Stagecoach Screening Report:
1. There
was a turning point in Hollywood, which introduced a new genre to the film
industry in the late 1930’s. The Western genre was in its infancy but gave
people a new outlook on Western American in the 1800’s. The western genre was
such a hit that from 1939-1941 it was labeled as the “Greatest period of
filmmaking.” Studios were making so much money off of westerns that people
began to loose interest in dramatic film. John Ford initiated the western onto
the big screen and experience harsh criticism for it; however, Ford went on to
become one of the greatest directors in history winning four best director
awards at the Academy Awards. Ford wanted to not only make a western but to
make it relatable to the audience. Therefore, he adapted the idea of good and
evil being a choice or is it by nature, which is something he brought to
“Stagecoach.” The humanism he brought to the big screen really showed that
westerns could be something special.
2. United
Artists, the studio that distributed the film, was not all in on Ford’s idea of
a western. In addition, they were not completely sold on Ford as a director.
According to TMC the studios saw Ford as a “low budget” director who could only
make short films. Ford “shopped” the film to many studios that turned him down
because they were unwilling to create a big budgeted western film, until United
was willing to take a chance. However, the lead actor was a huge question mark
and the studio wanted a well-known actor but Ford chose a young man named John
Wayne to portray “The Kid.” The studio was outraged at the decision and
demanded Ford change his pick immediately. However, Ford stood firm and did not
budge on his decision. Soon after the film was released John Wayne received
critical acclaim and his reputation grew throughout Hollywood. On a $250,000
budget the film made over $1,000,000 and received a best picture nomination at
the Academy Awards. The film was restored by FOX in 1996 and re-released for
home video. In addition, numerous studios purchased United Artist since 1967;
with MGM purchasing the studio in 2005.
3. The
article explains the Hollywood studios unwillingness to give Ford a chance to
bring the western to the big screen until UA took a chance on the film. In
addition, it mentions the studios questioning of John Wayne as the lead actor
in the film and why he would not work. It tells of the films acclaim and the
numerous awards received and what circumstances the studio is currently in
since the late 60’s.
4. Overall,
the film lacked narrative but I could see how it became a stepping-stone for
the western genre. The acting was solid
and the characters were relatable even though it was an old film. The most
exciting seen was the stagecoach shootout with the Apache Indians, even though
there are some questions I would have about Native American intentions during
the 1800’s. The only problem was narrative because it felt as though you lost
track of what was occurring and how these characters got into certain
situations, which does cause the audience to want to see the film again so they
can understand what exactly happened. However, I can see why it is a classic
film because it set the tone for the many westerns to come, which would feature
John Wayne and many others.
CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM
1) (X) I have not handed in this
assignment for any other class.
2) (X) If I reused any information from other
papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.
3) (X) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those
words, or used indentation and citation within the text.
4) (X) I have not
padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in
the text of the paper.
5) (X) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages
I personally read.
6) (X) I have used direct quotations only in cases where
it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and
in the bibliography.
7) (X) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the
paper lacks interpretation or originality.
8) (X) I checked yes on steps 1-7
and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in
my paper.
Name: Wayne Clark Date:
3/14/14
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