... yet Tombstone, in big part because of Val Kilmer's performance, just hit bulls-eye in the minds of so many Americans of all stripes. I remember going to it for the third time in a low-rent Mexican neighborhood buck-a-show matinee about six weeks after original release. The theater was about two-thirds full, a weekend afternoon. All different ages and colors of people. About three rows behind us three American Mexican teenage pals were sitting together, and had clearly seen the movie before. When Wyatt cuffs ol' Johnny Tyler the bully dealer in the Oriental and Johnny hesitates, Wyatt asks: "You gonna do something or just stand there and bleed?" the three boys chimed in. It made the movie more fun.
There's almost a cult around Tombstone. I wonder, WHY? With all its flaws, why does it resonate so deeply with so many Americans?
Good question. For me, being a Western history buff, it was how authentic to the period the film looked and felt; from the guns, holsters, clothes, saddles and Victorian dialog, I felt Hollywood finally got it "right." For many of my cowboy and buckaroo friends (I live in the rural West) it was much the same, including the outstanding horsemanship demonstrated in the film.
For my law enforcement friends it was the peace officer "law and order" angle that got them. For most Americans I think the "Justice is coming" theme resonated with them. After all don't we all dream of the Earp brothers and Doc cleaning up the riff raft and criminal element in our own towns and even Washington D.C.?
You're right about Powers Booth's performance, he was outstanding, in fact everyone acting in the film was. My wife normally has little interest in Western films but she loved Tombstone. It is just great entertainment with some of the most memorable, and quotable, lines in movie history.
Johnny Tyler was played by none other than Billy Bob Thornton.