Westerns can be a controversial subject among movie lovers, some certain that they are complex commentaries on American life, and others unconvinced by the heartless, macho, ultra-violence.
I must confess that I have never seen a John Wayne film. My experience with Westerns has been limited to Unforgiven and films that can only reluctantly be included in the genre such as City Slickers and Blazing Saddles. So it is with little knowledge but few biases that I approached my viewing of 3:10 to Yuma. Essentially, I wanted to determine whether it was a good film, not a good Western.
I was motivated to see it when I heard the casting; Russell Crowe and Christian Bale rarely make bad movies. The story itself is fairly uncomplicated: Dan Evans (Bale), a disabled farmer sets out with the local sheriff’s crew to escort captured outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) to the next train heading to the jail in Yuma. The convoy must fight off those who want Wade dead, his angry posse coming to reclaim their leader, and the manipulative outlaw himself. These scenes are full of action and suspense, but the depth comes in the developing relationship between Wade and Evans who both appreciate the intellect and conversation the other offers. (But don’t worry, this isn’t Brokeback or anything).
Although I much prefer Bale as an actor, this is Crowe at a career best. His role here is more suited to his talents than anything I’ve seen him play in the past – he’s charming, unpredictable, likeable, and evil all at the same time. Both lead performances are subtle, thoughtful, and nuanced – adjectives which also apply to the script and direction. There’s an energy and enthusiasm here that is unusual for a remake.
Although I did not set out to consider this film within its genre, I think this is a movie that the Western-haters can appreciate. Overall probably the best film I’ve seen so far this year.
Rating: ****
7 comments:
You should probably watch Crowe in "The Quick and the Dead". That's one with Leo DiCaprio, Gene Hackman and Sharon Stone. Crowe plays an important, but secondary, role that is well suited to him. Incidentally, I just discovered that "The Quick and the Dead" was directed by Sam Rami.
You should try some other good westerns. I like alot of Clint Eastwood's ones, although the "spaghetti westerns" are mostly remakes of Akira Kurosawa's films. Try "High Plains Drifter" or "Pale Rider". Although "A Fist full of Dollars" really sets out his personal style in westerns.
Well, I'll have to put this film on my list of "gotta see". Nice review.
Yeah - great review Tammy.
'Reckon you should go back aways to the Searchers, Red River and the original Stagecoach. Westerns really only have one father - John Ford.
PS, why isn't Matt as concise in his reviews?
geez, I forgot Days of Heaven. Amazing movie.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077405/
Nice review, Tammy. Your enthusiasm for the film clearly comes through.
P.S. Tim, I feel so stupid now! Here I'd been going for "insightful and thorough" in my reviews, when it turns out that all I really have to do is use fewer words! You're a flippin' genius, man, and you really ought to be teaching Film Review at a major university! Coming Soon: Five Word Reviews! As inspired by Prof Tim!
that's a pretty long comment response.
I used to do 5 word reviews! I could teach a course on that.
LOL, Mofo!
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