The Western genre has been a defining hallmark of cinema ever since it first rose to prominence as far back as the 1930s. Reaching its pinnacle in the 50s and 60s, it became emblematic of American film with screen icons like John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, and Gary Cooper prolific stars of the genre. However, with … Read more
The Big Picture Some movies can be considered the “biggest ever” in their genre but still be a box office bomb due to extravagant costs. Westerns have limited global appeal and tend to only work well at the American box office. Wild Wild West was a financial disaster despite its box office numbers, primarily due … Read more
At one point in time, Westerns were about as ubiquitous in Hollywood as superhero movies are today. Studios were churning them out year after year, some better than others, but after a certain point, the genre fizzled out. Which is a shame, because it’s one of the most gorgeous and compelling genres in film history. … Read more
In the mid-60s, during the twilight of the cinematic golden era of American Westerns, it seemed audiences were finally growing tired of cowboys and shootouts. However, just as the saloon doors were almost closed on the genre, a wave of Italian filmmakers kicked them back open, like a vigilante gunslinger prepared to save a town. … Read more