Westerns were a very popular film genre years ago. Classics, such as "The Man with No Name Trilogy," "The Searchers," and "Once Upon a Time in the West," have proved that Westerns are enjoyable and interesting to watch. However, as years have gone by, the Western genre has decreased in popularity as other movie genres like action, and comedy have increased in appeal. Movies like, "Slow West" (2015, John Maclean) and "Django Unchained" (2012, Tarantino) have proved that westerns can still be fun to watch when you are the movie theater or at home.
Many movies today are now considered Neo-Westerns. Neo-Westerns are defined as a film reflecting the Western style, but being set in contemporary America. "No Country for Old Men" is a clear example. With these Neo-westerns, and other genres taking over, will the original western genre ever make a comeback?
It would be a good idea to explore how various genres i.e. Sci-Fi, Horror, have technically developed to entertain audiences in contrast to Westerns. Also you could include any cultural reasons – Ryan Errington9 years ago
Awesome topic. Mad Max: Fury Road and Joss Whedon's Serenity are good examples of films that adopt Western elements to enhance their respective atmospheres, and may be worth mentioning. – IRBurnett9 years ago
I would analyze American culture a bit for this. Westerns are the epitome of masculinity: stoicism, heroism, damsels in distress. In the changing landscape of American society, perhaps we no longer glorify the same principles that we did in the era of Western movies. The Western may no longer be relatable, and Neo-westerns may fall on the genre for nostalgic reasons only. – joshuahall9 years ago
I once read on Wikipedia (not the best source, but please hear me out) that "Breaking Bad" is labeled as a "Contemporary Western" drama series. I think it would be interesting to discuss how Breaking Bad fits into the Western genre (I mean, it DOES take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico). – Tanner Ollo9 years ago
No, it won't. At least not in the way you suggest. It has transformed, evolved, which means it was never gone. – T. Palomino2 years ago