Unforgiven-C. Phelps

Unforgiven opens the door to "the other" and changes the view of an alpha male. It is a true revisionist western. In past western films, an African-American would be cast as a sidekick (servant). In Unforgiven, Ned, played by Morgan Freeman, is a main character. He owns his own house, has a family and is seen as an equal among all other characters. The alpha male, William Munny, considers him a partner. Unforgiven also casts an English immigrant in a somewhat bright light. English Bob is viewed as a gun slinging hero at the beginning of the movie. People show him respect. In the past, an immigrant is usually viewed as a fool or an outsider. This film incorporates "the other" in a more substantial role.
William Munny is very different from the traditional alpha male. He has a family. He is uncomfortable in the wilderness, as can be seen in the camping scene with Ned and The Schofield Kid. He says, "I miss my bed". William is also scared to die. After coming down with a fever, and being beaten by Little Bill, he makes it very clear he is scared and does not want to die. He is also a poor shooter and horrible rider. These are unusual traits for the alpha male cowboy. Unforgiven revises the way people have embraced the traditional alpha male. In the end, he is a murderous psychopath and it is evident he is not a model for the male population in 1992.