Compared to other western films that I have screened recently, 3:10 to Yuma compares quite favourably. I thought that it is one of the best films that I have seen this year. Like The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, it explores the life of a Wild West outlaw who has reached the end of the road and must change their direction. Unlike Jesse James, it doesn’t drag endlessly and offers a tense and surprising conclusion.
3:10 to Yuma is driven by its lead characters, Dan Evans (Christian Bale) and Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) who initially represent complete opposites: good and evil. As they interact throughout the film, they discover that they are more similar than they thought. Their morals are not black and white but different shades of grey. Also, as they learn more about each other, they begin to respect their counterpart and see his perspective.
Due to its almost mythological history, the Wild West is an excellent setting the explore duality and multiple personalities. Outlaws and sheriffs are equally legendary. No character on the silver screen or person in the real world is entirely consistent with one particular trait and everyone makes both good and bad decisions. In this regard, I found the film to be most similar to The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Like the Man with No Name trilogy, 3:10 to Yuma also provided an enjoyable mix of action and dialogue, drama and comedy.
Second chances also abound for the protagonists. Dan Evans regrets his service in the Civil War and seeks to regain the respect of his eldest son and Ben Wade is trying to discern meaning, beyond wealth and violence, in the world. Both redeem themselves to some extent on the trip to Contention where Wade is to catch a train to Yuma prison.
Highly recommended.