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
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