DB - 3:10 to Yuma

3:10 to Yuma, a very famous western, was originally filmed in 1957, and a remake was made in 2007. Both films share the same basic plot line, but there are some important differences, some of which cause the 2007 version to fall under the category of revisionist westerns. The most important revisionist aspect of the film is the way that in the 2007 version Dan, the alpha male cowboy, is much weaker and less respected than in the 1957 version. He is a reflection of the shift in American perceptions of masculinity. As time has passed, men in the US have been increasingly encouraged do behave in some ways which have traditionally been considered feminine. For example, men are now more encouraged to share and talk about their feelings, whereas in the past silence was golden. Additionally, in the 1957 version Dan is saved by Wade at the end because Wade felt a manly duty to return the favor, while in 2007 Dan talks about his need to impress his son, who doesn’t really have any respect for him, which convinces Wade to go. This contrasts with the culture of the 1950’s when it would be almost unthinkable that a son would not have a special reverence for his father.

Additionally, the 2007 remake of the film had other differences which showcased a change in American values. For example, the 2007 version features far more violence that the 1957 version. This can largely be attributed to warfare footage being viewed by the American public for the first time during Vietnam and afterward, as well as the excessively violent video games currently sold. In the late 50’s the American populace was becoming more and more bothered by the violence of the wars, and they didn’t desire for it to overlap into their personal lives or entertainment. However, over time, these things and others have led to desensitization to violence, and especially in a day and age like today when we have been at war since 2001 and it really has little to no effect on our lives other than what is discussed on the nightly news. Nothing causes desensitization to violence more swiftly than when actual violence does not make any kind of meaningful impact on most American’s lives.