The Western hero

Résumé du document

One of the best and most accurate descriptions of the Western hero was given by Robert Warshow in his 1954 article "The Westerner". This paper discusses the main characteristics or personality traits of the westerner (as defined by Warshow). It presents the westerner as the embodiment of the myth in cinematic representations in general. These traits find excellent representation in George Stevens' romanticized version of the hero in the movie Shane in particular. The hero's (Alan Ladd) physical deportment, as well as his actions, attitude and general conduct, that defines him actually as the "last gentleman" is presented in this paper.

Extraits

[...] Shane enters the saloon to get soda for Joey. He is laughed at for ordering a child's drink instead of a traditional shot of whiskey. Shane is mocked and treated as one of the cowardly homesteaders; but he doesn't fight with the men who ridicule him and goes away: he leaves the saloon without punishing the men. Later, Joe's friends come to his house to talk about their problems of land; they are aware of Shane's encounter with Calloway in town, and how he let him and his fellows laugh at him; they believe that they can't count on the cowardly Shane to help them and reject him. [...]

[...] P.U.L Univers du western par Georges-Albert Astre et Albert-Patrick Hoarau. Ed. Seghers La grande aventure du Western par Jean-Louis Rieupeyrout. Ed. du Cerf Col. 7ème Art Le Western ou le cinéma américain par excellence par Jean-Louis Rieupeyrout et André Bazin. Ed. du Cerf. Col. 7ème Art Le Western par Christian Gonzàlez. Ed. P.U.F. [...]

[...] I've never seen him shoot. But I doubt it. The other relationship is the one with Marion. Indeed, there is and throughout the film an unspoken and platonic attraction between Marion and Shane. In almost every gesture, glance, and scene between them, there is a subtle, idealized interest and hidden love. As Shane's relationship with the family grows, we realize that Shane and Marian are attracted to each other. Shane, does not try to seduce Joe's wife and keeps his distance, no doubt because of his respect and friendship with Marian's husband Joe. [...]

[...] Wilderness of nature is an important element, where the hero feels the most at ease. Shane even seems to glow in this place, and is often filmed in low-angle shot and seems dominant, a lone figure on horseback, up on top of a hill. But he is, and will stay a bit of a mystery.for every one. However, when we see him interact with the Starrett family, he appears to be friendly and wants to help the family out. Then, we learn his identity. [...]

[...] This is the case in Shane. The married woman and the lonely Western hero cannot be together, and Shane does not seek to develop their relationship. The only situation Shane is clearly implied in is Joe's problems with villain”.He seeks vengeance against the people who had done his friend wrong. He knows that he has to help this man who shouldn't fight because of the risks: he is a husband and a father, and shouldn't die. As Shane has no link with anybody, and as we said, no past and no future, he feels that he has to fight instead of his friend Joe. [...]