The Contemporary Western: An American Genre Post-9/11

The September 11th attacks in 2001 and the subsequent 'War on Terror' have had a profound effect on American cinema, and the contemporary Western is no exception. In this book, John White explores how films such as Open Range, True Gritand Jane Got a Gunreinforce a conservative myth of America exceptionalism; endorsing the use of extreme force in dealing with enemies and highlighting the importance of defending the homeland. Placing their characters within a dark world of confusion and horror, these films reflect the United States' post-9/11 uncertainties, and the conflict between civilised values and the brutality employed to defend them.

• | Author: John White
• | Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• | Publication Date: February 28, 2021
• | Number of Pages: 208 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback
• | ISBN-10: 1474427936
• | ISBN-13: 9781474427937