Tombstoneis one of the greatest Westerns of its era, recounting the infamous story of Wyatt Earp and his bloody vendetta against the Cowboys of the Wild West. As one of the most legendary figures in American history, Earp’s story has been retold time and time again in increasingly unique ways, butTombstoneis widely considered to be the definitive interpretation of these events. However, there are manyWesterns likeTombstonethat center on Wyatt Earp’s adventures.
Kevin Costner’s 1994 filmWyatt Earpis a perfect example;the film was under a lot of pressure to live up to the huge success ofTombstonebut ultimately failed to accrue the same amount of popularity. The movie focuses on an earlier period of Earp’s life, and this wasn’t considered quite as interesting to general moviegoers.Wyatt Earpwas in fierce competition withTombstonefor a long time, but in reality, there’s plenty of space for both projects to coexist.
Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp Came Out Just 6 Months After Tombstone
The Two Westerns Were Constantly Compared To One Another
Coincidentally, Costner’sWyatt Earpwas preceded by Kurt Russell’sTombstoneby only six months. The films were released in 1993 and 1994, but these projects focus on strikingly different periods of Earl’s life.Tombstoneis widely considered the better of the two projectsbecause of its more sprawling narrative and ensemble cast, with the film focusing on the later years of Earp’s life as he enacted his revenge against the Cowboys and cleaned the streets of the Wild West.
I Love Tombstone, But One Part Of The Movie’s Ending Still Bothers Me 32 Years Later
Although I definitely regard Tombstone as a masterpiece, one aspect of the movie’s ending continues to feel off to me, even all these years later.
Costner’sWyatt Earpis a much more standard biographical film that focuses on the infamous lawman’s upbringing, exploring how he came to be the semi-mythological figure that he’s considered today. The movie depicts Earp’s attempts to join the Union Armyduring the American Civil War, despite being turned away due to his young age. These two concepts started a lightheartedbattle between Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner’s movies, when they tell very different kinds of stories.
Why Wyatt Earp Was Not As Successful As Tombstone
Ultimately, the reason forTombstone’s success andWyatt Earp’s respective failure is the former’s more engaging and action-packed narrative. Russell’s film has a much larger timespan, and his lead performance is infinitely charming as he depicts some of the most renowned moments of the lawman’s life. His rivalry with Johnny Ringo and the Cowboys gives the narrative a clear direction and purpose, while Val Kilmer’s supporting performance as Doc Holliday adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
Contrastingly,Costner’sWyatt Earpis a much dryer and by-the-book retelling of Earp’s lifethat doesn’t go into detail about the parts of his story that audiences are typically interested in. It doesn’t have the stylish shootouts, the intense rivalries, or the bloody acts of vengeance that makeTombstonesuch an engaging watch — and that’s exactly what audiences want from these kinds of revived Westerns.Tombstonewas the more successful filmsimply because it understood what viewers desired from this infamous story, whereasWyatt Earptried to make the legend more grounded and slow-paced.
Tombstone Vs. Wyatt Earp: Which Is The Better Movie?
Both Projects Have Clear Strengths
Objectively, it’s hard to say which of the two Earp movies is better, butTombstoneis certainly more entertaining. Not only does it detail the most interesting moments in the lawman’s life, but its ensemble cast is a huge asset that makes every single scene stand out among the crowd. Even the scenes that have nothing to do with Wyatt Earp are captivating, offering several interweaving subplots that ultimately come together for an unforgettablefinal duel between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo.
Dennis Quaid’s interpretation of Doc Holliday certainly has some fun moments, but he’s nowhere near as captivating and charming as Kilmer in this role.
Conversely,Wyatt Earpstruggles to find its footing whenever Costner’s protagonist isn’t on the screen. Dennis Quaid’s interpretation of Doc Holliday certainly has some fun moments, but he’s nowhere near as captivating and charming as Kilmer in this role. The narrative itself is slower and more direct, which may appeal to more historically minded audiences, but it lacks the tension and excitement that madeTombstoneso widely popular. There’s certainly space for both projects, butWyatt Earpis made for a very specific kind of audience, whereasTombstoneis the kind of Western that even non-Western fans can enjoy.
Tombstone
Cast
Tombstone chronicles legendary marshal Wyatt Earp and his brothers as they seek fortune in a prosperous mining town. Forced to confront a gang threatening the community, Earp joins forces with the infamous Doc Holliday, highlighting a tense battle between lawmen and outlaws in the American West.
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Wyatt Earp (1994) is a biographical Western film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Kevin Costner as the legendary lawman. The film chronicles Wyatt Earp’s life, focusing on his relationships with his brothers and his role in iconic events such as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The cast includes Dennis Quaid as Doc Holliday and Gene Hackman as Nicholas Earp, providing a comprehensive exploration of Earp’s complex legacy.
