Individual Heroism in Film

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the individual heroism of Costner and Eastwood depicted in the films analyzed reflect the ideology of the Post-Vietnam Era of American society. These heroes do not project the blind bravado toward war or violence, but project a far more individualistic approach to the western by being men of conscience. The paper shows that although Eastwood and Costner do not always present moralistic heroes, they are resoundingly for the individual over the greater good of society.

From the Paper:

"This film study will analyze the centrality of individualism that resounds within the modern westerns of the modern era. The heroic premise of the films analyzed in this study will explore how Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner display individualism, relating more intrinsic desires for autonomy from the law or outside `authorities'. In this manner, the modern western depicts heroes that seek an individuals a sense of freedom in the old west, reflecting the greater sense of individuality in Post- Vietnam Era filmmaking. The basis of individualism is apparent in how Kevin Costner reflects the individuality of the 1990s, as well as the "modern era' of filmmaking after the 1960s. When he decided to create a film based on the life of man living a solitary existence on the open prairie. Costner presents an individualistic hero."

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