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Photo © Lionsgate Films
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3:10 to Yuma
Drama; Western; re-make
2hrs.
September 7th, 2007
MPAA: R for violence and some language
Lionsgate Films
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Starring: Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Logan Lerman, Gretchen Mol, Peter Fonda
Directed By: James Mangold
Produced By: Cathy Konrad, James Mangold
Screenplay By: Halstead Wells, Michael Brandt, Derek Haas.Sources:Halstead Wells '57 screenplay; Elmore Leonard's short story:
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Reviewed
By: Wellington Lee
Rated 2.75/5
In a Nutshell: Set in 1870 southern Arizona. A story about a civil war vet
Dan(Bale) turned struggling rancher, trying to leave a legacy of example, for his rebellious teen son. Ruthless outlaw
leader Wade(Crowe),gradually subsumes his power to the honesty and will of Dan; and redeems himself. A+ performances by
both leads and the supporting cast, especially dapper and cagey bad guy Ben Foster. Real and raw heroes and bad guys. A
risky(Box office),counter trend feature work, than the comic book super powered heroes of late. See this one on the Big
Screen, and splurge for some refreshments.
Feature Review:Acclaimed writ/Dir Mangold("Copland" '95; Girl Interrupted '99; Walk the Line '05)states that he
could NOT get Dir. Delmer
Daves '57 original, out of his mind, since his early film school, teaching years. Powerhouse Glenn Ford delivered his
nuanced performance of Bale's 2007 lead Dan Evans. Bale("Rescue Dawn" '07)is known for his physical preparation and 30 lb.
weight losses(The Machinist), for his characters near crazed("Rescue...";) performances. Mangold, with his producer wife
Cathy(they met on the set of "Copland"),asked the writers to fashion the orig. Van Heflin character(now "Dan Evans"), with
Bale in mind. There are some parallels to the classics "The Magnificent Seven"; and the tension of an arriving train, in
"High Noon".
The re-make has a few obvious plot and character changes. Most noticeable theme, is Union Civil War vet turned rancher
Evan's, relationship with his eldest, teen son William. The boy has that antsy(Like M.Gibson's son in "The Patriot")
frontier teen rebellious side. He alternates between a fascination of the power of guns, the perceived weakness(vs. wisdom
and
character) of his Dad vs. the barn burning, town mortgage holder. Another theme is post Civil War development of this
endless
desert and highland landscape, signified by the coming Railroad. The Rail rep passes out the then large sum of $200, to
escort the captured gang's leader(when Evans claimed to hire himself out for $2 a day as a ranch hand).Wade's gang robs 21
payrolls of railroad workers and land buying money($400,000 total).The contemporary issue(germane to all U.S. South
Westerners)of the power of water rights, is also referenced.
The plot and Dan's predicament, unfolds in a fluent way. After Dan's ranch Mortgage holder's enforcer(act. Grayson Butterfield)sadistically burns his barn for an eviction notice, Dan sets out with his boys to round up the scattered
cattle. He soon encounters Evans feared gang, robbing a heavily defended(5 Pinkerton guards and a Gatling gun)armed stage
Coach. The action is gritty and impressively photographed(Phedon Papamichael),with the camera inserted right into the
special effects/stunt action. Salty, stubborn yet Bible passionate McElroy(Fonda),is the only guard to survive his
gutshot. Evans and the boys are spared by the quirky Wade(Crowe), and later rescue the tough cowboy.
Desperate, lame(from
Civil War friendly fire),would be rancher Evans, accepts the large sums offered by RR's rep, to escort
captured womanizer Wade, from the frontier town to Fort Yuma.
Outlaw Ben Wade is written(including original veteran scribe Wells)as a manipulative, uncanny reader of other men's
intentions. Crowe fits this role like a glove, with his strong screen presence and a self-assured(even in heavy
cuffs)smile.
More exposition, say a brief scene(screenplay "beat")from an older character actor cowboy, to explain why this ruthless bandit allows himself to be captured so easily, would plug that hole. The rest of the middle and third act, Wade uses his cunning
and mind games with his few guards, while he cockily waits for his men, to rescue him.
The real, new stand out, is Wade's lieutenant Charlie, memorably played by Ben Foster. He wears a custom, clean, smooth
beige leather jacket. Foster plays the slight(but quick draw)Charlie intelligent, making the right decisions quickly and
often ruthlessly, with an unnerving, blue eyed stare.
3:10 is an engaging work, eschewing the one- upsmanship F/X's and stunts, of today's contemporary set action, and even
Fantasy, features. The solid characters, near perfect, weighty yet economical dialogue, ensures that this powerhouse will
stay with most, long after the lights come on. I cannot wait to see the weekend B.O., and how this stands up against the
surprise, early(August vs. Oct.)released, Halloween. Brad Pitt's Jesse James story, opens soon. My burning question: If
that("..Jesse James..") does even 75% of the B.O. of what Dir Mangold's remake is sure to bring, will this start another Western genre, cycle??
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