3:10 To Yuma (2007)

	Directed by: James Mangold	COUNTRY USA GENRE Western NORWEGIAN TITLE 3:10 til Yuma RUNNING TIME 122 minutes
	Produced by: Cathy Konrad
	Written by (based on the short story by Elmore Leonard): Halstead Welles Michael Brandt Derek Haas

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Ben Wade	Russell Crowe
Dan Evans	Christian Bale
William Evans	Logan Lerman
Grayson Butterfield	Dallas Roberts
Charlie Prince	Ben Foster
Byron McElroy	Peter Fonda	½
Emmy Nelson	Vinessa Shaw
Doc Potter	Alan Tudyk
Marshal Weathers	Luce Rains
Alice Evans	Gretchen Mol

Review

Director James Mangold is one of several filmmakers re-exploring the western genre these days. At the height of the genre, it often used its form to include allegories. With the prospect of a western renaissance coming, the timing seems fitting in the current uncertain situation in the world and in the U.S. in particular. 3:10 to Yuma, a remake of a 1957 film starring Glenn Ford, is ostensibly a classical western, both when it comes to narrative structure, themes, and final showdown. This is escapism with a tinge of serious soul-searching on all sides. In that respect, Mangold more closely replicates the early John Ford than someone like Sergio Leone, as he deals respectfully and unflashily with the human aspects of the story, without becoming overly analytical, but also without trying to hide the obvious dualism in it. The two opposing lead characters both have an unquestionable strength; in many ways they are stronger than the society they are a part of. Dan Evans is willing to die for what he believes in; Ben Wade is willing to die for what he doesn't believe in. Mangold utilises the dualities of the western genre to create a solid character drama – and with a bit of legend included as well, if you're willing to accept the premises.