3:10 to Yuma DG

The original 3:10 to Yuma and its remake are different from each other in several aspects. The original film shot in 1957 is much less revisionist than the remake shot in 2007. Also, the alpha male cowboys in these two films are much different.

The remake which came out in 2007 was much more of a revisionist western than the first film. The scenes such as the opening scene, the campfire scene, and the ending scene are much more violent than we see in the original. The revisionist western is known to be much more violent, cynical, and dark, and many times it contains an antihero. In this case we see Ben Wade as the antihero who brings a sense of intimidation and fear to the other cowboys in the movie. His lack of a moral code and his persistent violent behavior establish him as the antihero. The revisionist western is also known to favor critical views of big business. In this case we see Dan Evans very much against the railroad that is threatening to come through his property.

Dan Evans definitely represents the alpha male cowboys in both versions of the film. He exemplifies qualities such as determination and a set moral code. Dan Evans kills much more men in the remake which shows he has superior gunslinging skills, a quality that is embraced by the alpha male cowboy. Another distinct reason that the Dan Evans from the remake is seen as more of an alpha male cowboy is his ambiguous past. Whenever he is asked about his leg he strays away from the question. This is common in the alpha male cowboy as we see with Ethan Edwards when he comes back home. Coins are found in his jacket that bring into question where he may have got them and further, what has he been up to these past few years? Dan Evans is an alpha male cowboy in both films but the qualities are more easily seen in the remake.