3:10 to Yuma

3:10 To Yuma

(featured in The Bryan College Triangle on September 20, 2007)

Whether it is the thick mustached and outlandish accent of Val Kilmer from the film Tombstone, the anti-heroic Clint Eastwood from the Fistful of Dollars trilogy, or even the iconic John Wayne, who characterized the glory days of westerns, we seem to associate the western genre, not with the characters or stories of which they tell, but with the actors who make the boots fit. However, in the recent film 3:10 To Yuma, we are not only given a combination of two terrific actors in Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, but we literally see them transform on the screen into two well-fleshed out characters that stand out more than their star-studded names. The depth this brings not only may change the common critical view of the western genre that so many people have, but also makes an enjoyable, popcorn-munching blockbuster hit.

3:10 To Yuma, directed by James Mangold, the director of Walk the Line, is a remake of a classic, 1957 western, which starred Glen Ford and Van Heflin. In the remake, Christian Bale stars as Dan Evans, a poor rancher, who is just trying to pay his bills and feed his family. However, when times turn bad, Dan turns to alternate methods of work, which includes escorting legendary outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) on a three day journey to the town Contention, where Wade will be placed on the 3:10 train to Yuma in order to be tried and executed. However, like all westerns, the journey is hardly harmless. When they’re not being chased by Apache Indians, angry citizens, and Wade’s gang, now led by Charlie Prince, Wade’s crazed and bloodthirsty second in command (played by Ben Forster), there is always Ben Wade himself, strategically tempting his escorts, who continue to diminish in number, to abandon their goal.

The draw of the film is the combination of Bale and Crowe, and rightly so; each actor is fantastic, as are the supporting cast, which includes Ben Forster, Peter Fonda and Logan Lerman. However, it is the realism of the characters that makes the film unique. Bale, coming off perhaps his best performance ever earlier this year in the film Rescue Dawn, is not a heroic, gun-slinging hero, who is a match for any outlaw. He’s a one legged rancher who spends more time wounded and beaten in the film then actually being heroic. At the same time, the ever magnificent Crowe is back in top form after his disastrous role in A Good Year. As the legendary Ben Wade, Crowe is able to be witty, intelligent, and completely cold-hearted and evil, but yet give a slight touch of humanity, not only making his character believable, but also likable. Although we don’t agree with Wade, we respect him beyond his ability to draw his six-shooter. As the story continues to unfold, and the duo survives one adventure after another, we begin to understand the two characters, and why they do what they do. Perhaps this is the deeper message of Yuma; that heroes aren’t always gun-slinging classic cowboys in shiny boots and pressed pants, who live by sense of decency and honor. Perhaps not all outlaws wear black hats and bandannas, and kill men and rob stagecoaches for fun. Without blurring morality, Yuma touches on something that we often forget; even as Christians; that everyone is human, even the Ben Wade’s of this world.

Sure, Yuma meets the criteria of a western film; a thirty to one ratio of male characters to female characters, the hostile Apache Indians, and even the obligatory stage coach robbery and slightly over-the-top shoot out in the town. However, through the performances of Bale and Crowe, we are given more than the classic western; we are given a deep look at humanity and morality, and in a very exciting and entertaining way. Draw the cash from your wallets; 3:10 To Yuma is worth every penny.