Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Unforgiven, SG

The movie Unforgiven seeks to revise the views of the traditional western films. Morgan Freeman plays the role of Clint Eastwood’s partner. There are several instances in the movie that shows he is not equal to white men. However this differs from the racial inequality of black men in previous western films because this racism shows the views of time period in which the movie was taking place in, not necessarily the views of the time period in which the movie was made. Despite several instances of racism Freeman’s character represents and alpha male cowboy. In traditional westerns a black make would not have this type of power.

Another revisionist theme in this movie is shown in Clint Eastwood’s character. Early in the movie the viewer learns that Eastwood’s character was once a ruthless killer and has since changed his ways. He credits his wife for these changes saying “she cured me of my wickedness.” Eastwood’s character emphasizes how his wife brought religion to his life. This differs from the view of the cowboy in traditional westerns. Getting married and giving into religion where things the cowboy that would not be seen by the cowboy in traditional westerns.

One thing about the traditional cowboy that remains constant in this film is the cowboy’s sense of duty. That being said Eastwood’s duty differs from that of the traditional cowboy. In this movie Eastwood agrees to go on the man hunt in order to provide for his children. We saw for the first time a less selfish sense of duty presented by the alpha male cowboy.

1 comment:

  1. The movie Unforgiven seeks to revise the views of the traditional western films. In this film we see the deglorification of violence. In traditional westerns violence is not only a part of everyday life but something the cowboy is proud of. Clint Eastwood's character talks about how ugly killing another man really is.

    Another revisionist theme in this movie is shown in Clint Eastwood’s character. Early in the movie the viewer learns that Eastwood’s character was once a ruthless killer and has since changed his ways. He credits his wife for these changes saying “she cured me of my wickedness.” Eastwood’s character emphasizes how his wife brought religion to his life. This differs from the view of the cowboy in traditional westerns. Getting married and giving into religion where things the cowboy that would not be seen by the cowboy in traditional westerns.

    One thing about the traditional cowboy that remains constant in this film is the cowboy’s sense of duty. That being said Eastwood’s duty differs from that of the traditional cowboy. In this movie Eastwood agrees to go on the man hunt in order to provide for his children. We saw for the first time a less selfish sense of duty presented by the alpha male cowboy.

    ReplyDelete