The Emperor of California

The Emperor of California embodies all three genres, being a Nazi, a Western, and a Trenker film all in one.  Being a Trenker film, it shows a man going on a noble journey, failing, and wishing that he could return to the Fatherland.  We also see the protagonist as an adventurer, with Sutter being the ideal for of masculinity. We saw some of this in The Prodigal Son, as Trenker was yet again let down by his new surroundings.  As a Nazi film, we see America in The Emperor of California as an unforgiving example of the modern world.  Similarly, The Prodigal Son shows a man who is abandoned by all in the new land, or helped by some who have false pretenses.  As a Western, which is the easiest lens to view the film through, we get the archetypical sweeping landscapes, sense of danger, and the example of men proving themselves.  I believe it is important to keep all three perspectives in mind when viewing such a film, as they all have several messages to offer.