The Best Year for Western Movies in the 21st Century Happened 9 Years Ago

March 14, 2022

10 minutes read

The best year for Western movies in the 21st century happened 9 years ago, and it wasn’t 2023. It was 2014, a year that saw a resurgence of the genre, with a diverse range of films that captivated audiences and critics alike.

From the gritty realism of “The Revenant” to the stylish neo-western “The Salvation,” 2014 offered a fresh perspective on the classic Western, exploring themes of survival, redemption, and the complexities of the American frontier. This year wasn’t just about big-budget blockbusters; independent filmmakers also contributed significantly, adding depth and nuance to the genre.

2014 saw a perfect storm of factors that contributed to the success of Western movies. The rise of independent filmmaking allowed for more diverse storytelling, while the resurgence of classic Western tropes, like the lone cowboy and the showdown, resonated with audiences in new ways.

Additionally, contemporary social and political issues, such as the struggle for equality and the impact of globalization, found their way into the narratives of these films, adding a layer of complexity and relevance.

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Defining “The Best Year”

Determining the “best year” for Western movies is a subjective endeavor, but we can establish criteria to evaluate a year’s worth of films based on their collective impact and influence on the genre. The “best year” for Western movies isn’t solely determined by box office numbers, though commercial success certainly plays a role.

2014 was a banner year for Westerns, with some of the most acclaimed and talked-about films of the 21st century hitting theaters. It’s hard to believe that just a few years later, we’re seeing a different kind of Wild West unfold in the news, with landlords threatening a wave of tenants made homeless before a no-fault eviction ban is enacted.

It’s a stark reminder that even amidst the most exciting cinematic journeys, the harsh realities of life can still rear their ugly heads.

Instead, it’s a combination of factors that contribute to a year’s lasting influence on the genre.

Factors Contributing to a Successful Year for Western Movies

A successful year for Western movies is characterized by a combination of factors, including:

Box Office Performance:While not the sole indicator, strong box office performance demonstrates audience interest and the potential for future investment in the genre.
Critical Acclaim:Critical acclaim signifies artistic merit and quality, contributing to the genre’s reputation and attracting a wider audience.
Cultural Impact:Western movies that resonate with the cultural zeitgeist can leave a lasting impression, sparking conversations and influencing contemporary trends.
Innovation in Storytelling:Movies that push boundaries, explore new perspectives, or introduce fresh elements to the genre can revitalize and inspire future filmmakers.

Examples of Western Movies Released in 2014 that Showcase These Factors

witnessed a resurgence of Western movies, with several notable releases that exemplified the factors discussed above.

“The Homesman”(2014) directed by Tommy Lee Jones, starring Hilary Swank and Meryl Streep, received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of the hardships faced by women in the American West, and its exploration of themes of faith, resilience, and mental health.
“The Revenant”(2015), directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, became a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards including three Academy Awards. Its stunning cinematography, brutal depiction of survival, and exploration of revenge and redemption captivated audiences worldwide.
“Slow West”(2015), directed by John Maclean, starring Michael Fassbender and Kodi Smit-McPhee, garnered praise for its unique blend of Western and noir elements, its dark humor, and its exploration of the complexities of human nature.

Key Western Movies of 2014

was a banner year for Western cinema, with several films that pushed the genre in new and exciting directions. These movies explored classic themes of frontier life, violence, and redemption through innovative storytelling and captivating performances.

You know, 2014 was a truly epic year for Western movies. We had “The Revenant,” “The Hateful Eight,” and “Slow West,” all of which were critically acclaimed and remain classics today. Speaking of classics, the SPD is hoping to keep their legacy alive in Brandenburg, as they narrowly lead in the state election, according to this article.

But back to those Westerns, it’s amazing how a genre that’s been around for so long can still feel so fresh and exciting.

Themes and Styles of 2014 Western Films, The best year for western movies in the 21st century happened 9 years ago

The Western films of 2014 showcased a diverse range of themes and styles, reflecting a renewed interest in the genre and its ability to address contemporary issues. While some films adhered to traditional Western tropes, others experimented with modern sensibilities and cinematic techniques.

