Pg. 99: John White's "The Contemporary Western"

Featured at the Page 99 Test: The Contemporary Western: An American Genre Post 9/11 by John White.

About the book, from the publisher:

The September 11th attacks in 2001 and the subsequent 'War on Terror' have had a profound effect on American cinema, and the contemporary Western is no exception. In this book, John White explores how films such as Open Range, True Grit and Jane Got a Gun reinforce a conservative myth of America exceptionalism; endorsing the use of extreme force in dealing with enemies and highlighting the importance of defending the homeland. Placing their characters within a dark world of confusion and horror, these films reflect the United States' post-9/11 uncertainties, and the conflict between civilised values and the brutality employed to defend them.

Learn more about The Contemporary Western at the publisher's website.

The Page 99 Test: The Contemporary Western.

--Marshal Zeringue