The Contemporary Western. An American Genre Post-9/11 (harback)

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.