It really is a shame, even though the actual west was nothing like most if not all westerns, it’s so unique and I think has a lot of untapped potential
Edit: I think the best we’ll ever get is westerns made in a different genre, this is my opinion but I think Inglourious Basterds is a western set in WWII. I could see more things like that from different directors, although in fairness you could make that comparison to a lot of Tarantinos work
I think of westerns as a fantasy historical period genre. That period was chosen because it represented a jingoistic mythical American origin story. But we could build myths about a different period instead. There’s lots of untapped historical and cultural potential out there.
I agree, it effectively already is that, it’s just that at least half of those myths are fucking horrific. But the genre, in my very white opinion, doesn’t have to be problematic. And while I know it’s not a film but Red Dead 2 is a good example
The entire Japanese film industry wouldn’t exist as it does today were it not for Akira Kurosawa and his obsession with westerns. The reason for lack of interest is lack of quality or even presence of the genre in modern day theaters
It really is a shame, even though the actual west was nothing like most if not all westerns, it’s so unique and I think has a lot of untapped potential
Edit: I think the best we’ll ever get is westerns made in a different genre, this is my opinion but I think Inglourious Basterds is a western set in WWII. I could see more things like that from different directors, although in fairness you could make that comparison to a lot of Tarantinos work
I think of westerns as a fantasy historical period genre. That period was chosen because it represented a jingoistic mythical American origin story. But we could build myths about a different period instead. There’s lots of untapped historical and cultural potential out there.
I agree, it effectively already is that, it’s just that at least half of those myths are fucking horrific. But the genre, in my very white opinion, doesn’t have to be problematic. And while I know it’s not a film but Red Dead 2 is a good example
It’s funny how actual war, romance and to an extent crime are nothing like their movie genre usually show them to be
If crime were like(the first half) of Goodfellas I’d quit my job tomorrow and become a gangster
You’re right, westerns don’t have to be 1880’s, west of the Mississippi. There are excellent modern examples:
Eh it’s such a niche topic, like whoever thinks about the American ‘Wild West’ period? There’s very little international appeal for it.
The entire Japanese film industry wouldn’t exist as it does today were it not for Akira Kurosawa and his obsession with westerns. The reason for lack of interest is lack of quality or even presence of the genre in modern day theaters
you’d be supprised.
at least here in germany, the ‘wild west’ was a huge obsession, its kinda ludicrous