Compare two of these films you watched this week, in terms of their styles and how they handle content. How are their styles similar, and what distinguishes one from the other? As always, choose at least two scenes (one from each film—or more if you wish) to use as supporting examples for your argument. Screen shot each of them. Be specific in your analysis, and do not summarize.
Django Unchained (2:45:00)
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Django takes the Hollywood Western and puts it to revolutionary use as a vehicle for the story of a former slave turned bounty hunter/cowboy. Django is hell-bent on freeing his wife from the clutches of a sadistic slave owner who bought her when she and her husband were sold separately by their former owner for trying to escape. This summary barely does the film justice. It’s brutal for sure, but—like all of Tarantino’s films—has comedic moments, an incredible script that re-envisions the conventions of this genre, and performances that are unforgettable. Jamie Fox plays Django with passion and panache.
Seven Samurai (3:27:00)
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This epic film by the great Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa, directly provided the plot for its Western counterpart, The Magnificent Seven, but even if it hadn’t, Kurosawa’s work is something every film student should experience. This is a simple story of a poor town under attack that recruits seven unemployed Samurai to protect its people. However, watching the cinematography and the way the narrative unfolds is akin to taking a master class in filmmaking.
3:10 to Yuma (1:53:00)
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Although made in 2007, this is an old-fashioned, classic Western in the best sense. It has many classic Western tropes and even takes place shortly after the Civil War. It’s a battle of wills between the two main characters, an honest rancher and a complex, ruthless bandit. The rancher volunteers to get the outlaw on the 3:10 train to Yuma for the price of $200, but we know it can’t be that simple.