Gunfight AM

Gunfight at the OK Corral is another film that continues to bring to mind and question the idea of who and what the alpha male cowboy actually represents and what he stands for. In the movies we have explored in the past, we have seen John Wayne as the strong hero, sometimes having a sidekick, in order to accomplish tasks. We have also seen women play strong leading rolls, especially in the most recent movies. Now in this movie, Gunfight at the OK Corral, the audience is presented with a predicament. There are two men in the movie, Wayne and Doc who embody all the things that the alpha male cowboy represents. Both are strong men with good morals, but as we explored in Red River, there can be only one alpha male cowboy, it is a singular definition, with room for only one man.

Some might question my singular definition of the alpha male cowboy, but this film further re-enforces it. Throughout the whole film it seemed that the two men were working together in a sort-of give and take manner. This constant desire to compromise with one another makes both men look weaker than they actually are. Neither of them can take the lead, make decisions and take what he wants. The alpha male cowboy does not let anyone else’s decisions, feelings, emotions, money, etc. influence his decision-making skills, and his desires.

The argument of the sidekick is not valid here either. In order for there to be a sidekick, there has to be a defined alpha male cowboy, one who takes control. Since neither Wayne or Doc took this role, there cannot be a sidekick. Both of these men are merely pawns in the game of life. They do not exhibit any qualities other than compromise, going with the flow, and caring what others think.