“High Noon” — Movie Review
What constitutes a moral duty? Why do we feel inclined or obliged to do something that we are not necessarily bound to do by law? Kant wrote about ethics and morals during a big part of his life, and is considered one of the masters of epistemology and metaphysics. To him, one of the biggest examples of the ultimate moral action were those types in which individuals would act in accordance with certain duties in spite of self-interest and deep wishes to act otherwise. Moral had to be so general and universal, that it would be applied to every single person, regardless of their personal beliefs. Human beings, however, are complex beings, and do not always respond to general precepts. It’s just not that simple.
In “High Noon“, we have our set of moral duties tested through the story of Marshall Will Kane (the handsome, understated and talented Gary Cooper — with an Academy Award for this role). Kane is experiencing his last day as sheriff of a small, forsaken town. He just got married to Quaker pacifist Amy Fowler (the gorgeous Grace Kelly in a contained, modest role) and plans to make a living by running a corner shop. The town is quickly shaken by the news big criminal Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald), once sent to prison by Kane, is on his way back. He escaped a hanging sentence, has been pardoned, and plans revenge against Kane, who believes it is his duty to defend himself, the town and its citizens.
The movie follows a real-life timeline and runs for almost as long as we await Miller’s arrival in the noon train. Tension rises in the movie as every minute goes by, and events are masterfully put together by director Zinnemann. There are no excessive stories nor endless landscape shots. The movie runs for 85 minutes — quite an achievement for a western! — and still gives viewers plenty of time to witness how the whole town stands when it comes to what looks like this upcoming final showdown. Kane is seen by many as the best sheriff the town has ever had, responsible for making the place safe for women and children. Others believe his tensions with Miller are none of the town’s business, and it would be best for him to simply escape with his new wife and leave the town’s peace undisturbed. The townsmen debates allow us to test our own beliefs and witness how, at the end of the day, most people are only concerned about their own selves.
Kane is stoic, strong and feels an extreme set of responsibilities rests on his shoulders. His meeting with the former sheriff Martin, his mentor, is one of the greatest moments in the movie — philosophically rich, it is packed with reflections and arguments to make one question or support Kane’s decision. The fascinating Helen Ramírez (Katy Jurado), a Mexican woman who was once Kane’s — as well as Miller’s — lover, believes he could not be or do it any differently, and provides some more insights on the man’s personality. Suspenseful, well-directed and meaningful in its implications, this may as well be the best of its genre out there, a must-watch even for non-Western lovers like myself. If nothing else, it will leave you with its lovely, Academy Award winning theme song, “Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling“, playing on. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
8.5/10
Favorite Quote: “You risk your skin catching killers and the juries turn them loose so they can come back and shoot at you again. If you’re honest you’re poor your whole life and in the end you wind up dying all alone on some dirty street. For what? For nothing. For a tin star.” (Martin)
Director: Fred Zinnemann (also known for “From Here to Eternity” and “Oklahoma!”)
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