IMO the planned defense of the town by the men never existed. And where patronization of The Stranger, to the live-fire target practice session in the streets of the town was as contrived as the red paint. They all were under the impression or absolute belief that The Stranger was alone going to solve their problem with Stacy Bridges, and why the were willing to give him anything, and everything he wanted. And when during the reception/party for the boys that it was obvious that The Stranger wasn't going to solve their problem was when things completely fell apart. Sure they could have shot and killed one, two or all of of them, but obviously Bridges had long since had instilled absolute fear into the men of Lago, and cowed to the point unmitigated cowardice in their time as company regulators.
The red paint was nothing more than a psychological touch, not only for the people of Lago, but for Bridges and his boys. But even this had little to no effect to give him pause, stifle or even lessen the seething anger the three had for the people of the town, as all they wanted was to get into the safe of the mining company, and what they felt was owed to them. And in the process exert revenge upon the people of the town whom they felt had betrayed them to the law/justice.
Yet, in the end justice was served by the apparition & whip of The Stranger, who may have been what lurked deep within in the very souls of the people of Lago, and as fate would have it karmatically emerged at their own peril.
- DominicD
"Always make the audience suffer as much as possible." - A. Hitchcock
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