
Don't Come Knocking is a modern Western drama that adheres to many traditional genre elements such as themes of personal redemption, a flawed protagonist, and the exploration of loneliness and existential struggle often associated with Westerns. The film's central character, Howard Spence, embodies the archetypal Western anti-hero: a once-renowned figure facing internal and external conflicts. Typical elements include a rugged, desolate setting that mirrors the character's isolation, and a narrative centered on reconciling with one's past and identity. What sets this title apart from conventional Westerns is its introspective approach and focus on the psychological depth of a washed-up movie star rather than the usual frontier justice or action-driven plots. The inclusion of complex characters like Howard and Doreen, portrayed by Sam Shepard and Jessica Lange respectively, adds nuanced interpersonal dynamics that deepen the narrative, blending the Western genre with character-driven drama.