Day 2 – What I learned …

[Nora B Anderson]

If this is Week 2, Day 2, Pt. 1 – for Tombstone – creating stronger worthy opponents by setting up two characters who are so similar but from opposite sides of the “mirror,” not extremely different but subtler, adds complexity and balance, and serious tension.

[Sherry Miller]

Didn’t appreciate this scene when I first watched the movie. So glad I had the chance to see it again. The tension comes because both of these characters are equal in prowess, gunslinging etc. Further tension because they are opposed when it comes to the law. Johnny Ringo is a thug who’s dangerous. Doc Holiday is on the side of the law but can be a jerk. However, we’re on edge because not only is Doc Holiday sick, he has a drunk problem at the moment. Doc discovers in their first meeting that Ringo will harrass and not back down. He taunts, eggs on, and also lets Doc know he speaks another language. Wyatt Earp is signing autographs and playing cards but he has a gun ready at all times under the table. Tension mounts when Earp grabs the gun, aims, and click-clicks to be ready, keeping it hidden. These two characters stand out from the others by their eyes, clothes, and mannerisms. Ringo definitely shows wild eyes , glaring like they’re the only two in the room. Doc Holiday, likewise, stares back, even squints. Wyatt Earp is no threat because he declares himself, “Retired.” And also implies that the town is peaceful, yet he has a gun under the table. That “retired” line allows Doc Holiday to declare, “Not retired. I’m in my prime.” Perfect line here which challenges Johnny Ringo even more. Funny, next Ringo talks in another language to which Doc replies, “Think Ringo got educated.” What happens next is priceless. Ringo showing his prowess with a gun by flipping it, playing with it, spinning it for a long time. Doc finishes his drink, slowly eases into using the cup as a gun and does the exact same routine Ringo did, purposely showing his strengths (even when drunk). Besides, it entertained the people in the bar and brought the tension down. Johnny Ringo had a laugh here but you know he’ll be back. Their matched up.
The drama focuses on these two men most of the time in a bar setting, with card games and drinking going on. Where you’d expect a fight to happen. Can’t tell the wounds here, but the future is a surety. Traits: cockiness, confrontational, smug, determined. Attracted to danger, gun use.