What is a Spaghetti Western?
Western films represented a milestone genre in cinema throughout the 1950s and 1960s. With this genre would then come several subgenres of Western film production. Including the Spaghetti Western. With a unique background and history, Spaghetti Westerns were really not like the traditional U.S. Western films. But exactly what is a Spaghetti Western then?
Spaghetti Westerns represent a unique subgenre of Western films that emerged in the 1960s in Europe. Produced and Directed largely by Italians. The term Spaghetti Western was used by American film critics. As a means of announcing that the films were likely produced by an Italian.
Many of these films were produced in the wake of Sergio Leone’s success in the field. And despite being a subgenre of western films, they were often said to be eschewed from the traditional conventions of a US Western film.
What is a Spaghetti Western?
A Spaghetti Western represents a popular subgenre of films. Produced largely by Italians throughout the mid-1960s and into the late 1960s. They were incredibly popular in the box office.
Since they required minimal props and sets that could be largely reused. They were embraced by Hollywood and by any filmmaker seeking a budget-friendly option that would please a crowd.
Before Westerns became popular in America, Italy would produce several films of this same style. Filmmaker Sergio Leone was widely responsible for the production of the Western. Following a stint in producing sword-and-sandal style films throughout the late 1950s.
Leone’s success in producing Westerns drew attention to these films throughout Italy. And would give rise to the popularity of Italian-made Westerns, Spaghetti Westerns.
Characteristics of Spaghetti Westerns
Characteristically, Spaghetti Westerns had a rather stark depiction of the “Old West.” Whereas American Westerns were largely famous for their family-friendly entertainment. And white hat cowboys that were the heroes of the show.
Spaghetti Westerns depicted the Old West as a harsh and violent atmosphere which was far different from what viewers were accustomed to.
Thus, Spaghetti Westerns depicted a violent, villainous Old West and often included the familiarity of a few American actors that would boost the international appeal of the films in the box office.
Additionally, these films often omitted Native Americans from the storyline all together whereas traditional US Westerns usually depicted the Native American Indians as the antagonists.
Summary
So, what is a Spaghetti Western? It’s a subgenre of Western films, depicted largely by the production by Italians which featured characteristically different “Western” stereotypes.
When compared to traditional US Westerns but which were largely valued in the box office due to their low production expenses and high appreciation among audiences.