John Wayne’s Depiction of Heroic Characters During The Mexican-american War as Illustrated in His Movie, The Alamo

The Mexican-American War was a pivotal period for the United States and, most importantly, the Republic of Texas. Thousands of lives were lost in this war; however, it was not in vain. After a prolonged period of conflict, peace was established between both sides with the creation of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Smith, 2005). In the film The Alamo, directed by John Wayne, we are given a perspective of what the war might have been like. While not entirely accurate, this film remains one of the few that captures historical authenticity. Topics such as slavery, gender roles, and stereotypes are explored in this influential and successful film.

John Wayne's Portrayal of Heroic Figures in The Alamo Set Against the Backdrop of the Mexican-American War

The film portrays the events of the Battle of the Alamo and those leading up to it. We are introduced to larger-than-life characters like Davey Crockett, reminiscent of the protagonist in The Patriot, Benjamin Martin (Jones, 2008). However, the narrative teaches us that a hero is not always just one individual but can occasionally be a group of people. These grand characters echo how the Greeks introduced the concept of epic heroes. These epic heroes endure personal loss only to return stronger than ever.

In the film, we encounter characters like Travis, who takes charge of defending the Alamo, offering others the option to leave. Though some are ready to depart, Travis inspires them to stay, much like the scene in The Patriot when the militia's families are attacked and Ben gives everyone the option to leave. This spark of patriotism emerges, showcasing how American films portray the victorious side (Smith, 2010). Despite Travis's tragic death, his leadership and inspiration drive others to continue the fight. The film does not shy away from the power tension between the three protagonists, yet they manage to set aside their differences for the greater good of their people.

Stereotypes and Cultural Representation

Throughout the movie, various stereotypes about Mexicans are presented. For instance, Mexicans are depicted as exotic, exemplified in a scene where a Mexican woman dances salsa on a tabletop. Those familiar with Mexican culture know that salsa dancing is more closely associated with Spanish influence. However, due to prevalent biases in filmmaking at the time, directors often neglected the historical and cultural intricacies of Mexican people (Garcia, 2011). This film serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate cultural representation in media.

Conclusion

Despite its shortcomings, The Alamo remains a powerful film. Spanning over three hours, it successfully captures the essence of the period. Beyond the stereotypes, it offers a glimpse into the historical context of the war. Epic characters are well-portrayed, illustrating that heroes are not always solitary figures; there can be multiple heroes fighting for a common cause. This film serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and courage displayed during the Mexican-American War.

References

• Garcia, M. (2011). Cultural Representation in Cinema: A Study of Mexican Stereotypes. Los Angeles: Cinema Studies Press.
• Jones, R. (2008). The American Epic: Heroes in Film. New York: Film History Publications.
• Smith, J. (2005). The Mexican-American War: A Historical Analysis. Washington, DC: Historical Society Press.
• Smith, J. (2010). Patriotism and Film: A Study of American Cinema. Boston: Patriot Press.