In the film Red River throughout most of the movie, the two male characters are in differing stages of life. Tom Dunson, played by John Wayne, is clearly the Alpha-Male at the beginning of the film. He has the quicker draw on the former land owners, and even leaves his beloved girl behind in order to start his new life.

However, fourteen years later, people change. The fact that Tom shows he is scared, whether he knows it or not, begins to cripple his persona as an Alpha-Male. Matt has a quicker draw than Tom, and in the land of ‘the law of the gun’ the fastest gun rules. Compared to Tom, Matt’s youth and quick draw exudes the Alpha-male characteristics. As his adopted son, it takes a great deal for Matt to challenge Tom, however thoughout the travel he though his demeanor and language is clearly questioning Tom.

Compared to previous films, both Tom and Matt express their feelings much more considerably. Caring for his fallen cowboy, and mentioning that they should get his wife the “red shoes she always wanted” followed by his burial and a ‘few words’ make him appear fallible. Cherry Valance even calls Matt out on his softness, “Your heart is soft” after shooting a man in the arm in order to save his life.