MATTHEW R. TURNER
Radford University
Abstract
Just as ancient Greek tragedies were invariably followed by comedies, the
serious Western has also been parodied and subjected to comic reworking. By
undermining traditional stereotypes, parodies introduce and develop radical
concepts. Because a parody is often not taken seriously, it can get away with
dealing with topics that traditional stories find too daring or radical. Western
parodies such as Blazing Saddles (1974) and Rustlers’ Rhapsody
(1985) allow filmmakers to explore complex and controversial ideas such as race
and masculinity that define the Western hero. By calling into question the
traditional Western hero, parody Westerns allow for a discussion of the role of
the Western hero, providing a way forward for the hero, one that is more complex
and that does not fall neatly into the traditional stereotypes of race and
Western masculinity. This ultimately creates a new model for the hero. The old
hero is taken apart and a new one is constructed from the pieces, one that,
while fundamentally different, still rides off into the sunset.
Keywords:
Western, parody, hero, blaxsploitation, Blazing
Saddles, Rustlers’ Rhapsody, masculinity, shootout
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