The word stranger comes from the Spanish term used to describe a person who is from outside, that is, who does not belong to the place where he or she is. Etymologically, it derives from the Latin foras or foris, which means ‘outside’. In its earliest uses, stranger simply described someone who was not a local resident; However, over time, the term began to acquire connotations of mystery and strangeness.
In Hollywood, the figure of the outsider has been a powerful narrative tool. Outsiders are frequently used to introduce new conflicts into the plot, explore themes of alienation and belonging, or simply to add an element of mystery and discovery to the story.
The use of the stranger as a central figure in cinematic narratives allows the universal themes of fear of the unknown and the eternal search for identity and belonging to be deeply explored. From lonely cowboys to fantastical creatures to time machines, Hollywood continues to fascinate us with stories about those who come from the outside—literally or metaphorically—to challenge our perceptions and change our worlds.
So the next time you encounter an outsider in your favorite movie or at our bar, remember that this character brings with him a rich linguistic and cultural heritage that goes far beyond his role on screen.