In the following pages of this term-paper, a comparison, amongst the characters of Sheriff John T. Chance played by John Wayne and Outlaw Josey Wales personated by Clint Eastwood, will be exerted. For this endeavor, two films that constitute a remarkable landmark for those very particular actors are going to be considered – “Rio Bravo” by Howard Marks filmed in 1959 and “The Outlaw Josey Wales” self-directed by Clint Eastwood in 1976. Both movies embody a threshold-situation for each one of them.
In Rio Bravo John Wayne, the “bigger-than-life-cowboy-hero”, became older and was no longer the lonesome stranger as opposed to his previous appearances. With the role of the Sheriff John T. Chance, Howard Hawks took Wayne out of the fifties and brought him into the sixties. That shift is illustrated as Wayne was now seen with a rifle instead of a pistol and furthermore exemplified because he saw others who were faster. In conjunction with this he now transformed into the leader of a team, and this was representative of the significant change which had taken place in western movies, with the transition from adult western to professionalism.
Clint Eastwood is praised as the supernatural “Man with No Name” to the undead, the one who wreaks vengeance to the unforgiven, whose veneer of renunciation gives away revelations of guilt and terror. Unlike in the Leone-Trilogy, his character was transformed into a man named “Josey Wales”, but he maintained all of his abilities. Wales says little, keeps his face hidden in the shadows, has an almost godlike personal invulnerability and lives by a code we have to intuit, because he would rather die than explain it aloud. He has the aptitude to wipe out six, eight, or even ten bad guys before they can fire off a single shot. He plays it extremely cool and keeps the audience believing that he has everything under control in any situation, no matter how thrilling the situation may be – a MAN.
Both – Wales and Chance – can be considered heroes but what kind of heroes? How do they embody their heroism? Do they have a past, a family, and friends or do they appear from no-where? What is remarkable for each one of the characters and what is similar? These questions are an integral component of the comparison of the two hero roles and the following pages of this term-paper shall try to give some answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. "Rio Bravo"
- 2.1. Pertaining to the movie "Rio Bravo"
- 2.2. John Wayne as John T. Chance
- 2.3. Joe Burdette commits murder
- 2.4. Protecting the others - night patrol
- 3. "The Outlaw Josey Wales"
- 3.1. Pertaining to the movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales"
- 3.2. Clint Eastwood as Josey Wales
- 3.3. We got the Josey Wales
- 3.4. The talk with Ten Bears
- 4. Comparison
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper aims to compare the characters of Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne in "Rio Bravo") and Outlaw Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood in "The Outlaw Josey Wales"), analyzing their heroism and the contexts in which they operate. The analysis will consider their respective films as significant landmarks in the careers of these actors and explore the evolution of the Western genre.
- The evolution of the Western hero archetype.
- The importance of camaraderie and friendship in challenging circumstances.
- Contrasting portrayals of law and order versus outlaw justice.
- The themes of self-reliance, honor, and masculinity in classic Westerns.
- The cinematic techniques used to portray these characters and their worlds.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for a comparative analysis of Sheriff John T. Chance from Howard Hawks's "Rio Bravo" and Outlaw Josey Wales from Clint Eastwood's self-directed film, "The Outlaw Josey Wales." It highlights the significance of these films as pivotal moments in the careers of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood respectively, marking transitions in their portrayals and the Western genre itself. The introduction posits the central questions that will guide the comparative analysis: What kind of heroes are Chance and Wales? How do they embody heroism? What are their similarities and differences?
2. "Rio Bravo": This chapter focuses on "Rio Bravo," providing context for the film and analyzing the role of Sheriff John T. Chance. It details the plot, highlighting the central conflict involving Joe Burdette's murder and the subsequent siege of the jailhouse. The chapter emphasizes the themes of friendship, community, and the triumph of justice over arbitrary violence and economic power. The analysis delves into the character of John T. Chance, exploring his self-respect, his reliance on his team, and his rejection of external help. The chapter highlights how Chance exemplifies the unity of individuality and community, inspiring others to rise above their shortcomings.
Keywords
Western genre, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, heroism, camaraderie, law and order, outlaw justice, masculinity, self-reliance, comparative analysis, "Rio Bravo," "The Outlaw Josey Wales," film analysis, character study.
FAQ: A Comparative Analysis of John Wayne's "Rio Bravo" and Clint Eastwood's "The Outlaw Josey Wales"
What is the purpose of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive preview of a term paper comparing the characters of Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne in "Rio Bravo") and Outlaw Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood in "The Outlaw Josey Wales"). It analyzes their heroism, the contexts in which they operate, and explores the evolution of the Western genre through these iconic films.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper examines the evolution of the Western hero archetype, the importance of camaraderie and friendship, the contrasting portrayals of law and order versus outlaw justice, themes of self-reliance, honor, and masculinity in classic Westerns, and the cinematic techniques used to portray these characters and their worlds.
What is covered in the "Rio Bravo" chapter?
The "Rio Bravo" chapter focuses on the film's context, analyzing Sheriff John T. Chance's role. It details the plot, emphasizing the central conflict, themes of friendship, community, and the triumph of justice. The analysis delves into Chance's character, his self-respect, reliance on his team, and his rejection of external help, highlighting his embodiment of unity between individuality and community.
What does the chapter on "The Outlaw Josey Wales" cover?
Information on this chapter is not explicitly provided in this preview. However, based on the structure, it would likely offer a similar in-depth analysis of "The Outlaw Josey Wales," focusing on Josey Wales's character, his actions, and the themes presented in the film, mirroring the analysis given to "Rio Bravo."
How does the paper compare the two characters?
The paper directly compares the heroes, John T. Chance and Josey Wales, examining their similarities and differences in embodying heroism. While the specific comparisons are not detailed in this preview, it implies a contrast between the lawman and the outlaw, exploring the nuances of their respective approaches to justice and their heroic actions within their contexts.
What are the key takeaways from the introduction?
The introduction establishes the comparative analysis of the two characters and their respective films as pivotal moments in the careers of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, highlighting the significance of these films within the evolution of the Western genre. It poses the central questions guiding the analysis: What kind of heroes are Chance and Wales? How do they embody heroism? What are their similarities and differences?
What keywords are associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Western genre, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, heroism, camaraderie, law and order, outlaw justice, masculinity, self-reliance, comparative analysis, "Rio Bravo," "The Outlaw Josey Wales," film analysis, and character study.
What is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a chapter dedicated to "Rio Bravo" with sub-sections, a chapter dedicated to "The Outlaw Josey Wales" with sub-sections, and a concluding comparison chapter.
- Citation du texte
- Felix Kornmann (Auteur), 2008, Heroes of a different kind. ’The Bigger-Than-Life’-John Wayne versus the ‘Man with no Name’-Clint Eastwood, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/150434
