| The Searchers
(1956, 120 min.) Directed by John Ford Screenplay by Frank S. Nugent, based on the novel by Alan Le May
From the films Stagecoach to Wagon Master, Ford's Indians have grown more complex. His white "heroes," however, reveal considerable racism and brutality. In The Searchers, Ethan, an otherwise noble individual, possesses a blind hatred toward the Comanche for killing his family and abducting his niece. He gradually emerges as an eerie mirror image of the Comanche chief Scar whom he pursues: each man has witnessed the slaying of his family by the other race, and each is determined to avenge his family's death. Associate producer Patrick Ford (John's son) noted in a studio memo that the film's white protagonists "are only a shade less barbaric than the savages they follow." As Ethan embarks upon his five-year search, he progressively releases his own fury toward Indians. His hatred even leads him to determine to kill his niece for becoming the chief's wife. Although blood ties ultimately prove stronger than hatred, The Searchers nonetheless delivers a disturbing message: Beneath the veneer of civilization may lie a terrifying savagery. Film Essay by Dr. Angela Aleiss. Dr. Aleiss is a film historian and journalist and currently teaches writing at USC. Discussion Panelists: Dr. William Romanowski, Sr. Rose Pacatte,fsp, John Lee Hancock The Searchers Screening
|
In
The Searchers, John Ford's vision of a stable community with strong familial
ties typically remains hopeful, but his focus in this film is on the ugliness
of racism, specifically the fanatical racism of the main character, Ethan
Edwards (John Wayne). As Ethan moves through an actual journey to
find his niece he is forced to move through an inner journey which leads
him to confront his own bitter hatred.