3:10 to Yuma was filmed in 1957, and fifty years later the remake was made. Although they share the same plot, there are some key distinctions that must be made. These key distinctions demonstrate what is revisionist of the 2007 one. Furthermore, the changes in the alpha male cowboy must be noted.
Firstly, the excess violence seen in the remake is a reflection of the cultural aspects which exist now. The remake demonstrates how Americans have become desensitized to death. For example, the opening scene when the barn is burnt down as punishment of not paying a debt is not seen in the original, rather he just asks for money. Throughout the remake, gratuitous violence is seen that was not in the original. This is a reflection of society as a whole. Americans, through video games, movies, and cultural events, have become desensitized to violence and death. It surrounds them more than fifty years ago, and because of that is taken far less seriously than it previously was.
The most important revision is the change in the alpha male cowboy. He is far weaker than a traditional alpha male cowboy should be. This is a reflection of the western dying in today's society. Dan is not respected by the town, and struggles to make ends meet, and must take the job of escorting Wade. Furthermore, his child doesn't respect him, which is unheard of for the classic alpha male cowboy. The weakening of the alpha male cowboy is a reflection of the death of the western.
3:10 to Yuma was filmed in 1957, and fifty years later the remake was made. In this time span, America's values and attitudes changed. These key differences can be seen in the two films. Furthermore, the changes in the alpha male cowboy must be noted.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, the excess violence seen in the remake is a reflection of the cultural aspects which exist now. The remake demonstrates how Americans have become desensitized to death. For example, the opening scene when the barn is burnt down as punishment of not paying a debt is not seen in the original, rather he just asks for money. Throughout the remake, gratuitous violence is seen that was not in the original. This is a reflection of society as a whole. Americans, through video games, movies, and cultural events, have become desensitized to violence and death. It surrounds them more than fifty years ago, and because of that is taken far less seriously than it previously was. In addition, during the time of the original, violence was used as a means to fight for justice. While in the remake, violence seems meaningless. Also the shift in family values are apparent. In the original, the father figure, and the alpha male cowboy, is seen as the best shot, and revered by his son. In the remake however, he is handicapped and constantly trying to live up to his sons expectations. The weaker alpha male cowboy in the remake is also a reflection of the way America now views the alpha male cowboy.
The alpha male cowboy in the remake, is portrayed as weaker than in the original. Furthermore he is handicapped, which would be unheard of for any alpha male cowboy in the classic western. In addition, he is fighting for his sons approval, and seeks to prove to the town he is a good shot. For the traditional alpha male cowboy, these things would not happen. Most importantly, at the end of the remake he dies, while in the original, he lives and is portrayed as heroic. This death is symbolic of the death of the western film genre in American culture. No longer is it one of the largest medias, rather it has died, and this is evident in Dan's death.