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When it comes to Western movies, guns are a common theme. Two classic Western films, “High Noon” and “Shane,” tell the stories of men who use guns to protect their communities. However, the attitudes towards guns in these movies are quite different. In this essay, we will compare and contrast the attitude of “High Noon” and “Shane” regarding guns.
“High Noon” is a 1952 movie that tells the story of a town marshal, Will Kane, played by Gary Cooper, who must defend his town against a gang of outlaws. The movie takes place in real-time, as Kane prepares for a showdown with the outlaws at noon. Throughout the movie, Kane struggles to get help from the townspeople, who are afraid to confront the outlaws.
The attitude towards guns in “High Noon” is one of necessity. Kane knows that he needs a gun to protect himself and his town from the outlaws. However, he also understands the dangers of guns and the toll that violence can take on a community. He tries to avoid violence whenever possible, even going so far as to seek help from the townspeople instead of confronting the outlaws alone.
“Shane,” on the other hand, is a 1953 movie that tells the story of a gunfighter, Shane, played by Alan Ladd, who comes to a small Wyoming town and becomes embroiled in a conflict between the settlers and a powerful rancher. Shane is initially reluctant to use his guns, but he is eventually forced to take action to protect the settlers from the rancher’s hired guns.
The attitude towards guns in “Shane” is one of acceptance. The settlers understand that they need guns to protect themselves from the rancher’s men. Shane is also portrayed as a hero who uses his guns to protect the weak and innocent. The movie does not question the use of guns or the violence that they bring.
One of the key differences between the two movies is the role of the community. In “High Noon,” the townspeople are initially afraid to confront the outlaws and leave Kane to face them alone. This reflects the movie’s attitude towards guns as a last resort. Kane is forced to rely on his own skills and courage to protect the town.
In “Shane,” the settlers are actively involved in the conflict with the rancher’s men. They understand that they must use guns to protect themselves and their families. This reflects the movie’s attitude towards guns as a necessary tool for survival. Shane is seen as a protector who uses his guns to defend the settlers.
Another difference between the two movies is the portrayal of violence. In “High Noon,” violence is seen as a tragic and destructive force that must be avoided whenever possible. Kane tries to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, but he is forced to use violence to protect himself and his town.
In “Shane,” violence is portrayed as a heroic and necessary act. The settlers are shown as brave and resourceful, using guns to defend themselves and their families. Shane is portrayed as a skilled and noble gunfighter who uses his guns to protect the innocent.
In conclusion, “High Noon” and “Shane” present different attitudes towards guns in Western movies. “High Noon” portrays guns as a necessary evil that should be avoided whenever possible. Kane tries to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, but he is forced to use violence to protect himself and his town. “Shane,” on the other hand, portrays guns as a necessary tool for survival. The settlers are shown as brave and resourceful, using guns to protect themselves and their families. Shane is portrayed as a skilled and noble gunfighter who uses his guns to protect the innocent.
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