Johnny Guitar, Sister Sara Ashley

Johnny Guitar, made in 1954, and Two Mules for Sister Sara, made in 1970, both subscribe to the idea of otherness and the alpha male cowboy is starting to fade out of the western film. In Johnny Guitar the female conflicts between Vienna and Emma are stronger than any other male influence. In fact, the female leads find themselves in a shoot out at the end of the film. The ideas of female power, with Vienna running her own business and Emma leading the murderous hunt, show that the alpha male cowboy is not as powerful as he used to be and that otherness is rapidly driving the plot and the action of the film. In the time period the film was made, the civil rights movement is taking place. Women are demanding equal treatment and that demand is clearly heard in the era’s cinema. In addition, Vienna is wearing pants and ordering men around (Emma orders the men around, too). Her dress and behavior is blatantly symbol of female empowerment and otherness ideals Throughout the film, Two Mules for Sister Sara, the otherness branches out from just the idea of female empowerment and reaches to the Mexican population to reflect the Vietnam War. Sara has the ability to deceive and take advantage of Hogan by posing as a nun. Hogan, who is supposed to reflect the alpha male cowboy, falls in love with her and would not have survived if it were not for her help. The Mexicans reflect the Vietnam War because they are less fortunate and need the help of Americans. The ideas of salvation by Sara and profit by Hogan reflect the controversy of the involvement in Vietnam. The focus is hardly on Hogan and more emphasis is placed on otherness.