Western movies have its genre of entertainment in its own way. I have not watched much of it but “3:10 to Yuma” begs me to watch the original and all other western natured movies. With fine actors Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, the movie is intense, darkly comedic and rides on a pace of a determined cruise speed. There are serious discussions of discomfort for both the main characters in the movie. Being honest gets tested and takes a close shave to be on the other side of the plain. The firings miss here and there but overall, a movie worth watching.
The movie is a remake of 1957 popular flick of the same name. The story is the excruciating continuous attack of Ben Wade’s (Russell Crowe) gang members led by Charlie Prince (Ben Foster) to get him out of the custody of the people who wants him to be board to the train 3:10 to Yuma where he will be hanged to death. The people involves the Byron McElroy (Peter Fonda), Rail road head Mr. Butterfield (Dallas Roberts), Doc Potter (Alan Tudyk), and Dan Evans (Christian Bale).
Dan Evans is a veteran of Civil War. Having lost one leg in the battle he needs to find money so that he can save his house and survive to see the greeneries come and cattle prospering. His son William (Logan Lerman) does not think high of Dan. He respects but is slowly withering away due to poverty boding towards the family. He also believes that his dad is not brave enough to go ahead and shoot the people who do bad things to him. Dan is a man of honesty. He believes on the law and his frustration towards his incapability to bring his family good fortune goes high. He meets eye to eye with Ben Wade during an initial encounter and later helps him in making him stay for a while in the bar till the official gets to arrest him. Byron having a long history with Ben Wade definitely knows that his gang is going to come after them. He asks for volunteers and Dan uses this opportunity to bring nice money to the family. Then starts the intense psychological moments between Ben and Dan.
Director James Mangold’s visual of Western town is novel and authentic. The costumes especially of the characters stand out. Ben with the charm and decency with devilish inside, Charlie closed and tightened up with sharp caps and Dan with his simple nature adds in to the characters. What a wonderful actors are Russell Crowe and Christian Bale to have that chemistry of distress. Ben always trying to play with Dan’s mind while Dan knowing that keeping himself contained and also showing the correct treatment when needed is one thing which make this movie for its dark clever comedic piece.
The film is going to make a very nice entertainment and performances. Yet I have something being missed out of it. Especially the finale wherein the eventuality of Ben and Dan understanding each other. They are in the opposite side in everything. Ben does show some nice sides of him but it all aims to his own safety and security. Dan is a person of truth, justice and honesty. It is not surprising if Ben is getting revived up due to him but there is not enough scenes to have them seal it. With solid two days along Dan, it is definitely believable for some one to develop a respect for him, even if its an outlaw like Ben but there is the void of emotion when it seem the respect is more and Ben does unthinkable as an outlaw. While the screenplay heightens the moment of 3:10 in to the audience, the expectation created by them is not met to have a deserving finish.
With that said, “3:10 to Yuma” has more positive factors to have it to be viewed. It has the brilliance wickedness of a character in Ben by Crowe and watch for the scene of Bale as Dan letting his emotions off with his wife Alice (Gretchen Mol) before they head out with Ben. Two top class performances in a movie for all opportunity in the midst of bullets rain. But there is one another character which was so interesting and mystical. That is Charlie Prince portrayed by Ben Foster. He showcases the perfect outlaw style and elegance. The way he holds the gun to keep in his holster is something to be remembered. And his acute angry eyes and the rare smile of cruelty promise a lot more of terrific performances from him in future.
“3:10 to Yuma” leaves you wanting more of intense conversation between Ben and Dan. The action sequences are ordinary. Some where in the middle, the director contemplated on whether to take it as an action or drama and mingled the both. It is a good technique. Something similar worked for “Midnight Run” which blended action, comedy and even drama. There when Jack played by Robert De Niro and Duke played by Charles Grodin share a moment in the end, it is genuine. Out here when Ben and Dan share a moment there is a moment being missed. When Ben respects Dan, we push us to act emotional on it. That is not due to the screenplay but the respect we ourselves have created towards Dan which acts on us. While Bale wins in that, Mangold for a moment lost the control.
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