You are here:

Hearts of the West

Name: Hearts of the West
Director: Howard Zieff
Released: 1975
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1975

Director

Howard Zieff

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Hearts of the West deconstructs the American frontier by rejecting the romanticized, heroic archetypes of traditional Westerns. Instead, it presents a chaotic and morally ambiguous landscape. Though the film lacks diverse representation regarding race, gender, or LGBTQ+ identities, it excels in its narrative structure. It uses satire to dismantle the sanctity of the Western mythos. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its critique of expansionism and institutional myths, presenting the frontier as a ridiculous space rather than a site of moral clarity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Hearts of the West have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-cisgender identities. The story focuses on traditional masculine roles without addressing queer identities.

How does Hearts of the West portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers around male characters such as gunslingers and outlaws. Female characters play minor roles and do not have the power to drive the main storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hearts of the West?

Limited

The cast is mostly white, reflecting the demographics of the time period. There is no significant representation of non-Anglo-Saxon characters in key roles.

How does Hearts of the West represent religion and culture?

Good

The film effectively challenges Western myths using moral relativism. It portrays religious figures and laws as absurd and nonsensical.

Does Hearts of the West include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not portray any visible or invisible disabilities. Characters operate within typical physical and cognitive standards.

Present on Screen

Effectively challenges traditional Western myths through a satirical lens.
Presents a morally ambiguous frontier instead of glorifying it.
Uses absurdity to criticize the social structures and institutions of the Old West.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Maintains a male-centric narrative with limited roles for female characters.
Features a predominantly white cast, lacking diversity.

Official Synopsis

Lewis Tater writes Wild West dime novels and dreams of actually becoming a cowboy. When he goes west to find his dream he finds himself in possession of the loot box of two crooks who tried to rob him.

How are these scores produced? →