A influência do cinema na construção narrativa e visual de Red Dead Redemption 2

Abstract

The present work aims to investigate how the video game Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018), developed by Rockstar Games, incorporates cinematic elements—particularly from the Western genre—in constructing its narrative and visual aesthetics. Recognizing video games as a legitimate audiovisual medium, this research proposes a filmic and comparative analysis between the game and three representative films: Unforgiven (1992), No Country for Old Men (2007), and True Grit (2010). Throughout the study, it is observed how the game employs the structure of the Hero's Journey, as defined by Joseph Campbell, while simultaneously subverting classical conventions by presenting a tragic protagonist whose journey is marked by a quest for redemption. The cinematography of Red Dead Redemption 2 reveals clear influences from directors such as John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Clint Eastwood, and the Coen Brothers, evident in its framing, color palette, and dramatic use of mise-en scène. Drawing parallels with the analyzed films, it becomes evident that the game shares with contemporary Westerns a critical perspective on the foundational myths of the American frontier, offering a nuanced view of violence, heroism, and moral decay. The conclusion is that Red Dead Redemption 2 not only engages with cinematic language but also contributes to the expansion of audiovisual storytelling, demonstrating that video games can offer experiences as profound and sophisticated as those of traditional cinema.