Thoughts on 3:10 to Yuma

I saw 3:10 to Yuma last night. I liked it. Russel Crowe, as outlaw/robber Ben Wade,put on a solid performance full of contagious charm and ruthless guile and Christian Bale, as Civil War amputee/ rancher Dan Evans, did an excellent job of portraying a man who was with struggle, both physically and emotionally. 3:10 to Yuma, which was filmed in New Mexico, is unlike some recent Civil War era films like Cold Mountain or Open Range in that there is not a lot of emphasis placed on the cinematography. However, the stark and rugged landscape lends itself quite nicely to the bleakness and desperation which lies within both leading men. While Wade is under capture throughout most of the movie and facing an immediate visit to Yuma prison Dan Evans struggles with a different kind of impending imprisonment: poverty. With the possible loss of his ranch looming over him Evans forces himself to be part of a posse of men who are to escort Wade to a train which will lead him to Yuma. Between the time of their initial visit and their interesting departure Evans and Wade form a connection that is not just based on doing what is deemed 'right' but being able to recognize it. Unlike his gang, there is a part of Wade which is very human, very aware of other men's struggles and pain and while he is consistently violent, it is this dichotomy of behavior which seems to capture the audiences attention and interest.