As far as Westerns go, it appeals to audiences far beyond those who love standard horse operas.
There’s no denying that.
But you know what,Wyatt Earpisn’t actually bad.TombstonepaintsKurt Russell’s Wyatt Earp in a mostly heroic light.
Custom Image by Zanda Rice
Yes, he’s a complicated character, but he’s still largely presented as good-natured.
In contrast,Wyatt Earppresents our hero with more nuance.
Costner’s Wyatt Earp is a deeply flawed and broken individual.
Image via Warner Bros.
We see him fall in love and lose it.
We see him succumb to grief and become a criminal.
We watch as he tries to provide for his family and set them up right.
And we see how his actions ultimately tear them apart.
It’s a fascinating take on the character that’s vastly different from Russell’s.
These Westerns are Kevin-sent.
From Wichita to Dodge City, to the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, a man becomes a myth in this thrilling journey of romance, adventure, and desperate heroic action.
But there’s another moment that’s especially foundational to who Wyatt Earp is.
A few simple words his father, Nicholas Porter Earp (Gene Hackman), tells his children regularly.
“Nothing counts so much as blood.
The rest are just strangers.”
There’s a lot to loveabout Kurt Russell’s Wyatt Earp.
He’s brave, bold, and relentless in his pursuit of both vengeance and justice.
However,Kevin Costner’s version is perhaps the more interesting of the two.
This stands in direct contrast to what we see of the Earp family inTombstone.
Sure, Quaid’s Dochas nothing onVal Kilmer’s, but he works mightily forWyatt Earp.
Marshal as a person and not just an idea.
Wyatt Earpis available for rent on Prime Video in the U.S.