The Revisionist Western: Films like “The Homesman” and “The Salvation” took a critical look at the romanticized image of the American West, exposing its darker side and challenging traditional notions of heroism.
The Neo-Western: Films like “A Most Violent Year” and “The Revenant” blended elements of the Western with other genres, such as crime drama and survival thriller, creating unique and compelling narratives.
The Contemporary Western: Films like “Slow West” and “The Ballad of Lefty Brown” set their stories in the modern era, exploring themes of isolation, masculinity, and the enduring legacy of the frontier spirit.

Notable Western Films of 2014

Here are some of the most significant Western films released in 2014, each contributing to the genre’s resurgence:

“The Homesman”: Directed by Tommy Lee Jones, this film follows a woman who travels across the American West with a group of mentally ill women to find a suitable home for them. The film is a stark and uncompromising portrait of the harsh realities of frontier life, and Jones’s direction is both meticulous and powerful.
“The Salvation”: Directed by Kristian Levring, this Danish-American film stars Mads Mikkelsen as a man seeking revenge against those who murdered his family. Set in the American West in the 1870s, the film is a brutal and unflinching exploration of violence and its consequences.
“A Most Violent Year”: Directed by J.C. Chandor, this film is set in New York City in 1981, during a period of intense crime and corruption. The film’s gritty realism and exploration of ambition and morality evoke the spirit of classic Westerns.
“The Revenant”: Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, this film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a frontiersman who is left for dead after a bear attack and must survive the harsh winter in the American West. The film is a stunning and visceral experience, capturing the raw beauty and brutality of nature.
“Slow West”: Directed by John Maclean, this film stars Michael Fassbender as a Scottish gunslinger who escorts a young man to meet his love in the American West. The film is a darkly comedic and stylish take on the Western, with a unique blend of violence and humor.
“The Ballad of Lefty Brown”: Directed by Jared Moshe, this film stars Bill Pullman as a grizzled old cowboy who sets out to avenge the death of his friend. The film is a classic Western in its storytelling and themes, but with a contemporary sensibility and a strong performance by Pullman.

Cinematic Techniques and Innovations

The Western films of 2014 were not only notable for their stories and themes, but also for their innovative use of cinematic techniques.

Long Takes and Steadicam Shots: Films like “The Revenant” and “Slow West” used long takes and Steadicam shots to create a sense of immediacy and immersion, drawing the audience into the world of the film.
Visual Storytelling: Films like “The Homesman” and “The Salvation” relied heavily on visual storytelling, using landscapes and settings to convey mood and atmosphere.
Experimental Sound Design: Films like “A Most Violent Year” and “The Ballad of Lefty Brown” employed experimental sound design to create a sense of unease and tension, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.

Industry Trends and Influences

The best year for western movies in the 21st century happened 9 years ago

was a year of significant shifts and re-energized interest in the Western genre, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with the American frontier and its enduring legacy. This renaissance was fueled by a confluence of factors, including the rise of independent filmmaking, a resurgence of classic Western tropes, and the influence of contemporary social and political issues.

Independent Filmmaking and the Western

The independent film movement played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Western genre in 2014. With greater creative freedom and less reliance on studio mandates, independent filmmakers were able to explore new perspectives and experiment with unconventional storytelling techniques. This allowed for a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the West, moving beyond the traditional romanticized narratives of the past.

For example, the critically acclaimed “The Homesman”(2014), directed by Tommy Lee Jones, offered a stark and unflinching look at the harsh realities of life on the frontier, focusing on the struggles of women in a patriarchal society.
Similarly, “The Salvation”(2014), directed by Kristian Levring, explored themes of revenge and redemption against the backdrop of a brutal and unforgiving landscape, showcasing the dark underbelly of frontier life.

Resurgence of Classic Western Tropes

While independent filmmakers were pushing boundaries, mainstream Hollywood also embraced the Western genre, often incorporating classic tropes and motifs into their narratives. This resurgence of traditional elements, however, was not simply a nostalgic throwback. Instead, filmmakers used these familiar themes to explore contemporary anxieties and concerns.

For instance, “The Revenant”(2015), directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, utilized the classic revenge narrative to examine themes of survival, resilience, and the relationship between humans and nature, all against the backdrop of the American West.
Similarly, “Slow West”(2015), directed by John Maclean, employed elements of the classic Western showdown to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between tradition and modernity.

Contemporary Social and Political Issues

The Western genre has always been a reflection of its time, and 2014 was no exception. The social and political issues of the day, such as racial tensions, economic inequality, and the rise of environmentalism, found their way into Western narratives.

