'The Searchers' is an American-Western film that was released in 1956. It was directed by John Ford and has become one of the most iconic Western films to date. The film's origins relate back to the novel by Alan Lemay, and the film's script being written by Ford's Son-in-Law.
When analysing the closing scene, it is perhaps clearer to look at the scene chronologically. From a first glance, it is the setting alone that represents and encourages the myths of the American West. There is the iconic setting of almost an isolated house, with the family sitting and waiting on the porch for the men to return. In addition, both the music and landscape around the house, consisting of wildlife such as horses, really creates the atmosphere of the American West.
Building on this, the characterisation of the female characters also reinforces the gender stereotypes both in film and within the context of the film. The mother and daughter are at home, waiting for the men to return with their sister, who can also be seen as the damsel in distress. The women are both equally shocked and the daughter runs with anticipation to greet her love. This can compare to the relatively relaxed man in the rocking chair and the man on the porch.
As the scene progresses and the parents lead their daughter inside, it is Ethan who is left alone on the porch. The scene unfolds with everyone greeting their loved ones and inviting them inside. Ethan is left almost forgotten on the porch right by the door frame. Instead of joining the family, Ethan walks away from the house, and into the distance. This can highlight the mythology of the American-West, and also the American Cowboy, the Lone Ranger. Ethan is someone who cannot be tied down like the other domesticated men in the film. He seeks adventure and moves from place to place. The image of him fading into the distance, as well as the closing door, can reflect the freedom men had at the time. Ethan is free to go wherever he chooses, and it adds the mystery associated with the lone ranger/cowboy.
The final scene has become iconic in Hollywood film. The closing of the door right at the end, not only closes the film very well, but also leaves the viewer in a poignant mind-set. While I have only selected one scene to analyse, the film holds so many iconic scenes that both represent and hinder the mythology of the American-West.
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