The good, the bad and the power of the dog: Jane Campion vs. classic western

Abstract

Western films has recognizable elements in its plots. When “The power of the dog” (Campion,2021) is defined as a western, doubts arise about the way it handles these elements. The comparison with classic films of western genre such as “Red river” (Hawks and Rosson,1948), “Johnny Guitar” (Ray, 1954) and “The searchers” (Ford, 1956) allows an analysisin this regard and an identification of use of these resources. However, the way she presents them is critical and explore from another perspective. The hero, the society, the role of women and the family are, in a certain way, reconsidered in the film.