Red River

By the end of the movie, Red River, it seems as though there are two alpha male cowboys instead of only one. As described in the article, a western hero “may be dusty but not dirty. Their clothes may be worn but not greasy. They seldom sweat. Above all, they have always just shaved” (Matheson 892). John Wayne’s character fits this description perfectly, but when Matthew grows up, he acts according to this description as well. Matthew is introduced in the beginning of the movie as a follower and student of John Wayne. He stands by Wayne’s side throughout the movie, except as he finally grows up, there are several instances where Matthew stands up to Wayne in a way that none of the other cowboys dare to. Matthew and Wayne both appear to be men who “domesticate and regulate nature” (Matheson 902). Furthermore, “the process of becoming a man emphasizes the modern preoccupation with individuality. Decision-making becomes increasingly a matter for the individual rather than the collective conscience” (Matheson 904). Matthew’s specific step towards individuality and decision-making is made obvious when he steals Wayne’s heard and continues into town to make business deals for the live stock. By following the example that John Wayne provides, Matthew grows up to be a “self-made man and rugged individualist” (Matheson 906).

John Wayne and Matthew also fit Tompkins’ description of the Western hero. He is a man who has “the ability to endure pain for a long time” (Tompkins 12). Matthew’s character starts to endure pain since he was a young boy, when he starts his journey by Wayne’s side. This journey goes on for such a long time that by the time Matthew grows up, he closely mimics the way Wayne behaves, particularly his independence and brave spirit. Matthew’s ability to conquer the journey that he set out on, and ultimately reached before John Wayne’s character, shows his “pathetic determination to be tough, the desire to be the Western hero” (Tompkins 19). The bond between the two alpha males is as apparent as it is strong. Wayne and Matthew endure many struggles, after which “the hero frequently forms a bond with another man – sometimes his rival, more often a comrade – a bond that is more important than any relationship he has with a woman and is frequently tinged by homoeroticism” (Tompkins 39). This relationship continues throughout the entire movie, particularly in the end when Wayne has set out to kill Matthew (for stealing his cattle), ends up fighting with him, and finally wishes him happiness with the woman he loves. The relationship between these two men is unlike any other we have seen in a Western, until now, which is why it strongly suggests that there are two alpha cowboys in the movie Red River.