The Searchers is a very unique film. first off it's the first western on this list but it also happens to provide a very unique form of commentary. as it represents not just the social view points of the time but more so the social view points of the era in which it was made. It's a fascinating study of racism and hatred, and how that can force a human being to rationalize certain atrocities. i'd tell you more but lets get onto the plot first.
Our story begins in 1868, Texas where Civil War vet Ethan ( played here by John Wayne) has finally returned home from the war. he is greeted by his brothers family who eagerly welcome him with open arms. One day he is recruited by the town's reverend to go and retrieve some stolen live stock; but while he's gone a tribe of Comanche Indians attack his brother's settlement and kill all of them save for the youngest daughter, Debbie, whom Ethan had taken a shining to. With vengeance on his mind, Ethan recruits the help of several men close to the family to go out and retrieve Debbie, and avenge the murder of his family.
I always find films that use cookie cutter plots and then try them into masterpieces. it just goes to show you that cliche's when used properly can be used to good affect. What I mean by this is that The Searchers follows the basic story of a man who starts out cruel or prejudice and then ultimately learns to love. While this a story that has been done to death, but what makes the film so interesting is without a doubt its subject matter. Ethan is a racist. Early in the film it becomes quite clear that his utter disdain for the Native American population. But we come to realize that his prejudice is not just ignorance, but also a blind hatred. At one point in the film Ethan shoots the corps of a comanche in the eyes so that he can never reach his paradise, showing that his hatred is so intense he will not grant his enemies peaceful win the afterlife. Ethan's prejudice appears justified with the death of his family. There is definitely some question into the ethics of this film as the moral of racism is quite blurry, as it's not just the white characters that are prejudice as we see the Comanche are just as prejudice and hateful as Ethan. One scene in particular shows a Comanche remarking that the death of his two sons is reason enough to scalp the white man. What we now have is not a film just about racism but about the destructive nature it has. The Comanche chief has lost his his family to the white man, Ethan lost his to the Comanche's, and now Ethan is willing to seek vengeance against the Comanche's; an endless circle held together by hate.
As far as cinematography goes the film is alright. the film isn't particularly stylized, and the make up can be laughable at certain points, especially when it comes the the mixed race boy who follow Ethan where ever he goes. He's supposed to look like a a half Comanche half european male, but instead he come soft looking like Tan Mom. Just look at it, this is borderline blackface! I find it so odd that a film the deals with Racism on such an interesting level would choose to portray a race in such a way as this.
So lets talk about the centerpiece of this movie, John Wayne. Before Clint Eastwood, John Wayne was and to some extent still is the Face of Movie Westerns. the way he talks his stone face his voice, the characters he'd portray all of these have exceeded that of just an actor and made him into an icon. And this film is by far one of his yes roles. Ethan has is a man who has lived through a rough life. The Civil War is still a new memory in his mind and the weight of his own hatred is close to destroying not only himself but the ones he loves most. With John Wayne you can just tell he's a hard man who has is unmoved by anyone; this makes his reconciliation not just relieving but also surprising. I remember being convinced that the story would become tragedy by the end. as he frequently talks of his desire to kill his only nice because he has been brainwashed by the Indians, but instead we actually have a really sweet moment. That's where this film and the film's lead really come through and shows its heart.
In the end, I don't really have a lot to say on this film. It's really one of those movies that you have to see in order to truly understand it's weight and significance on our society. Often sighted as the "Forgotten Classic". I feel this film absolutely deserves a look. as andy climactic as this article is it's only because I'm currently working on my next one and trust me it's going to be a big one so sit tight and if you have a chance check out The Searchers.
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