ABSTRACT
Kelly Reichardt's decision to align slow cinematic pacing with neo-neorealism and focus on gendered expectations and experiences via our protagonist, EmilyTetherow, constitutes a unique and effective combination that reinforces the difficult physical and emotional environment pioneer women endured on the Oregon Trail. Reichardt offers a subversive allegory, questioning traditional genre representations at the levels of both style and content in a 'slow cinematic' feminist Western with political and social implications connecting history to the present day. While the classical Hollywood Western offers sweeping panoramic landscape vistas, fast-paced action with gun battles and defined character motivation, Meek's Cutoff refuses to meet these expectations. When Meek and Solomon Tetherow capture a Cayuse tribesman, it is Emily who ultimately assumes leadership, confronts Meek and establishes trust in their Cayuse guide. As viewers watch in real time, Emily pours water into a coffee tin and then slowly grinds coffee beans.
