3 10 to Yuma Paper

Submitted By Keana-Graham
Words: 1379
Pages: 6

Keana R. Graham
ENG 202
February 15, 2015
Section 001 3:10 to Yuma is a remake of the classic western film, of the same name, made in 1957. Starring major actors such as Christian Bale and Russell Crowe, this remake is said to be destined to be another classic western. While relying on the original for a basis, 3:10 to Yuma (2007) has become a movie of its own. From the filming style, that stays true to the original. To the major theme of redemption, with the characters Dan Evans and Ben Wade, this film is able to create a long lasting impression, filled with complex significant figures and climatic events. During the silent era, Western films become increasing popular, characterized as a narrative film genre. But with the introduction of sound in the late 1920’s the western genre became abandoned. But around the early 1930’s, the western genre was considered the “Pulp” genre in Hollywood, producing such classics as, Dodge City, Jesse James, and Union Pacific. Westerns have 7 subgenres, described by Frank Gruber, a prolific author and screenwriter. Each subgenre tells an individual story that was a major concern back in that period of time. The subgenres include: The Union Pacific story, the plot concerning with the construction of the railroad, The Ranch story, the plot concerning threats to a ranch or rancher, The empire story, the plot concerning building a ranching empire or oil empire, The revenge story, a plot involving the elaborate chase and pursuit, The cavalry and Indian story, involving the whiteness need to tame the wilderness, The outlaw story, where the outlaw gang dominates the action of the story, and lastly The marshal story, where the lawman and his challenger controls the plot. With all these subgenres, 3:10 to Yuma is definitely a mixture of both the rancher story and the outlaw story. Creating a blended harmonic combination of both subgenres, that tells the story of Dan Evans, a down on his luck rancher, ex-military and who lost his leg in battle. Also of Ben Wade, a Billy the Kid type cowboy, who runs an outlaw gang known for robbing and killing their victims, to make a living. This remake reflected a modern day western film, which still held the value and integrity of a classic western. From the imagery of the film, the vivid landscape used as a backdrop, like most western films did, to the classic camera angles and dramatic scenes. Much reminiscent of 1980’s horror movies and the dramatic angles and scenes it would portray. 3:10 to Yuma definitely has the necessary elements that are needed to make a classic western film, a remake that is true to its original counterpart and true to the classic elements that westerns possess. Throughout the film, there were a few significant figures that were prominent towards the film and its few themes. These significant figures are driving forces with each theme, giving them basis and life to grow and evolve into a compelling part of this western remake. One significant figure is Dan Evan’s leg; Evans lost his leg in the military and returned home soon after. His leg is his metaphorical crutch, holding him back from providing for his family, while they live on a dying ranch. When Ben Wade is captured and Evans is offered 200 dollars to take him to Yuma, this was his chance to provide some type of life for his family. But because of his lost leg, Evans is now seen by his family has less of a provider and more of a destitute. While he tries his hardest to provide for his family, it only comes with backlash and consequence. When Evans is late paying back Glen Hollander, Hollander and his men proceed to burn down Evans barn. Evans is not only seen by his family as less of a provider, though they wouldn’t say it. An example of this is when Evans and his wife, Alice, are talking about their future, He says, “If I don't go, we gotta pack up and leave. Now I'm tired, Alice. I'm tired of watching my boys go hungry. I'm tired of the way that they look at me. I'm tired