A ‘revisionist' film as the name suggests is a film that seeks to revise or retell an established story with major variations that are meant to give a different view that was outlined in the original work. The film, 3:10 to Yuma is a modification of a similar movie that was produced in 1957. The current version of the movie has better actors with dialogues that are more thoughtful. The newer version is focused on bigger and blatant themes with much consideration made on its audience. The theme of the film is based on the idea of a hero whose main role is to neutralize the influence of the protagonist and restore social order. The discussion will therefore analyze the role of the hero, protagonist, and antagonist in the film, and their respective qualities that make them conform to or defy the portrayal of a typical hero.
The Hero, Protagonist, and Antagonist
The hero and the protagonist of the film is Dan Evans. However, at the start of the movie, he has very little to foreshadow the fact that he will turn into a hero. First, he arrives from the civil war where he had lost one of his legs in the fight. He, therefore, goes back home in a bid to settle and make a living for himself and the family in the hills of Arizona. All odds seem to be against him as he experiences many setbacks including his son's sickness, the bad state of his ranch because of inadequate rainfall, and the prospect of his property being repossessed by the banker. On the other hand, the antagonist of the movie is Ben Wade. He hails from West Mississippi. His business in Arizona is to attack coaches carrying massive amounts of money that ply their trade on the deserted canyons of Arizona. Anybody who tries to destruct him from his duty is immediately killed. He is so dangerous that he sometimes kill people whom he thinks are looking at him from the sideways.
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Characteristics of the Main Characters That Defy or Conform To the Portrayal of A Typical Hero
Therefore, the role of the hero is very clear. Dan Evans, being the hero of the movie, must save the people from the agony caused by the antagonist named Ben Wade. In every film or literature work, the hero normally does what is in the best interest of the people by saving them from a potential harm in their lives. Therefore, Dan Evan's role is to wipe out the potential threat to the lives and property of people caused by Ben Wade. In analyzing the character traits of both Dan Evans and Ben Wade that either conform to or defy the portrayal of a typical hero, several inferences can be drawn. Dan Evans is an ex-fighter who engaged in civil wars and therefore has the necessary qualities to make a good hero. He also plays a significant role in ensuring the arrest of Ben Wade, the antagonist, which is the primary role of a hero. Thirdly, he also engages in physical battles with Ben Wade and his team and the process killing some for interfering with his ranch. Factors that defy his portrayal as a hero include the fact that he was physically challenged due to the aftermath of the civil war. On Ben Wade's side, he had nothing to portray himself as a hero. Instead, his antagonism was supported by the fact that he killed innocent people and robbed them of their wealth.
Turning Point
The arrival of Dan Evans into Arizona is a foreshadow of the end of the misdoings by Ben Wade. The major turning point of the film is when Wade decides to mess up with Dan Evans' cattle while plotting to wage an attack to one of the coaches. It is through this opportunity that Dan manages to get the better of Ben Wade and his crew and subsequently plays a major role in his arrest and his delivery to the contention in Arizona. In addition, Wade had a tendency of looking down upon Evans. The two characters presented diverse traits with Wade being feared and respected in equal measures. Evans was depicted as an unsuccessful person who commanded an insignificant amount of respect. The turning point of the film is emphasized when Wade begins to respect Evans. The respect was seen to result from the fact that Wade admired the father figure of Evans and the extent to which he would go to provide for his family.
In conclusion, the end of the film typifies this genre of film where the hero, amidst various odds against them, manages to neutralize the antagonist and finally carry the day. Dan Evans manages to restore social order by ensuring that the antagonist, Ben Wade is sent to prison hence restoring social order in Arizona.
