The Origin and Evolution of the Term ‘Western’ in Film

The term “Western” has deep roots in the history and cultural evolution of American literature and cinema. It has evolved from the dime novel to become a dominant genre in film and television, shaping the narrative of morality and heroism.

Early Origins in Print

The "Western" genre did not originate in film, but rather in print, specifically in the form of dime novels. Dime novels, a popular form of literature in the 19th and early 20th centuries, became a major source of entertainment for America’s rising middle class. These novels often featured stories of cowboys, adventurers, and frontier life. A famous example is The Virginian by Owen Wister, which includes the line, "Smile when you call me that, Mister."

The Influence of James Fenimore Cooper

The real granddaddy of the Western genre is James Fenimore Cooper, whose works laid the groundwork for the genre. Cooper’s character, The Frontiersman Nathaniel, also known as "Hawkeye" and "Deerslayer," set a template for many subsequent cowboy characters. Nathaniel’s adventures in upstate New York were a prototype for the tales of cowboys who ventured west, facing the challenges and injustices of the frontier.

The American Frontier and Mythology

The late 19th century, between the end of the Civil War and 1900, was a crucial period for the American Frontier. It was during this time that many Americans still lived on the edge of society, and frontier justice often came at the hands of a lone individual standing against corrupt banks and cattle barons. The mythology of the West was mythologized, portraying cowboys as champions of justice and the lone hero standing up against corruption and nature.

The Rise of Live Shows and Entertainment

The "Western" was not exclusive to written works. It also had a significant presence in live shows, such as Colonel Buffalo Bill's Wild West. These shows featured real figures like Sitting Bull, who defeated Custer, and Robert Ford, who shot Jesse James, re-enacting their famous deeds. This entertainment further fueled the fascination and romanticization of the West among Americans and the rest of the world.

The Proliferation of the Western Genre in Media

During the 19th century, the lands west of the Mississippi River became mythologized as "the West" or "the Frontier." This had significant cultural and historical implications, with pioneers being romanticized as rugged individuals who stood up for justice and morality. Editor Horace Greeley's famous quote, "Go west, young man," further emphasized the appeal of the West as a land of action and adventure.

The term "Western" became deeply embedded in American culture and later in the film industry. The Southern California area was chosen as the filming location for Westerns due to its deserts, open land, and ranches, making it an ideal and cost-effective setting for these productions. The Western genre was not just a visual narrative but also a moral one, often depicting the struggles of a cowboy or lawman to uphold justice in a morally ambiguous world.

The Decline and Modern Relevance of the Western Genre

Despite the enduring appeal of the Western genre, it has seen a decline in the film and television industry. Shows like Yellowstone still attempt to maintain the narrative of the lone hero, but the space opera or science fiction has largely replaced the Western as a modern form of morality play. The famous preface to Star Trek even announced this shift: "For space was the Final Frontier."

The term "Western" continues to hold significance in American culture, evoking a sense of adventure, morality, and the untamed spirit of a bygone era. Its enduring legacy can be seen in modern works that draw inspiration from this rich tradition.