Western Films Exploring Obsession

Description: Ethan Edwards' relentless quest to rescue his niece from Comanche captors becomes an obsession that consumes him, highlighting the dark side of the American frontier.

Fact: The film was initially met with mixed reviews but has since been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made. John Wayne's portrayal of Ethan Edwards is considered one of his finest roles.

Description: The story revolves around the myth of a man who becomes a legend due to an act of violence, exploring the obsession with fame and the truth behind legends.

Fact: The film famously ends with the line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend," encapsulating the theme of myth versus reality.

Description: Frank's obsession with controlling the land and eliminating any threats, including the mysterious Harmonica, drives the plot, showcasing the destructive nature of greed and revenge.

Fact: Sergio Leone's epic was originally over three hours long, and its score by Ennio Morricone is considered one of the best in film history.

Description: Rooster Cogburn's obsession with capturing Tom Chaney, who killed her father, leads Mattie Ross on a journey of revenge and justice, showcasing the grit of the West.

Fact: John Wayne won his only Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Rooster Cogburn.

Description: Pike Bishop's gang, driven by their obsession with one last big score, faces the changing times and their own moral decay, leading to a violent climax.

Fact: The film was groundbreaking for its time due to its graphic violence and portrayal of the end of the Old West era.

Description: The Stranger's mysterious arrival and his subsequent actions in the town of Lago are driven by an unspoken obsession with vengeance, leaving viewers to ponder his true identity.

Fact: Clint Eastwood directed this film, which has been interpreted as a modern-day retelling of the story of the ghost of a wronged man seeking justice.

Description: Josey Wales' journey from a peaceful farmer to a vengeful outlaw is fueled by his obsession with avenging his family's murder, exploring themes of justice and redemption.

Fact: Clint Eastwood not only starred but also directed this film, marking his first directorial effort in a Western.

Description: The Preacher's arrival in a mining town to protect its inhabitants from a ruthless mining company is driven by an unspoken obsession with justice and retribution.

Fact: This film is often seen as a spiritual successor to Eastwood's earlier work, "High Plains Drifter."

Description: William Munny's return to his violent past is driven by an obsession to provide for his family, leading to a confrontation with his own morality and the myth of the West.

Fact: This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is often cited as one of the greatest Westerns ever made.

Description: Robert Ford's obsession with Jesse James, both idolizing and ultimately betraying him, explores themes of fame, betrayal, and the myth of the outlaw.

Fact: The film's title is taken from the headline of a newspaper article about the assassination, and it received critical acclaim for its cinematography and performances.