In 1955, John Ford went to Monument Valley to film what has since become his western masterpiece, "The Searchers". This scenic American backdrop was the perfect setting for this atmospheric story. In this film, John Wayne turns in his greatest performance as Ethan Edwards, an ex rebel soldier returning home from the Civil War under mysterious circumstances. However, his homecoming is short lived, as Reverend Samuel Clayton and his band of Texas Rangers recruit him and his adopted nephew, Martin Pawley to repel a party of Comanche Indians (Or Native Americans for the politically correct) from the neighboring ranches. Unfortunately, the raiders kill Ethan's brother and beloved sister-in-law, in addition to capturing his nieces, Lucy and little Debbie. After setting out after the marauders, Ethan quickly clashes wi

The depth of the character Ethan, played by John Wayne, is a tremendous factor when considering this film as one of the best. In contrast to preceding westerns, this film set the bar higher for the standards of a successful western. Rather than a typical cowboys and Indians shoot each other, black and white, this western provided the viewer with the satisfaction of creative drama presented with beautiful direction. Though just an accent in the film, the supporting role of ole Moe kindly separated the turmoil both the searchers endure time and time again. Additionally, the possible romance between Marty and Laurie helps to add another flavor to the project as the character Laurie is distraught over the coming and goings of Marty.

It is apparent that in the beginning of this film, the character Ethan is a loner, and proves this by on more than one occasion with attempts at leaving the initial search party and venturing off on his own. This detail is important when analyzing the relationship of the two searchers. It adds another dimension to the story of the search, by developing a seven year relationship between an Uncle and his nephew. In analyzing the direction and intensions of the director, the volatile and cascading relationship of the two assures the audience of the depth of the story line. It is this chemistry that gives credibility to the characters and makes the passion for their search believable. For the film to be cohesive, these characters needed to be felt. Their determination and frustration, through the winters and the years, is the backdrop toward the entire film.

The doorway scenes in the valleys of rock, gave the film a creative presence that had not been demonstrated in many westerns from earlier ye

Some topics in this essay:
Chief Scar, Native Americans, Northern Arizona, Lucy Edwards, John Wayne, Marty Brad, Marty Laurie, Monument Valley, Scar Ethan, Rangers Comanche's, native americans, character ethan, chief named scar, named scar, ted sennett, monument valley, lucy edwards, john wayne, indian camp, chief named, relationship searchers,