Out of all of the western movies ever made, John Ford's Stagecoach is without a doubt the game changer. An involved story- about an unlikely group of travelers, aboard a horsedrawn carriage,through 'savage' country, was engaging and entertaining. Set against the backdrop of the southwestern US, the film was beautifully captured and told through Fords trademark style. Long and wide shots were used to capture the majesty and reality of the scenes which assisted in validating the story. The plot points were easy to follow and the cast was suitable and convincing.
Considered to be John Wayne's breakout role, the film provided the perfect opportunity to spolight his " home on the range" bravado. Although Wayne starred in other westerns, none reached the box office heights of stagecoach. Supported by an eclectic ensemble cast, the film chronicles the journey of a motley crue; the Outlaw, the Prostitute, the Army Wife, The Rougue Gentleman, The Drunk, and The Whiskey Salesman.
The film examines relationships between strangers and reveals how predetermination and bias can be present among strangers. The film follows these main characters through a series of trials, difficulties and obstacles. Ford's deeper vision is revealed through character development and his commentary regarding our 'binding factors' is apparent through the course of the movie.
The passengers of the Stagecoach are diametrically opposed to one another at the begining of the movie yet by the final moments of the film have united, shown growth, displayed courage and redeemed their shortcomings and misgivings present from the begining. Ford consistently thrusts situations on the screeen that force the viewer to question themselves and their own actions confronted with the similar circumstances.
In terms of overall filmmaking; Stagecoach is a masterpeice. This assertion can be supported because it laid the groundwork for countless westerns to follow. It showed western genre filmakers that followed how to properly capture a western. Ford's filmmaking style encouraged other directors to shoot on location versus in the studio. He also innovated the "Hero" shot which incorporated the wide shot, a subject and dramatic lighting (depicted in photo above J. Wayne).
Stagework laid the foundation for films like Bonanza, The Lone Ranger and Gunsmoke. It paved the way for on screen talents like Gene Autry, Clint Eastwood and.Lee Van Cleef. As a fan of movies I enjoyed Stagecoach for its beautiful scenes and great action sequences. I would reccomend this film to other movie fans and those interested in the Americana.
source-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_(genre)
http://www.altfg.com/blog/classics/stagecoach-john-wayne-claire-trevor/
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