One layer is the basic plot - Ethan Edwards (played by John Wayne) sets out on a quest to find his niece that has been kidnapped by Indians. Another layer is the fact that Ethan is a racist and has a complete hatred for the Indians. So the movie isn't just about the quest to find his niece, it's also about Ethan's quest as a person. I think the other thing that makes this movie complex is the character of Ethan - he isn't good or bad. You understand why he carries the views he does. There is some question about his past and what he has done - was he a criminal? Is he a wanted man? But his quest for 'right' and his love for his family makes us root for him.
The movie is visually stunning. John Ford has been called a painter of films, and this movie reinforces that. It's not only the scenery of Monument Valley, but the composition of the characters in the interior shots that is impressive. There is a scene at the very beginning of the movie where Martha (Ethan's sister in-law) opens the door to reveal the outside - and the valley is framed by the doorway. Amazing.
My trivia for this movie is - the song 'That Will be the Day' by Buddy Holly was inspired by Ethan's character who says that line multiple times during the movie. Hey, you never know when that might come up as a Jeopardy question. You can thank me then.
One word to describe 'The Searchers': Complex.
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