themes of Morality

• The conversation reflects on the nature of individual morality within the framework of larger social forces, suggesting that the line between good and bad is often blurred in Noir.

• Mouse’s actions are revealed to be a reflection of deeply seated societal issues rather than individual choice.

• The narrative hints at systemic racism and integrity challenges faced by characters in the story.

Conclusion of the Film

• The ending contrasts the joys of personal connection against a backdrop of larger societal issues.

• A newspaper highlights tension in the community with headlines about racial strife and individual success.

• Although there are moments of joy, the film underscores a persistent struggle against systemic oppression.

Noir vs Western Genre

• Discussion transitions to Westerns, noting that while both genres contain conflict and violence, Westerns traditionally present heroic narratives placed against the ideal of manifest destiny.

• The evolution of the Western genre reflects societal changes, often questioning earlier tropes.

Iconography in Westerns

• Common visual elements include:

  • Cowboy hats, saloons, shootouts, and horses are iconic to the Western genre.

  • Violence is often tied to the hero’s identity and the thematic exploration of redemption through action.

Revisionist Westerns

• Newer Westerns question long-standing myths of heroism, exploring deeper character complexities and societal critique.

• Films like "The Searchers" and "Unforgiven" embody this shift, presenting heroes with flaws and challenging historical narratives.

Conclusion on Genre Development

• Both Noir and Western genres are evolving, with revisions reflecting changing cultural perspectives.

• Westerns face the challenge of modernization as the once-exotic frontier has become commonplace, leading to hybrid genres such as sci-fi becoming the new frontier in narratives.