The psychology of the Western - William Indick

Western films are often considered sprawling reflections of the American spirit. This book analyzes the archetypes, themes, and figures within the principal mythology of the western frontier. Western themes are interpreted as expressions of cultural needs that perform specific psychological functions for the audience. The chapters are devoted to the frontier hero character, the roles of women and Native Americans, and the work of the genre's most prolific directors, Anthony Mann and John Ford. The book includes a filmography and movie stills.

William Indick is an associate professor of psychology at Dowling College in Oakdale, New York. He is the author of several other books on psychology and cinema, and has written for numerous psychology journals. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.