The two renditions of 3:10 to Yuma, the 1957 version and the 2007 version convey two separate views of the western. The first major difference in between the 1957 and 2007 versions is the amount of violence. In the 2007 version we see much more brutality between the outlaws and those escorting Wade to the train stop. The later is a revision a of the previous by this increase in violence. They director may have believed that it was necessary to recreate the scenes with more gun play to demonstrate the lawlessness of the west.
Another difference between the two films is the ending. In the original both Wade and Evans are able to board the train to Yuma, and the scene ends with rain. The rain signifies the end of the drought, and a new hope for Evans. He will be able to return and start up his farm again. In the 2007 revision, Evans dies, and Wade kills all of his outlaws. He then boards the train by himself. This could represent the fact that Wade shows retribution for his actions. He understands what he did wrong and willing to pay the correct consequences.
Also, Evan’s reasons for being an escort differ between these two films. In the previous version he was doing it only for the monetary benefit. All he cared about was getting paid for this little adventure so he could keep his farm up and running from the drought. In the revision of the movie, money was still an issue because his barn was burnt down, but the main reason was to prove himself to his son. He obviously believed that his son did not respect him, and wanted to show what a man he is. He seeks to prove himself to his son and show him that he can hold his own despite his disability. He lost a leg in the war and that clearly has hit him hard.
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The two renditions of 3:10 to Yuma, the 1957 version and the 2007 version convey two separate views of the western. The first major difference in between the 1957 and 2007 versions is the amount of violence. In the 2007 version we see much more brutality between the outlaws and those escorting Wade to the train stop. Possible causes for the increase in violence is marketability. Newer films tend to be more violent because society has become dependent on constant sensation. Our attention spans have lessened, and we are always looking for something to keep our minds on the movie. Another difference between the versions is the role Emmy plays. In the 1957 version, Emmy is the typical stand by your man type of women. She does not have a large part and is the quintessential Tompkins “other”. She does not have a large role and is merely just there.
ReplyDeleteAnother major difference is the relationship between Wade and Evans in the 1957 version. In this version it is almost like a cat and mouse psychological game between the two. Wade is a charmer and extremely slippery by nature. He knows how to read people and act upon it to his advantage. He uses this talent to get to the heart of Emmy to stack the cards in his favor. He knows how to point out weakness in individuals and capitalize on them. Although he was able to manipulate Emmy, this only made Dan more duty bound and preserve to get Wade onto the train. Wade is very attentive and can recognize the struggle Evan’s has with his child. In the 2007 version, it appears that Evans has much more to prove than in the original. He looks as if he seeks something to show his son that he is a still a man despite his disability. He lost a leg in the war and that has really hit his self-esteem. It’s difficult enough to be a self-sufficient farmer, but with only one leg, even the easiest tasks become difficult. Throughout the 2007 remake we see Evans trying to prove to his son and himself that he is still a man. Wade makes it a point at the end of the 2007 version t0 force the kid to understand that his father is a hero. Another interesting aspect of Wade’s character in the 2007 version is his relationship with god. We do not see many outlaws quote the bible to justify their actions. The last time we saw an alpha male quoting the bible was Dunson in Red River, where he would kill men and then say a prayer. Wade even takes it one further and has crosses embroidered onto his guns. Most individuals would not place a symbol of crucifixion on an object that causes death.