10 Westerns with Unusual Settings

THE Western genre is the one who has has stood the test of time since its earliest beginnings in folk tales, stories and novels. It is usually defined by rigid, overarching themes that encompass every aspect of the film, from location to frontier setting, best Western characters, narratives, and everything else that makes up the classic, “traditional” Western. Some filmmakers invert some of these conventions or put their own twist on a dimension that takes the usual traditions and creates something entirely different.

All of these films take the frontier style, desert town location and breathe new life into the setting, with films The good, the bad and the weirdand Tomahawk Bone being excellent examples. The first subverts usual expectations and uses a different country and cultureand the latter adds a touch of unexpected horror to what should be a typical scenario. While many of these films honor the central ideals and themes of the best Western films, the unique or innovative location creates a new epic environment.

10

Ghost Town (1988)

Directed by Richard Governor

Ghost town is a supernatural western that mixes horror elements with the ancient traditions of the genre to create a unique and fun combination. The film, directed by Richard Governor (Richard McCarthy), stars Franc Luz and Catherine Hickland and tells the story of an Arizona sheriff who goes in search of a missing woman before entering a ghost town where he is visited by frightening apparitions. . The film’s paranormal and mysterious setting moves it away from the traditional Western, while retaining elements like the lone hero and gunfights that keep it firmly in the genre.

Based on the story by screenwriter David Schmoeller, the film manages to balance the two opposing genres and merge them into one seamless, engaging film. While the acting, sets, and special effects are brilliant and play a key role in the film’s enjoyment, the narrative has been criticized for being too straightforward, with little room for surprise or shock, even within a horror framework. Overall, the film does what it sets out to do, and the use of a ghost town to tell a mysterious story sums up the theme perfectly.

9

Dead Birds (2004)

Directed by Alex Turner

Dead Birdsdirected by Alex Turner in his most recognized work, it is a western that, like Ghost townmixes horror and paranormal elements to make a mixed gender unique to itself. The film’s plot takes place during the Civil War and follows a group of Confederate soldiers who abandoned the war effort to seek their fortune by committing a bank robbery. The film takes a sinister turn when they decide to stop and become stranded on an abandoned plantation, where the mansion and surrounding area reveal a host of supernatural creatures.

A haunted and abandoned plantation is not your typical Western setting, although it still contains some of the aesthetics of the old western frontier, with the backdrop of the Civil War tying it all together. The cast includes actors such as Henry Thomas, Nicki Aycox and Isaiah Washington, who do a solid job in their roles and deliver convincing performances, even with the paranormal scenes taking center stage throughout the film. Overall, the Lovecraftian elements and intense atmosphere create a unique Western in a surprisingly effective setting.

8

Dust Devil (1992)

Directed by Richard Stanley

Richard Stanley Dust devil sees a reinterpretation of the story of a South African serial killer known as Nhadiep in this frightening British horror with Western elements and ideals. The film takes place as far from the American border as possible, in Namibia, South Africaand follows the story of a mysterious, paranormal man (Robert Hitch) who wanders the desert in search of potential victims. Locals believe he is a ‘Dust devil‘a being that sacrifices humans for supernatural ceremonies and can shapeshift into various forms.

The desolate and almost empty setting, combined with the eerie atmosphere, provides an incredibly chilling feeling throughout the film. Far from the familiarity and sensibilities of the American landscapethe setting in Nambia is a stark contrast that provides a basis for much of the narrative, with the desert itself even anthropomorphizing to literally become a character. Overall, the film achieves its goals and puts a Western spin on an African folk horror tale, with the setting having as much influence as the director and actors.

7

The Valley of Gwangi (1969)

Directed by Jim O’Connolly

Western Science Fiction The Gwangi ValleyDirected by the underrated Jim O’Connolly, it follows a group of cowboys discovering a valley inhabited by prehistoric dinosaurs. The overarching story is a combination of several influences, including Book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The lost worldwith added elements of King Kong by Willis O’Brien – who created the film’s special effects. It combines many elements from classic Westerns, like a squad of cowboys on a mission, to science fiction elements with innovative filmmaking techniques to create a beautiful amalgam of worlds.

The story follows the gang entering the forbidden valley and being attacked by dinosaurs and other prehistoric specimens, which are filmed with stop-motion animation effects. This unusual technique, combined with the authentic Western elements and the overall originality of the narrative, creates a true spectacle of cinema that seems like it might be too much, but in fact, ticks all the boxes. The Gwangi Valley became a cult classic in the Western genrewith Ray Harryhausen’s epic special effects and expert character development throughout the narrative.

6

Rango (2011)

Directed by Gore Verbinski

In potentially the most unique and underrated Western of modern times, Rank is an animated film directed by Gore Verbinski about a charismatic chameleon voiced by Johnny Depp. The film follows Rango as he accidentally finds himself in the dusty Old West town of Dirt; Assuming a tough, tough persona, he fortunately wins a duel against a local outlaw and is quickly promoted to town sheriff. Rank then must deal with a multitude of issues, including stopping the corrupt mayor of a nearby town and resupplying Dirt with a much-needed water supply.

