Review of The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) by Jim H — 16 Jul 2011

A lynch mob accuses three men of murder, but evidence mounts that they may be innocent.

This is one of those few films in which the most interesting character is in a supporting role. Why does Tetley so vehemently pursue the mob's version of justice? I read an article in Philosophy and the Western that argued that he is unreasonably committed to following a code of behavior, which elides critical thinking. After seeing the film, I'm inclined to agree. After all, this film is about groupthink and stupidity. It argues that people are often more inclined toward sensationalism and fear than reason, and one of the aspects that makes this film timeless is how readily one can see these tropes playing out in the modern political scene.

A young Henry Fonda seems to have a tough job: his character comes off as a hothead at the beginning and stable and level-headed during the second and third acts. Likewise, there are many characters in the mob who are reduced to stereotypes, and considering how important they become to the film's conclusion, I would have liked to have known their motivations. Finally, the Tetley Snr./Tetley Jnr. plot came out of nowhere.

Overall, not without its flaws, The Ox-Bow Incident is a Western classic for good reason.