'High Noon', starring Gary Cooper, is an all-time classic western. Cooper is a sheriff who is about to face almost certain death at the hands of a gunslinger. He knows it, the town knows it. But no one lifts a finger to help him, even though he helped the town grow...a leading citizen, if you will. In the end, though, he prevails. But the setting; it could have been set in the present. It could have been futuristic, it could have been set in any era. I guess the same could be said about most westerns, but 'High Noon' stands out as a morality play that just happens to be set in the Old West.
All of the above could be said about 'McCabe' except for one thing: in the end, McCabe does not prevail. He is hunted down by the hired killers and, although they get theirs, he gets his as well. Where 'High Noon' leaves the viewer feeling satisfied, 'McCabe' leaves us in an oddly uncomfortable mood. "Just what is wrong with people, anyhow?" Even the preacher turns on him, threatening to shoot him, sending him out of sanctuary and forcing him to leave his rifle, his only chance at survival, in the church. Neither film is a strong endorsement of mankind, but while 'High Noon' leaves us with some hope, 'McCabe' drives the point right through our hearts: when the chips are down, you can't count on anyone but yourself.
All of the above could be said about 'McCabe' except for one thing: in the end, McCabe does not prevail. He is hunted down by the hired killers and, although they get theirs, he gets his as well. Where 'High Noon' leaves the viewer feeling satisfied, 'McCabe' leaves us in an oddly uncomfortable mood. "Just what is wrong with people, anyhow?" Even the preacher turns on him, threatening to shoot him, sending him out of sanctuary and forcing him to leave his rifle, his only chance at survival, in the church. Neither film is a strong endorsement of mankind, but while 'High Noon' leaves us with some hope, 'McCabe' drives the point right through our hearts: when the chips are down, you can't count on anyone but yourself.