3:10 TO YUMA
3:10 TO YUMA: WESTERNS ARE STAGING A COMEBACK
With 3:10 To Yuma, James Mangold brings back good old fashion westerns to the silver screen. With amazing acting, clever dialogue, and a timeless story, 3:10 To Yuma shows what a western is supposed to be.
Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is about to lose his land to the railroad because he can’t make his payments due to a drought. He lost his leg in the war. When he and his boys go to wrangle up their cattle, they witness notorious criminal Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) and his gang robbing a stagecoach loaded with bank money. Ben Wade lets them go but takes their horses. Dan and the boys rescue Byron McElroy (Peter Fonda), the only survivor of the robbery. The Marshall (Dallas Roberts) and his cavalry meet Dan and his boys at the scene. They go back to town and capture Ben Wade in the local saloon. Dan volunteers to escort Ben to the 3:10 to Yuma train for $200. Along the way,Dan and Ben bond.
This is a classic Western story. It is a remake of the 1957 film that is a short story by Elmore Leonard. It has dialogue such as “$5 for making me nervous”. The acting is top notch. As always, Christian Bale makes you forget Christian Bale the actor. Russell Crowe is unassuming but intimidating at the same time as Ben Wade. Ben Foster (Alpha Dog) is intense as Wade’s right hand man Charlie Prince. And supporting cast members Peter Fonda and Gretchen Mol don’t fade into the background either. Luke Wilson is in a cameo that you might miss if you blink. The New Mexico desert provides the backdrop. You can feel the dry desert air and dust in your lungs. The costumes are understated. Costumer Arianne Phillips has worked with James Mangold before on Walk the Line.
Wade’s character is shown sketching throughout the film. This felt like it was a part of his character just to prove he had a softer side. The bonding he does with Dan is enough to show his human side.
3:10 To Yuma is a good start on the comeback of westerns. James Mangold has found the right combo with a classic story, quality actors, and the landscape of the desert.
Report Card:
Story-B+
Acting-A
Visuals-B+
Originality/Innovation-B+
Enjoyability Grade–B+
Overall Grade-B+
|
