The typical Western film showcases the alpha male cowboy and chronicles his exploits and interactions with the lesser characters such as women, immigrants and Native Americans (i.e.: "the others"). In the films Johnny Guitar and Two Mules for Sister Sara, characters who would typically be lumped into "the others" category step into spotlight and play more significant roles. Arguably, the time periods in which these movies were produced had an influence on these new characterizations.
In Johnny Guitar, the central story revolves more around the roles of Vienna and Emma as opposed to the alpha male cowboy role of Johnny. Vienna is successful, and commands power and respect. She is able to dictate the outcomes of situations, as evidenced with her interactions with her employees, associates, Johnny, and the town. She also has skill with a gun, as shown in her duel with Emma. Similarly, Emma plays a more significant role as shown through her influence over the townspeople and later over the all male posse. She is able to successfully back-up her baseless claims with lies and coercion, and thus holds great sway in town proceedings. The film was produced in 1954, during a decade that featured McCarthyism and the HUAC investigations. A clear allusion to the HUAC investigations is seen when the townsfolk interrogate Turkey and scare him into condemning Vienna and himself to hang.
Two Mules for Sister Sara introduces the female lead as meek and in need of rescuing, but as the story progresses the character assumes a much more pertinent role. While initially an "other," taking a backseat to the alpha-male role of Hogan, she is quickly thrust into a more prominent role when she reveals she in fact is not a nun. Sara dupes everyone in the film into thinking her weak and a woman of the cloth, but quickly develops and helps in derailing a munitions train, assists greatly in the fight for the French garrison, and provides great aid to the juarista resistance. The film was produced in 1970, at a time when the women's rights and liberation movement was in full stride. Thus, the greater role Sister Sara plays reflects the rising status and perception of women in the 1960s and 70s.
In Johnny Guitar, the central story revolves more around the roles of Vienna and Emma as opposed to the alpha male cowboy role of Johnny. Vienna is successful, and commands power and respect. She is able to dictate the outcomes of situations, as evidenced with her interactions with her employees, associates, Johnny, and the town. She also has skill with a gun, as shown in her duel with Emma. Similarly, Emma plays a more significant role as shown through her influence over the townspeople and later over the all male posse. She is able to successfully back-up her baseless claims with lies and coercion, and thus holds great sway in town proceedings. The film was produced in 1954, during a decade that featured McCarthyism and the HUAC investigations. A clear allusion to the HUAC investigations is seen when the townsfolk interrogate Turkey and scare him into condemning Vienna and himself to hang.
Two Mules for Sister Sara introduces the female lead as meek and in need of rescuing, but as the story progresses the character assumes a much more pertinent role. While initially an "other," taking a backseat to the alpha-male role of Hogan, she is quickly thrust into a more prominent role when she reveals she in fact is not a nun. Sara dupes everyone in the film into thinking her weak and a woman of the cloth, but quickly develops and helps in derailing a munitions train, assists greatly in the fight for the French garrison, and provides great aid to the juarista resistance. The film was produced in 1970, at a time when the women's rights and liberation movement was in full stride. Thus, the greater role Sister Sara plays reflects the rising status and perception of women in the 1960s and 70s.
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