While it may be classified as having creative license, any Western film set in a town with talking animals that features a nine-banded armadillo named Roadkill who summons water through mystical means is definitely an unusual setting. The film features a cast of talented actors who voice their roles perfectly, with its impeccable delivery combined with beautiful animation and a narrative and characters that truly pay homage to the trademarks of the West. Rank is filled with hilarious dialogue and stunning, surreal sequences, making it a true gem of the Western genre.

5

The Proud Rebel (1958)

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Michael Curtiz The Proud Rebel is an emotionally captivating Western based on a short story by eminent author James Edward Grant. It tells the story of a recently widowed Confederate veteran who moves across the country to build a new life and help his son, who has become mute with grief. Changing locations doesn’t bring any immediate relief, as the Yankee inhabitants speak ill of him, showing generational prejudice for his past actions, with the film deftly exploring themes of politics, war, family, and redemption.

While the setting isn’t much different from the stereotypical Western, the journey to a different, more modernized town is a subtle but striking difference from the usual frontier town with gunslingers and villains. The black and white ideals and tropes of the genre have been reduced to more nuanced and developed characters which sees the Western produce a calmer, more emotional narrative. Although the film has less action and a slower pace, it is this introspective look, combined with exceptional performances from the leads, that makes it a high quality film.

4

The Man from the Snowy River (1982)

Directed by George T. Miller

Another film set far from the Wild West of the United States The man from the snowy riverdirected by George T. Miller, takes place in the Australian outback. The film follows a young protagonist named Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson) who, after the untimely passing of his father, decides to follow his own path in life, seeking to become a respected horse breeder. Although the more experienced cowboys make his life difficult, he finds a spark with the ranch owner’s daughter and must overcome personal and professional obstacles to win her hand.

The man from the snowy river is a film that draws on many traditional Western tropeswith cowboys, horse riding and one man’s fight against adversity, but instead of shying away from his Australian roots, he fully embraces them. The beautiful landscapes combined with Keith Wagstaff’s cinematography create many impressive sequences, with the chemistry between the leads and the horse riding action also elevating the film. The Australian outback is a perfect location for a Western, with a similar look and feel, whilst also capturing something in its essence that is utterly unique.

3

The Top (1970)

Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky

El Topodirected by Alejandro Jodorowsky, is a Mexican acid western – a Western subgenre that combines traditional ideals with grandiose elements of the Spaghetti Western with surrealist imagery and often with drug use. El Topo (The Mole) is a man who travels through the desert on horseback with his naked son, Hijo, who encounters a wild series of events, situations and characters on a spiritual gunfight journey. The film takes place in a bizarre desert that serves as the backdrop for his adventures, confronting horrible beings and facing a myriad of existential nightmares.

In one scene, El Topo wakes up from a random cave in the desert and finds himself being cared for and loved by a tribe of deformed outcasts.which goes some way to explaining the film’s crazy narrative and atmosphere. There are many deeply disturbing sequences, punctuated by moments of enlightenment and spiritual awakening that make the entire film seem like a fever dream. The film pulls out all the stops in every aspect, from acting, characters, soundtrack, direction, and setting, creating one of the most expansive Western experiences ever.

2

Tomahawk Bone (2015)

Directed by S. Craig Zahler

Western Horror by S. Craig Zahler Tomahawk Bone is one of the most different and original Westerns produced in recent memory. It stars Kurt Russell as the stern Sheriff Hunt, who leads a gang of men to rescue hostages from a tribe of Native American cannibals. collectively known as ‘Troglodytes’ in incredibly hostile territory. As the group ventures into the unknown, the Western elements recede to reveal the true horror that awaits them, and the palpable fear and atmosphere reach a boiling point during the epic battle at the film’s climax.

The shine of Tomahawk Bone lies in its subversion but celebration of Western elements that make its gruesome sequences and underlying terrifying premise so effective.. It’s got the hard-nosed sheriff, the cowboys, and the group looking to seal and take care of business, but its location in a disturbed, sacred valley full of cannibalistic Native Americans makes it a totally unique proposition. Zahler’s construction and pacing throughout the film are simply masterful, with excellent performances and beautiful action sequences, it is an unmissable western.

1

The Good, the Bad and the Weird (2008)

Directed by Kim Jee-Woon

The good, the bad and the strange Kim Jee-woon is amazing reinterpretation of the classic by legendary director Sergio Leone The good, the bad and the ugly – one of the most famous and acclaimed westerns of all time. The film’s premise is similar to the Spaghetti Western, with three different outlaws coming together to form an unlikely partnership that sees an adventure of violence, theft and riches and all their combinations. The film pays beautiful homage to Leone’s groundbreaking film while making incredible use of the 1930s Manchurian setting.

A Western setting in the ‘puppet state’ of the Empire of Japan in northern China before the start of the Second World War seems about as far from tradition as possible.. Its unique setting provides a great backdrop for the stunning cinematography and brutally violent action scenes, with innovative camerawork and direction that set it apart from the original. The good, the bad and the weird is, in itself, an innovative work that takes into account Western genre and transports you to a new world, showing the ideals, tropes, and visuals that can work in any location.