Tarantino Swears This John Wayne Classic Is Western Perfection—And Rotten Tomatoes Agrees

Ever since the release of his 1992 masterpiece, “Reservoir Dogs,” catapulted him into fame and recognition, Quentin Tarantino has solidified his position as one of Hollywood’s most admired directors. Over the course of his career, he has explored numerous genres, including war, Western, action, and crime. Fans adore his fight scenes, but what truly defines his unique style is his knack for making audiences empathize with his characters – a skill he credits to classic Western films.

As a film enthusiast, I can confidently say that Quentin Tarantino stands out among many in Hollywood who passionately discuss their favorite flicks. His profound love for classic directors such as Sergio Leone, Sergio Corbucci, John Ford, and Stanley Kubrick showcases his impeccable taste. In the realm of Western cinema, you can see the impact of certain films on his narrative style, and he never fails to give credit where it’s due. Interestingly enough, a timeless 1959 Western featuring John Wayne was once deemed by the director as his all-time favorite movie. This classic film’s distinctive style and atmosphere have undeniably left an imprint on how he develops his characters.

This Controversial Movie Inspired Howard Hawks’ Magnum Opus

Wayne Starred In A Remake Of High Noon

• High Noon was based on the short story “The Tin Star” by John W. Cunningham, published in Collier’s in 1947.

In 1952, Fred Zinnemann directed a film that would come to symbolize the ’50s. The movie centers around Gary Cooper as Will Kane, the retiring marshal of Hadleyville, who is about to embark on his honeymoon. However, when he learns that a notorious criminal he imprisoned is returning, he decides to stay. As he struggles to gather support from the townsfolk to form a posse and drive the outlaw away, they all refuse him. Facing the countdown, he recognizes that he will be forced to stand alone against an ingrate and undeserving town.

Despite being hailed as a cinematic masterpiece by presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, “High Noon” was a contentious film upon its release. For John Wayne, the portrayal of a town unwilling to help Kane, along with the marshal’s demand for outside assistance, were perceived as “un-American.” Given that the movie is often seen as a critique of Hollywood (and American society) for their cowardice and inaction during McCarthyism, it’s not surprising that Wayne, who constructed his career around the all-American patriotic hero, found issue with the film’s message. Consequently, he joined forces with director Howard Hawks to produce another esteemed work of cinema in 1959’s “Rio Bravo.” Over time, this movie has garnered respect as one of the best films created by either Wayne or Hawks, two individuals whose careers were marked by numerous masterpieces.

Rio Bravo Is A Western Masterpiece

Howard Hawks Created One Of The Greats

The story of Rio Bravo starts when Joe Burdette, the son of influential cattle tycoon Nathan Burdette, kills a man in a saloon following a disagreement with Sheriff Chance and his tipsy deputy, Dude. After this premeditated homicide, Chance subdues Joe and takes him to jail until trial. Upon learning that his son is imprisoned, Nathan’s men start threatening and bullying Chance and his deputies, even going as far as killing one of Chance’s longtime friends. With only Dude, an elderly deputy named Stumpy, and a skilled gunfighter known as Colorado, Chance understands he must resist the pressure from Burdette’s men. Additionally, Dude is grappling with his addiction as he struggles to remain sober amidst withdrawal symptoms.

In the town, law enforcement officers carry on with their daily routines, a routine made intricate by the arrival of Feathers, a widow who was married to a con artist and has a bounty on her head. At first, she butts heads with the sheriff, yet as time passes, they develop a connection, a bond that seems to stem from the assertive character trait the sheriff admires. This assertiveness is reminiscent of the “Hawksian Woman” archetype, a type of female character famously crafted by Hawks. As the sheriff grows fonder of her, he finds himself unable to act on his feelings until he resolves the Burdette situation. Throughout their time together, Feathers proves herself to be one of the most well-written women in the genre.

In various ways, the movie fully realizes the greatness of the Old West and offers a joyful, victorious conclusion – quite contrasting to the ending of High Noon.

Quentin Tarantino’s Love For Rio Bravo, Explained

It’s The Quintessential Hangout Movie

Quentin Tarantino has frequently praised “Rio Bravo” as one of his top films, sometimes playfully revealing he used to screen it for potential romantic partners to gauge their cinematic preferences. He affectionately refers to it as the “prime example of a hangout movie,” which resonates with how he perceives his own films like “Jackie Brown,” “Pulp Fiction,” and others. Like “Rio Bravo,” Tarantino excels when he delves into character-rich, dialogue-focused narratives that allow viewers to connect with characters such as Vincent Vega and Cliff Booth. Although both films contain action scenes, Tarantino’s primary objective is to make the audience grow attached to his characters. Given that Tarantino considers “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” his masterpiece, it’s apparent he remains a firm believer in the hangout movie genre. In “Rio Bravo,” viewers find themselves drawn into the lives of the characters, rooting for Dude to overcome his challenges and hoping Chance will ride off with Feathers – characters that never let their fans down.

In a personal account, Tarantino shared that “Rio Bravo stands out as a marvelous film… It’s one of those movies where you spend so much time with the characters they feel like friends by the end.” He admired the movie for its depiction of masculinity and revealed that, having grown up without a father, Rio Bravo served as a life guide for him. In a way, Howard Hawks took on the role of a surrogate father figure to Tarantino through this film. This alignment wasn’t coincidental; both Hawks and Wayne envisioned Chance as a corrective measure for what they saw as a flaw in Will Kane. They desired an honorable lawman who took charge, rather than seeking help like Gary Cooper’s character did. Ultimately, the preference between Rio Bravo and another film directed by Zinnemann depends on personal taste. However, Tarantino’s appreciation for Rio Bravo’s compelling characters resonates strongly in his work since the ’90s.

In simpler terms, “Rio Bravo” follows classic Western archetypes, such as John Wayne’s brave sheriff, Angie Dickinson’s strong-willed woman, and John Russell as the menacing outlaw of the Wild West. This approach is similar to how Quentin Tarantino approaches storytelling, developing characters that embody key elements of their respective genres. Tarantino often emphasizes genre-driven narratives, a trait evident in his films. “Rio Bravo” offers viewers a quintessential Western tale, focusing on compelling characters one might encounter in the West. Unlike many movies that switch between conflict and drama, “Rio Bravo” seems designed to provide an engaging character journey, where friendships and stories take precedence over action.

Tarantino Isn’t The Only Howard Hawks Admirer

It Has Near-Universal Love From Western Fans

Although Quentin Tarantino openly admires Hawks’ “Rio Bravo,” he is certainly not alone in this appreciation among Hollywood directors. The world of cinema is rich with tributes to this classic Western, often resembling a massive ode to it. This film revolves around a police station under siege by a ruthless, almost cult-like gang, which forces the small team of law enforcement officers to join forces with their prisoners and fight back. Essentially, it reimagines Wayne’s original concept as a borderline psychological thriller.

In 2013, Arnold Schwarzenegger took on the lead role in the fast-paced remake of Rio Bravo titled The Last Stand. Set in a small Arizona town, he plays the sheriff who finds himself confronting a criminal intent on crossing a bridge into Mexico. With the criminal expected to arrive within hours, he enlists the help of some trusted friends and prepares for a showdown in the heart of the town, culminating in an intense gun battle. The straightforward premise of this film, made iconic by Rio Bravo, ensures that the “heroic lawman standing his ground” theme will continue to captivate both Hollywood and audiences for years to come.

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2025-07-06 20:08