Meaning: Tom Selleck's quote reflects a common sentiment in the film industry about the cyclical nature of movie genres and the tendency to declare certain genres as "dead" after a period of decline in popularity. In this case, Selleck is referring to the Western genre, which has experienced several peaks and troughs in its cinematic history.

The quote alludes to the impact of Kevin Costner's 1990 film "Dances With Wolves," which was a critical and commercial success. The film revitalized interest in the Western genre and received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of Native American culture and the American frontier. However, following the success of "Dances With Wolves," there was a surge of derivative westerns that attempted to replicate its formula. These derivative films often failed to resonate with audiences and did not achieve the same level of success as their predecessor.

As a result, many in the industry may have concluded that the Western genre had run its course and was no longer viable. This pattern of boom and bust is not unique to the Western genre; it is a common phenomenon in the film industry, where trends come and go in cycles.

The Western genre has a rich and storied history in cinema, dating back to the early days of silent film. It reached the height of its popularity in the mid-20th century, with iconic films such as "High Noon," "The Searchers," and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" becoming enduring classics. However, by the late 20th century, the genre had fallen out of favor with audiences and was often dismissed as outdated and irrelevant.

Despite this ebb and flow, the Western genre has never truly disappeared. It has continuously evolved and adapted to reflect changing cultural and social attitudes. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the Western genre, with films like "True Grit," "The Revenant," and "Django Unchained" receiving critical acclaim and commercial success.

These modern interpretations of the Western genre have reinvigorated interest in its storytelling potential and have demonstrated that the genre is far from "dead." Instead, it continues to be a fertile ground for exploring complex themes such as justice, morality, and the human experience.

The quote by Tom Selleck serves as a reminder that the cyclical nature of genre popularity in the film industry does not necessarily signal the end of a genre. While certain genres may experience periods of decline, they often undergo revival and reinvention, proving their enduring appeal to audiences.

In conclusion, Tom Selleck's quote encapsulates the ebb and flow of genre popularity in the film industry, specifically referencing the Western genre's cyclicality. Despite periods of decline and declarations of its demise, the Western genre has demonstrated resilience and continues to captivate audiences through its timeless themes and compelling storytelling.