Although both the original and remake of 3:10 to Yuma follow an almost identical plot line there are many differences which exist between the two, much more than just the fact one is in black and white and the other color. The remake can be thought of as a revision of the original film because of the different ways the alpha male cowboy and “the others” are portrayed in these two films.
The role of the female is a distinguishing characteristic which makes the remake a revisionist film. In the original film, when Dan and his two sons arrive home after watching the robbery and murder, his wife comes running out of the house looking dazed and confused. Dan does not seem to have the time of day to explain to his wife what has happened and looks to his young children to explain to their mother. Throughout the conversation, Alice expresses disproval that Dan did nothing to help. He claims it was not his place to intervene. In classic westerns the female is often dismissed by the alpha male, especially when she speaks. In the original film, Emmy is seen as an object to Ben, someone he can bribe with pearls.
In the classic Western, the alpha male cowboy bases his journeys off of his duty. He lives by a sense of duty based ethics, in which he only completes tasks he sees as necessary and required by him. At the beginning of the original film when the sheriff asks Dan to bring Ben Wade to the train Dan refuses and says, “That’s not my job, I ain’t no deputy.” He only later accepts because the cash reward is needed to save his farm. In the 2007 version places a greater emphasis on Dan Evan’s role as a father and husband. While in both films Dan accepts the task of escorting Ben to the 3:10 train to Yuma, it seems that in the latest film he does so out of duty to his family, to make money for his boys, not his farm. The 1958 film repeatedly stresses the fact Dan is losing money because his farm is suffering from the drought. Although he needs the money to support his family as well, it seems as though Dan in the 2007 film has a greater connection with his family. In classic western films the alpha male cowboy is not tied down to a home and a family. In the remake Dan’s son is instrumental in the completion of his father’s task. After Dan is shot it is his son who holds the gun to Ben to ensure he boards the train to Yuma. In the original of 3:10 to Yuma, Dan finishes his duty and rides the train with Ben to guarantee his arrival to the prision.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Although both the original and remake of 3:10 to Yuma follow an almost identical plot line there are many differences which exist between the two, much more than just the fact one is in black and white and the other color. The 2007 version portrays a greater representation of violence throughout the plot than the 1957 original version. The need for massive explosions and violence can be attributed to the interest today’s bloodthirsty, action hungry audiences. The remake can be thought of as a revision of the original film because of the different ways the alpha male cowboy and “the others” are portrayed in these two films.
ReplyDeleteThe role of the female is a distinguishing characteristic which makes the remake a revisionist film. In the original film, when Dan and his two sons arrive home after watching the robbery and murder, his wife comes running out of the house looking dazed and confused. Dan does not seem to have the time of day to explain to his wife what has happened and looks to his young children to explain to their mother. Throughout the conversation, Alice expresses disproval that Dan did nothing to help. He claims it was not his place to intervene. In classic westerns the female is often dismissed by the alpha male, especially when she speaks. In the original film, Emmy is seen as an object to Ben, someone he can bribe with pearls.
In the classic Western, the alpha male cowboy bases his journeys off of his duty. He lives by a sense of duty based ethics, in which he only completes tasks he sees as necessary and required by him. At the beginning of the original film when the sheriff asks Dan to bring Ben Wade to the train Dan refuses and says, “That’s not my job, I ain’t no deputy.” He only later accepts because the cash reward is needed to save his farm. In the 2007 version places a greater emphasis on Dan Evan’s role as a father and husband. While in both films Dan accepts the task of escorting Ben to the 3:10 train to Yuma, it seems that in the latest film he does so out of duty to his family, to make money for his boys, not his farm. The 1958 film repeatedly stresses the fact Dan is losing money because his farm is suffering from the drought. Although he needs the money to support his family as well, it seems as though Dan in the 2007 film has a greater connection with his family. In classic western films the alpha male cowboy is not tied down to a home and a family. In the remake Dan’s son is instrumental in the completion of his father’s task. After Dan is shot it is his son who holds the gun to Ben to ensure he boards the train to Yuma. In the original of 3:10 to Yuma, Dan finishes his duty and rides the train with Ben to guarantee his arrival to the prison.