The Small World of a Big Western

Whether a film is produced under a low or high budget, a small world coupled with a big idea can serve strong themes and powerful stories. To define this concept, “small” represents a confined or focused environment in a story with a limited cast that takes place in a foreshortened or restricted time frame. “Big” refers to the nature of the theme or at least the point of view of the story. Defined by isolation on a rough frontier restrained in space, population, the Western is a genre that can advance the notion of a big idea in a small world better than almost any other. A Western film that focuses on a substantial theme yet takes place in a narrow realm can offer its audience thrills, tension and suspense as well as an effective comment on the human condition.