One interesting theme that i see is the image of the reluctant hero in the films as this sort of soloist or lone ranger who doesn't need anybody. If you ever watch an old western film you notice how most of the time the hero is always the person who pretends like he doesn't need anybody, and he can do things better himself. Notice that this theme is still being applied in many modern films as well. In the movie The Incredibles the little boy buddy always bugs Mr. Incredible to let him be his sidekick and he always tells him he doesn't need a sidekick. In Batman and Robin, Robin has to force himself to help Batman against Batman's wishes until finally he is allowed to help. Another interesting thing i find is that most of the time the sidekick is the one who bails the hero out of trouble. Even in Once Upon A Time in the West, Cheyenne has to save the main character when he is tied up on the train.
This image of the reluctant hero that pretends to be a lone ranger in his travels and adventures is still being portrayed even today in modern films. I thought it was interesting to see how the themes in the old western films have had such an impact on the American film industry through the years.
