According to dictionary.com, revisionist means attempting to reevaluate and restate the past based on newly acquired standards. It is important to note that this is based on newly acquired standards on a reflection of the old philosophies. The revisionist western does just this. The director creates his western film as similar as possible to the standard, while changing those views which have changed.
In the case of Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood revisits the role of women, black people and the glorification of killing. Firstly, the traditional role of the women in the western were those of the subservient housewife, and more importantly, that of little to no importance. In Unforgiven the central role of the women were prostitutes. After William Munny's housewife died, which is important to note symbolically, he went on a midlife crisis quest to revenge the honor of the prostitutes. The women stand up for themselves, despite the fact they are pushed around. Although they were treated as property, they didn't perceive themselves as such, and thus, their position was beginning to change. Furthermore, Ned Logan represents the changing feelings towards blacks. In the traditional western, blacks were either ignored or depicted as slaves, and were very much mistreated. From the revisionist perspective, however, we see Ned as a land owner, and put on par of the alpha male cowboy. He is respected, admired, and loved by the alpha male cowboy. None of these things are in the traditional western.
In addition, Clint Eastwood's version of the alpha male cowboy is different from the traditional alpha male, because he must undergo a character change. Most alpha male cowboys a true to their ideals and can always shoot and ride. William Munny, however, ressurrects his life as an alpha male cowboy, after settling down. Because of this, he is unable to ride his horse or shoot well. Having said that, once he has a sense of duty, in avenging Ned Logan, his alpha male characteristics awake and he is able to fulfill the typical role. Unlike most alpha male cowboys, Munny is not perceived as an upstanding citizen. Rather he regrets his past deeds, and doesn't relish in his kills.
In the case of Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood revisits the role of women, black people and the glorification of killing. Firstly, the traditional role of the women in the western were those of the subservient housewife, and more importantly, that of little to no importance. In Unforgiven the central role of the women were prostitutes. After William Munny's housewife died, which is important to note symbolically, he went on a midlife crisis quest to revenge the honor of the prostitutes. The women stand up for themselves, despite the fact they are pushed around. Although they were treated as property, they didn't perceive themselves as such, and thus, their position was beginning to change. Furthermore, Ned Logan represents the changing feelings towards blacks. In the traditional western, blacks were either ignored or depicted as slaves, and were very much mistreated. From the revisionist perspective, however, we see Ned as a land owner, and put on par of the alpha male cowboy. He is respected, admired, and loved by the alpha male cowboy. None of these things are in the traditional western.
In addition, Clint Eastwood's version of the alpha male cowboy is different from the traditional alpha male, because he must undergo a character change. Most alpha male cowboys a true to their ideals and can always shoot and ride. William Munny, however, ressurrects his life as an alpha male cowboy, after settling down. Because of this, he is unable to ride his horse or shoot well. Having said that, once he has a sense of duty, in avenging Ned Logan, his alpha male characteristics awake and he is able to fulfill the typical role. Unlike most alpha male cowboys, Munny is not perceived as an upstanding citizen. Rather he regrets his past deeds, and doesn't relish in his kills.
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