After a discussion of concepts of “madness” and the “primitive,” a description of the historical development of the representation of the indigenous peoples of the Americas gives background for analysis of John Ford’s The Searchers (1956) as the seminal Western film, drawing on the theme of “madness” and relating it to the manner in which the portrayal of “madness” relates to that of “Indians” and to the philosophy and historical periods established by Nietzsche. Later chapters look at themes of religion, war, and society as “madness” in films including Black Robe , The Last of the Mohicans , and The Doors.

Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland.

Buy now at allibris.co.uk: