Summary
- Kurt Russell's portrayal of Wyatt Earp in Tombstone showcases his effortless composure in a non-violent saloon scene.
- Unlike typical Western bar scenes, Earp's smooth-talking and intimidating nature shines through in the film.
- Russell's portrayal of Earp in the film helped shape the legendary lawman's real-life legacy.
Kurt Russell is a pretty legendary thing in Hollywood, but in a three-minute sequence Tombstone remains one of the most interesting moments of the actor's career. Coincidentally, Russell began his acting career as a teenager, joining the cast of Western soap operas. The Travels of Jamie McPheetersso it's only fitting that one of his most iconic moments happened in the 1993 Western. After starring and reprising the title role in several Disney films of the 70s ElvisRussell appeared in several John Carpenter films, including E.Escape from New York and The Thing.
From Stargate and Miracle for The Hateful Eight and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Kurt Russell's career has spanned many genres. Despite this, Russell's role as lawman Wyatt Earp TombstoneGeorge P. Cosmatos' famous Western may be one of his most notable turns. TombstoneBased on true events, the film depicts key moments in the lives of lawmen and outlaws in 1880s Southeastern Arizona. While the film covers real-life events like the shootout at the OK Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride, Russell's finest scene actually has less fanfare.
Tombstone's Saloon Scene Highlights Kurt Russell's Film Career
Russell's Wyatt Earp is very cool as he chases down an unruly bar patron
TombstoneRussell, who plays legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, is a justice-seeking gunslinger whose best scene unfolds in a saloon with very little violence. Unlike other Western bar scenes, which usually devolve into shootouts, Tombstone's saloon moment builds on Earp's smooth-talking, intimidating nature. At the top of the scene, Russell's character walks into a bar, takes off his hat, and asks the bartender for a cigar. He introduces himself as Wyatt Earp—a statement the bartender initially scoffs at. At this point, Earp notices that the hall is light for patrons.
He lights his ear cigar and approaches the disobedient man and dares him ”
Peel the skin off that smoking wagon and see what happens.
”
The bartender explains that a rowdy man playing cards at the back table entered the bar and started causing trouble. The aggressive character is swinging his gun around and slapping people. Now only “sediments“Wait. When Earp suggests the bartender throw the man out, he laughs at the lawman's suggestion. With a casual smile, Earp lights his cigar and approaches the unruly man and dares him “Peel the skin off that smoking wagon and see what happens.“He who is too afraid to draw his gun is afraid, therefore Earp slaps him, grabs his gun, and takes him out by the ear.
Why Was Kurt Russell So Important To Tombstone's Success And Legacy?
Actor Gives Definitive Wyatt Earp Performance in '90s Western
While Kurt Russell gives a career-defining performance throughout the film, it's his portrayal of Wyatt Earp. Tombstone's ending that really brings home the actor's prowess. The second half of the film depicts the aftermath of the shootout at the OK Corral as Earp embarks on a bloody, revenge-driven crusade. In many ways, Russell's portrayal of Earp, a fierce and determined lawman, came to reshape the character's real-life legacy.. Kurt Russell's portrayal makes a lasting impression—it doesn't just reinforce it Tombstone's success, but largely feeds the Western legend.
As of August 2024, Tombstone Streams on Hulu and Disney+.