Tombstone is widely celebrated as one of the most distinguished Western films of the 1990s. While it rightly holds its place as a timeless classic in the Western genre, there are aspects of the film that may not resonate as well with contemporary audiences. Set against the backdrop of the Old West, Tombstone follows the true story of Wyatt Earp, a legendary lawman. If the film were to be remade today, it’s intriguing to consider how certain elements might differ.
Released in 1993, Tombstone retains a distinct flavor reminiscent of ’80s action films. The movie is filled with intense gunfights, a strong emphasis on virile heroism, and witty one-liners, making it an enthralling addition to the genre. Yet, this style also serves to slightly date the film. Nevertheless, the few shortcomings of Tombstone do not diminish its legacy as a quintessential Western that continues to captivate audiences.
10 The Troubled Production Undercurrents
The Directorial Chaos
While Tombstone is regarded as a great film, the tumultuous production behind its creation adds to its remarkable story. Unlike some notorious Hollywood productions like Apocalypse Now or Jaws, Tombstone’s challenges often go unrecognized. Reports indicate that the film’s original director, Kevin Jarre, was dismissed during filming due to his inability to manage the production effectively. Rumors suggest that actor Kurt Russell took over directorial duties to salvage the project.
Despite these hurdles, the fact that Tombstone emerged as a classic feels somewhat miraculous. However, remnants of the troubled production are perceptible, as Jarre envisioned a sprawling Western epic, while the final cut is notably more concise. As a result, the film’s pacing can appear inconsistent, and several story arcs feel truncated, leaving some characters underdeveloped.
9 Overcrowded Cast Dynamics
Character Integration Issues
Tombstone boasts a remarkable ensemble cast, with many actors delivering standout performances, even in minor roles—such as Billy Bob Thornton, who plays a gambler thrashed by Wyatt. However, the film struggles with an overabundance of characters that often feel superfluous, detracting attention from key figures in this legendary narrative.
The film’s focus on the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday is sometimes muddled by the need to distinguish multiple Cowboys. This is complicated further when secondary characters, such as Billy Breckinridge (Jason Priestley) and Mr. Fabian (Billy Zane), consume screen time without advancing the central plot. Though their dynamic is intriguing, it feels discordant within the film’s main storyline.
8 Doc Holliday Outshines Wyatt Earp
Protagonist Overshadowed
Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday is a standout that solidifies the film’s place in the Western canon. His performance is both captivating and multifaceted, yet it inadvertently eclipses Wyatt Earp’s role as the main protagonist. Notably, Doc’s climactic showdown with Johnny Ringo draws the most attention, diverting the narrative gravitas from Earp himself.
Kurt Russell’s Earp is depicted as a steadfast embodiment of justice, yet the way the character is scripted means he often lives in the shadow of Doc. This artistic choice ultimately reshapes the dynamics of the film’s climactic moments, emphasizing the strength of Kilmer’s role over Russell’s lead.
7 Contrived Happy Ending
Romance Lacks Depth
As Tombstone explores darker themes, Wyatt Earp’s seemingly uncomplicated happy ending feels jarring. After bidding farewell to Doc Holliday on his deathbed, Earp travels to Colorado to reconcile with Josephine. This conclusion appears oddly placed, lending a sense of forced closure to Wyatt’s tumultuous journey.
The issue with the ending lies in the underdeveloped romance between Wyatt and Josephine, which takes a backseat throughout the film. Beyond their initial encounter, their interactions are limited to hardly more than fleeting glances and emotive music, failing to create a convincing connection. The heavy-handed voiceover further detracts from the resolution, hastily wrapping up characters’ arcs with little payoff.
6 Leaning into Melodrama
Self-Indulgence in Some Scenes
Many thrilling moments in Tombstone showcase adrenaline-fueled action, such as the iconic gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Doc Holliday’s tense duel with Johnny Ringo. Nevertheless, certain scenes veer into melodramatic territory, hindering the film’s overall coherence. The heightened action may be part of Tombstone’s appeal, but it risks crossing into excessive territory.
For instance, the slow-motion depiction of Morgan’s shooting veers toward self-indulgence. Coupled with Wyatt’s dramatic reaction amidst rain, it risks overshadowing the film’s more nuanced emotional beats. Some performances can feel over-the-top, particularly those of Kurt Russell and others, who might be perceived as leaning into theatrics.
5 Historical Accuracy Issues
Half-Truths in Representation
While Tombstone is rooted in real events, it takes considerable liberties with historical facts. A glaring inaccuracy is the portrayal of Doc Holliday as Johnny Ringo’s killer; historical records indicate that Holliday was likely behind bars during Ringo’s death. This is just one of several historical discrepancies present within the film.
Although some viewers may prioritize historical fidelity, the film’s overall merits shine through in its embrace of the wider narrative themes, such as Wyatt Earp’s conflict with the Cowboys and the notorious gunfight at the O.K. Corral. In an era increasingly critical of historical inaccuracy in cinema, some viewers may find disappointment in how Tombstone portrays its events.
4 One-Dimensional Villains
Cartoonishly Evil Cowboys
Tombstone paints a picture that teeters on the line of morality, showcasing how Wyatt and his allies can embody brutality akin to the villainous Cowboys they oppose. However, the Cowboys, including characters like Johnny Ringo and Curly Bill, are primarily characterized by their exaggerated villainy, lacking any complexity that might make them relatable.
For the film’s narrative to discern right from wrong, it often resorts to placing the Cowboys in a light that exaggerates their nefariousness, depicting them as hilariously over-the-top threats. They engage in violence without remorse and readily terrorize innocent people. While Tombstone has a strong cast, the simplistic portrayals of these antagonists detract from the film’s overall sophistication. This clear demarcation between heroes and villains is rare in contemporary cinema.
3 Unmanageable Pace in the Third Act
Erupting into Chaos
The film begins at a measured pace but escalates rapidly following Morgan’s tragic death. As events shift to a more frenetic energy, the third act can appear frantic and disjointed. This rush leaves viewers breathless, with montages flying by in rapid succession.
The final act features explosive scenes, like Wyatt crashing through a bar window to confront the Cowboys. This engaging yet chaotic turn encapsulates the third act of Tombstone, where meaningful moments, such as Curly Bill’s demise, speed by without the necessary gravity.
2 Mattie Earp’s Tragic Story Overlooked
The Truth About Mattie’s Life
Wyatt arrives in Tombstone accompanied by his wife, Mattie, but their relationship is far from ideal. Mattie’s struggle with laudanum addiction and her growing estrangement from Wyatt forms a sad undercurrent to the plot. As Wyatt pursues his new relationship with Josephine, Mattie becomes a tragic figure pushed to the periphery.
Mattie’s post-Tombstone life is steeped in sorrow; after being abandoned, she returned to a life of sex work and eventually died from an overdose, which at the time was ruled a suicide. This tragic context renders Wyatt’s romantic resolution with Josephine somewhat unsettling.
1 Underdeveloped Female Characters
Shallow Portrayals of Women
Mattie isn’t the only underdeveloped female character in Tombstone. While her tragic narrative could have added depth, she, alongside Josephine and Doc Holliday’s partner Kate, are largely sidelined in favor of a male-centric narrative. Tombstone focuses on various expressions of masculinity and uses its female characters to complement this theme.
Although critiquing the film’s portrayal of women can seem harsh, the sidelining of female voices mirrors the social attitudes of the time. It accentuates the power dynamics in masculinity, which drive Tombstone’s narrative forward. However, it’s notable that a modern remake of Tombstone might delve deeper into female characters, offering a fresh lens to the male narratives.