Westerns

by John White

Overview

It is a common assertion that the history of America is written in its Westerns, but how true is this?

In this guidebook John White discusses the evolution of the Western through history and looks at theoretical and critical approaches to Westerns such as genre analysis, semiotics, representation, ideology, discourse analysis, narrative, realism, auteur and star theory, psychoanalytical theory, postmodernism and audience response. The book includes case studies of 8 key westerns:

• Stagecoach
• My Darling Clementine
• Shane
• The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
• McCabe and Mrs Miller
• Unforgiven
• Brokeback Mountain
• The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Including a chronology of significant events for the Western genre, a glossary and further reading, this introduction to an important genre in film studies is a great guide for students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415558129
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/26/2010
Series:	Routledge Film Guidebooks
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

John White is Lecturer in Film and Media at Anglia Ruskin University. He is co-author of AS Film Studies: The Essential Introduction (2nd edition, 2008) and A2 Film Studies: The Essential Introduction (2nd edition, 2009) and co-editor of 50 Key British Films (2008) and 50 Key American Films (2009).

Table of Contents

Selected Contents: Introduction Chapter 1. The Evolution of the Western Chapter 2. Theoretical and Critical Approaches to Westerns Chapter 3. Key Westerns Chronology Glossary Further Reading Index

Editorial Reviews

'... what you get is a really well written and researched application of a wide range of theoretical perspectives applied to the genre. I shouldn't have been suprised, as John White is a sharp thinker with a detailed knowledge of and passion for film.' - POV

From the Publisher