This movie is so right-wing extremist
Despite the fine direction by Hathaway and the brilliant scenery, it's impossible to look past this movie's pro-capital punishment themes, and how despicable of a "hero" Rooster Cogburn is. After the eloquent way he deconstructed himself with the Thomas Dunson role in Red River and the Ethan Edwards role in The Searchers, it's very disappointing to see Wayne reverting back to the kind of cold-blooded killer we're supposed to be rooting for. At least Ford and Hawks frowned down upon the extremism of his characters- Hathaway, however, celebrates it. All the talk in this movie about how they can't wait to "hang" the antagonist is rather sickening. I hope that when the Coens remake it, they are wise enough to make the story a little more complex.
What I don't understand is how we're going to stay alive this winter.