Catch the 3:10 to Yuma

3:10 to Yuma is quite possibly one of the best westerns I have ever seen. Granted, it's not saying much, for I haven't seen that many westerns, but James Mangold (Copland; Girl, Interrupted; Walk the Line) crafts a western that becomes social commentary. It comments on such a myriad of social problems--racism, big business, mortgages and lending, war, even Blackwater--that I want to call it an issue movie. The good thing is that it never comes right out and takes a stand on these issues.

Instead, 3:10 to Yuma focuses on character, especially Christian Bale's character. Everything in the movie is about these characters, from the way they dress to the way they walk. Each one has a different way of drawing their guns, for example, so that every character is distinct. Especially Christian Bale's. He's struggling, and the narrative makes us feel his struggle long before he attempts to become a hero. That's the good part.

There are downsides, too, but I have to forgive them because the rest of the movie is so great. The main problem is with Russell Crowe's character--Bob Wade. He's basically Hannibal Lechter in the west. Sure, he may be a gentleman, but this movie makes no bones about his murderous nature. We may try to argue that his murders are warranted, but one scene in particular involves a fork, and I couldn't help but see him as a figure of true horror. What the movie tries to do at the end, though, makes no sense to me. I don't want to give it away, so let's just say that the ending is the worst part.

In another sense, 3:10 to Yuma is a great period action film. The social commentary elevates it, but the action sequences are wonderful. All practical special effects, too. No CGI stuff here, just guys with dynamite and men actually riding horses. I loved it.

Watch it through to the end and enjoy the journey. Then forget the ending.

Grade for 3:10 to Yuma: 8