This allowed filmmakers to engage with contemporary concerns while drawing parallels to the challenges faced by those who lived on the frontier.

Remember 2014? That was the year for Westerns! We had “The Homesman,” “The Revenant,” and “The Salvation” all hitting theaters, and it felt like a renaissance for the genre. Now, looking at what’s happening in Hollywood what is going on now , it seems like we’re in a different era for Westerns.

Maybe we’re seeing a shift toward more sci-fi and fantasy, but I’m still holding out hope for another year like 2014!

“The Rider”(2017), directed by Chloé Zhao, examined the struggles of a Lakota cowboy trying to reclaim his identity after a near-fatal injury, weaving in themes of cultural preservation and the impact of globalization on indigenous communities.
“Wind River”(2017), directed by Taylor Sheridan, explored the darker side of the American West, focusing on the investigation of a Native American woman’s murder and highlighting the systemic issues of violence and marginalization faced by indigenous communities.

Legacy and Impact of 2014 Westerns

The Western genre experienced a resurgence in 2014, with several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films that left a lasting impact on both the genre itself and the film industry. These films explored new themes, revitalized classic tropes, and introduced fresh perspectives, pushing the boundaries of the Western while also paying homage to its rich history.

Impact on the Western Genre

The Western films of 2014 demonstrated a willingness to move beyond traditional narratives and explore more complex and nuanced themes. This shift was evident in films like “The Homesman,” which tackled the complexities of gender roles and the harsh realities of life on the frontier, and “The Revenant,” which delved into the depths of human resilience and the brutal nature of survival.

These films also challenged traditional representations of the West, presenting a more diverse and multifaceted view of the region and its inhabitants.

Comparisons with Other Years: The Best Year For Western Movies In The 21st Century Happened 9 Years Ago

While 2014 may be considered a peak year for Western movies in the 21st century, it’s crucial to compare it with other years to understand its unique qualities and why it stands out. Examining the themes, styles, and critical reception of Westerns across different years helps to shed light on the specific factors that contributed to 2014’s success.

Themes and Styles

The Western genre has always been associated with themes of frontier life, individualism, and the clash between civilization and wilderness. However, the specific interpretations of these themes have varied significantly across different eras. For instance, the classic Westerns of the 1950s and 1960s often celebrated rugged individualism and the American West as a land of opportunity.

In contrast, Westerns released in the 1970s and 1980s often explored darker aspects of the frontier, such as violence, exploitation, and the consequences of westward expansion.

The Westerns of 2014 showcased a diverse range of themes and styles, reflecting the evolution of the genre in the 21st century. Some films, like “The Homesman,” explored the psychological and emotional complexities of frontier life, while others, like “The Salvation,” presented a more traditional take on the genre with a focus on revenge and redemption.
Another notable trend in 2014 Westerns was the inclusion of female characters who were more than just damsels in distress. Films like “The Homesman” and “The Revenant” featured strong female characters who played active roles in shaping the narrative.
The visual style of 2014 Westerns also varied significantly. Some films, like “The Revenant,” utilized stunning cinematography and special effects to create a visually immersive experience, while others, like “The Homesman,” adopted a more minimalist aesthetic that focused on character development and psychological realism.

Critical Reception

The critical reception of Western movies has fluctuated over the years, with some years producing more critically acclaimed films than others. While 2014 did not see a large number of Western releases, the films that were released generally received positive reviews from critics.

For example, “The Homesman” was praised for its strong performances, its exploration of complex themes, and its unique storytelling. “The Revenant” was also widely acclaimed for its stunning visuals, its intense action sequences, and its powerful performances.

Reasons for 2014’s Success

While it’s difficult to pinpoint any single reason for 2014’s success as a year for Westerns, several factors likely contributed to the quality and critical reception of the films released that year.

One possible factor is the growing interest in historical dramas and period pieces in general. In recent years, there has been a renewed appreciation for films that explore the past and offer insights into different cultures and societies.
Another factor may be the increasing diversity of voices within the Western genre. In 2014, we saw a range of directors and writers bringing their own unique perspectives to the genre, resulting in a more nuanced and complex representation of the American West.
Finally, the success of 2014 Westerns may also be attributed to the quality of the films themselves. The films released that year were well-written, well-acted, and visually stunning, which likely contributed to their positive reception from critics and audiences alike.