Traditional Western
... In this case, that role model which some films are made after is the traditional western. ... With elements such as setting, symbolism, and theme, this film proves to be relatable to and influenced by the traditional western film genre. ... As in all western films, the setting or location is essential to the way the story is told and the characters interact. ... Not only are the illegal casinos just that, illegal; but they are similar if not directly related to the old saloons that were common in traditional westerns. Also, where the desert in a western was harsh and filled with danger, so too is Manhattan; where as aforementioned the Russian mafia is located. ... Along those same lines of relatable material, there proves to be icons or symbols that can relate the film Rounders to a western. ... As most film-goers know, nearly each western movie made has a near identical theme: help a friend in need, help the oppressed, work to overcome insurmountable odds, or just simply beat the bad guy. Rounders happens to follow those themes, and in doing so reflects a traditional western. ... Heros almost always sacrifice some part of themselves or their lives in a western, and in this case Mike does so for Worm. ... A moustache, being the leader of a gang or posse, and being a cruel person are all staples of the traditional western villain. ... In each movie there is an ultimate foe, in the Western’s it could be sacrifice, or man versus nature, or man versus man; quite simple. ... You saw acts of selfless courage and sacrifice often in the traditional westerns of old. ... The Lone Ranger and Tanto, Batman and Robin, John Wayne and his numerous co-stars; it is the natural way of traditional western films. ... One can see just how closely Rounders resembles a traditional western film. Women are also a predominate role in every western movie, and they are more than likely in a subservient role to the hero.