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The films The Searchers and Avatar both make use of the master narratives of regulating social order and disorder. One is used as a way to reinforce this narrative, while the latter is shaped more towards critiquing the overall of ideal of the American social order. The struggle presented by an external threats in both films give the opportunity of interpreting and contrasting the master narrative and the effects that can come from imbalances in social orders. The Searchers, is one of the most popular representatives of the classic western genre film. Directed by John Ford in 1956, the film embodies all the definitive characteristics of a Western from the time period in which it was made. Ethan, played by John Wayne, is an ex-Confederate Army soldier who returns home to his brother in Texas three years after the war’s completion. From the start, there is an air of mystery surrounding Ethan and his whereabouts during the last couple years. He has continued to wear his uniform and reveals to have made a fair amount of money while gone, contributing to his appearance of a rough, suspicious cowboy. The obscurity that these factors create around Ethan is important because they allow for the essential seed of wonderment to be planted in the minds of the audience. The audience will then be able to sympathize with Ethan and allow for the creation of the film’s hero. Any generic film hero is a model of their community and culture. They help to clearly define and outline the community’s values and cultural conflicts by embodying prime characteristics in their persona. The western hero, like Ethan in The Searchers, is always a figure for civilization amongst the savagery of the wild west. By portraying the roles of a civilization, the hero ... ... middle of paper ... ...he environment in which they are set, while still representing the on-going struggle for physical and idealogical control. Both deal with the opposing parties presented in the films, the Na’vi and indians, as they pose as threats to the desired balance in social order. Eventually, these threats are resolved and dealt with in different ways, but nevertheless achieve the goal of restoring balance and tranquility once again to the society. Films like The Searchers and Avatar, continue to address cultural issues and the results of disparity between groups. However, by continually demonstrating that through embracing certain perspectives and principles these differences can be resolved into positive outcomes, these films project the audience’s and filmmakers’ actual desire to conform any outside threats that could endanger the established conventions of everyday life.

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