MovieChat Forums > Rio Bravo (1959) Discussion > Am I missing something?

Am I missing something?

posted 13 years ago by polytourist97
4 replies | jump to latest

So, the movie opens with a scene in which Dean Martin (Dude) is looking for a drink, obviously can't afford it, and gets mocked by the Bad Guy. Then John muthaf*in' Wayne strolls in and stops Martin from disgracing himself, only to be BLUDGEONED in the FACE with a LOG by Martin, who then continues to attack another guy, which causes a ruckus in which a random stranger attempting to calm things down gets shot.

...after all is said and done, Martin becomes a deputy? Just because he comes and saves Wayne's ass from a bunch of shiz that HE started? This, as far as I can tell, is NEVER addressed or settled in the movie. Not even a "by the way, sorry I started all of this by assaulting you with a stick". It made me rewatch the beginning 15 minutes because I felt like I missed something.

This bothers me so much it's hard to enjoy the rest of the (otherwise entertaining) movie.

[–] Errington_92 13 years ago

Later in the film it's revealed that Dude (Dean Martin) use to be John's deputy three years earlier but became a drunk due to becoming heartbroken. So they were no strangers to each other.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] TheZoolooMaster 13 years ago

You must come to realise that the spittoon is more than a spittoon. Once you realise this, it will become clear that the spittoon is nothing more, in fact, than a spittoon. Then you will have understood. Let DB guide you to the Way.

http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/2012/04/11/the-tao-of-rio-bravo-or-a-yakky-way-of-knowledge/

[–] lubin-freddy 11 years ago

This is a Hawksian male universe, and works within those rules. Hawks' male characters often were flawed, but they were professionals, who knew their duty. The relationship between Dude and Chance is basic Howard Hawks.

People hungry for the voice of god
Hear lunatics and liars

[–] porfle 11 years ago

Much later in the movie when Dude slaps Chance, Chance says: "That's the second time you've hit me. Don't ever do it again."

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