The Searchers: A Complicated Legacy of Cinematic Masterpiece and Controversial Racist Stereotype

The film The Searchers has long been celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece, praised for its stunning cinematography and deep narrative complexity. However, its legacy is marred by a highly controversial subplot involving racism, making the film a subject of intense debate among critics and audiences.

Reasons for The Searchers Fame

There are two primary reasons why The Searchers has gained such significant recognition. The first and most appreciated aspect is its stunning cinematography. Filmed in the breathtaking expanses of Monument Valley in the Four Corners area, the visual aesthetics of the film are nothing short of spectacular, even if the landscape does not accurately reflect the staked plains of West Texas. John Ford, the renowned director, was immensely praised for his cinematography, which added a layer of visual grandeur that elevated the storytelling to new heights.

Controversial Depiction of Racism

The second and arguably more problematic reason for the film's fame is the presence of a highly controversial stereotype, which has been a point of contention for many viewers over the years. The character of Ethan Edwards, played byjohn Wayne, is a searcher but also a vicious racist, prepared to kill Debbie, the object of his quest, if she has been 'dishonored,' as it was typically referred to. This portrayal has faced criticism from those who view it as an unfortunate reflection of problematic historical attitudes.

Key Characters and Their Motivations

One could argue that Ethan's aggressive and racist nature is not an accidental inclusion in the narrative, but rather a deeply motivated one. In the novel by Alan Le May, which served as the basis for the film, Ethan's character is portrayed as obsessive and driven, with a past that seems to haunt him. This is a subtle motivation that is all too common in Islamic countries and the Middle East, where the honor of a family is often tied to the purity of the daughter.

However, critics suggest that Ethan's attitude towards Debbie is rooted in deep-seated guilt and past transgressions. Alan Le May explicitly mentions that Ethan was once in love with Martha, his brother’s wife, and that his guilt over his betrayal of her is a driving force in his character's behavior. With Ethan being away for 8 years – a period coinciding with Debbie's 8 years of age – and his past actions, such as betraying his country and his family, it opens up an exploration of ethical and moral dilemmas that touch on the crux of Greek tragedy and contemporary detective fiction.

Missed Opportunities and Diplomatic Choices

The question arises as to why John Ford chose to complicate the narrative by including this potentially controversial element instead of a more straightforward and less problematic storyline. One plausible explanation is the context in which the film was made. In the 1950s, the film industry was deeply influenced by studio politics and ratings restrictions. The Legion of Decency, a Catholic watchdog group, would not approve a film that delved too deeply into controversial topics. By intertwining Ethan’s dark past and simmering racism, Ford allowed the character to maintain a semblance of respectability while avoiding a direct condemnation that could result in lower ratings.

John Ford's approach can be understood as a calculated decision. By ensuring that Ethan got to “ride off into the sunset,” a common convention in Western films, and by delivering the studio's expected profit, Ford navigated the complex landscape of audience expectations and industry regulations. This decision ultimately ensures that the film can be appreciated for its visual and narrative achievements without fully engaging with the potent and complex themes that motivated Ethan's actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Searchers remains a critically acclaimed film, recognized for its cinematography and narrative intricacies. However, the controversial portrayal of its protagonist raises important questions about the legacy of racism in cinema and the ways in which filmmakers navigate cultural and ethical sensitivities. John Ford's choice to include these elements in the film can be seen as a compromise that allowed the film to hold its place as a cinematic classic while avoiding the scrutiny that might have come from a more direct approach.