John Wayne, one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood and the Western genre, delivered a powerful and poignant final performance in ‘The Shootist’ (1976). Known for embodying rugged individualism and American masculinity in films like ‘Stagecoach’ and ‘True Grit’, Wayne’s career was filled with roles that portrayed him as a heroic figure. However, in his last film, he showed a depth and vulnerability that gave ‘The Shootist’ a hidden layer of meaning often missed by fans.
‘The Shootist’, based on Glendon Swarthout’s novel, tells the story of JB Books, an aging gunfighter who learns he is dying of cancer. Seeking peace in his final days, he rents a room from a widow and her son in Carson City. However, his reputation draws challengers who want to make a name by killing the legendary shooter. As Books grows closer to the family, he mentors the young boy, Gillom, teaching him the difference between violence and self-defense. In a climactic showdown, Books faces off against three adversaries in a saloon, choosing to go out on his own terms rather than succumb to his illness.
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The film was deeply personal for Wayne, who was battling cancer himself. His portrayal of JB Books mirrored his own struggle, and the film became a fitting farewell to both the actor and the classical Western.
While many Westerns of the era began exploring morally ambiguous characters, Wayne’s ‘The Shootist’ remained true to his legacy of the noble, principled gunfighter. His final film not only closed the chapter on his storied career but also marked the end of an era for Westerns, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and future films like Clint Eastwood’s ‘Unforgiven’.
–Farheen Ali