- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
- The Wild Bunch (1969)
- The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
- The Missouri Breaks (1976)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
- The Long Riders (1980)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- The Sisters Brothers (2018)
- The Professionals (1966)
- The Great Train Robbery (1903)
The Wild West, with its lawless landscapes and rugged characters, often served as the perfect backdrop for tales of deception. This curated list of ten Western films delves into the theme of pretence, showcasing how characters use guile and trickery to navigate the harsh realities of frontier life. From con artists to undercover agents, these films offer a thrilling exploration of the human capacity for deceit, providing viewers with both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: A tale of mistaken identity and the myth of heroism, where a man is credited with a deed he did not perform, highlighting the theme of pretence in the West.
Fact: John Wayne and James Stewart starred in this film, which explores the myth-making of the West.
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The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: Aging outlaws use their experience to pull off one last heist, employing various forms of deception to evade capture.
Fact: This film is often cited for its graphic violence and its portrayal of the end of the Old West.
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The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: Cable Hogue, left for dead in the desert, finds water and uses it to con his way to wealth, showcasing the theme of pretence through his cunning survival tactics.
Fact: This was one of the last films directed by Sam Peckinpah, known for his gritty Westerns.
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The Missouri Breaks (1976)
Description: A story of a cattle rustler who pretends to be a simple farmer, only to be pursued by a relentless regulator, showcasing deception in a cat-and-mouse game.
Fact: This was the only film where Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson co-starred.
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The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: Josey Wales, a Confederate soldier, pretends to be a peaceful farmer while secretly plotting revenge, embodying the theme of deception.
Fact: Clint Eastwood directed and starred in this film, which became one of his most iconic roles.
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The Long Riders (1980)
Description: This film features real-life brothers playing the James-Younger gang, who use their familial bonds to deceive and outwit their enemies.
Fact: The film cast actual siblings to play the outlaws, adding authenticity to the portrayal of family dynamics.
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: A deep dive into the relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford, where Ford's pretence of loyalty leads to betrayal.
Fact: The film's title is based on a real headline from the time of Jesse James's death.
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The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Description: Two brothers, hired to track down a prospector, find themselves embroiled in a web of deceit and unexpected alliances.
Fact: This film is based on the novel by Patrick deWitt and features a unique blend of dark comedy and Western elements.
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The Professionals (1966)
Description: A group of mercenaries are hired under false pretenses to rescue a woman, only to uncover layers of deceit in their mission.
Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, and Claudia Cardinale.
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The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Description: While not strictly a Western, this silent film features a gang of outlaws who use deception to rob a train, setting the stage for many Western narratives.
Fact: It is considered one of the first narrative films, pioneering many film techniques.
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