Contemporary Western: dramaturgical transformations and symbolism of the genre

Abstract

The Western genre in cinema is not only a reflection of historical reality but also an important tool for cultural self-reflection. In its classical form, the Western was often associated with the events of the “Wild West”, individualism, the struggle against external threats, and the establishment of order amidst chaos. However, with the development of cinema and changes in the sociocultural context, the Western has undergone significant transformations. One such direction is the subgenre of contemporary Western, which represents modern interpretations of traditional Western themes, adapted to the realities of the XXI century. In this context, the dramaturgy and symbolism of contemporary Westerns become the primary elements through which the genre reflects contemporary societal issues, transferring the symbols of the past into the modern context.