RT Two Mules for Sister Sara and Johnny Guitar

In the stereotypical Western film you imagine a strong alpha male character dominating the film with the other characters simply providing supporting roles. These "others" make up a large part of the Western genres culture, despite their typically small roles, and consist of such positions as the women, blacks, and Mexicans within the film. In films such as Johnny Guitar (1954) and Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970) the audience begins to see the "others" take the spotlight away from the alpha male character. Much of this can be attributed to the time period from which these films spawn.

Johnny Guitar came out in 1954 during the second Red Scare and McCarthyism. In the film you see one of the characters, Emma, leading a group from the town which is searching for someone to blame for past crimes. Emma, as was common during the Red Scare, is quick to point her finger, often lacking evidence but using convincing language to justify the arrest of her enemies. The other main character, Vienna, owns a saloon and has grown to become very wealthy. Emma repeatedly blames her for crimes committed by others or makes up crimes altogether. It should be noted that both dominate figures within the film are made up by female roles. Vienna is shown constantly bossing around her all male staff and male companion Johnny Guitar, much as Emma is shown bossing around the town search group which is made up of all males.

Two Mules for Sister Sara was released in 1970, a time dominated by the push for feminism and woman's rights. Sister Sara first appears in the film as a weak victim of an attempted gang-rape. As per usual in a Western film, the alpha male character, Hogan, comes to her rescue. However, as the film progresses so does Sara's dominance within the film. Sara plays a key role in the Mexican fight against the French and the viewer eventually learns that she is not even a nun. The lead female character is able to out smart all of the male characters within the film and goes on to be an essential member of the Mexican battle against the French opposition. She takes much of the spotlight away from Hogan and is shown as a powerful figure.