3:10 to Yuma-C. Phelps

The ability to watch American culture change over a 50 year span was the most interesting aspect of this assignment. In 1957, when 3:10 to Yuma was originally filmed, the culture was surrounded by fear and paranoia of the Cold War. In 2007, 3:10 to Yuma took on this traditional model of the Western and faced a new fear; violence.

The Cold War created the role of an alpha male in Western film. The male needed to be strong, courageous and independent. This was the only way to face the fear of Communism and the threat of nuclear war. In 3:10 to Yuma, Dan Evans fills this role. He volunteers to take Ben Wade, a killer and thief, to the train station in Yuma. Although he is looking to make money to help his family, he is also aware of what the future will look like with Ben Wade and his gang continuing their rampage. This mirror's the view Americans had of Russia during the 1950's. In 2007, the role of Dan Evans takes a twist. He has the same traits of the original alpha male but has a different view of Wade's violent behavior. The reality of violence in today's society is apparent in this film and compared with 1957, shows how violent film has become. The scene at the railroad tunnel is a great example of how culture has changed. Three men have captured a fleeing Ben Wade and start to torture him with electric shock. Potter, the doctor, comes into the scene saying, "that is immoral". All the other cowboys agree and they rescue Wade. This scene speaks to some issues like capital punishment, "water boarding" and Guantanamo Bay prison. In 1957 the fear was about being killed by the enemy; Russia. Now, the fear is being killed by our own citizens. Our society is growing weary of the ethical treatment of those captured by our government. The new model for the alpha male and the people in our society is to follow a universal standard for ethical guidelines. To stop violence and bring criminals to justice in a court of law. This is the culture that has changed over the last 50 years.