In this article, I will explore two classic films starring Henry Fonda. The significance of the stories they tell is powerful, and the similarities between them go beyond having the same leading man.
The Ox-Bow Incident (1942)
The Ox-Bow Incident is a western directed by William A. Wellman. The film takes place in Nevada, where, upon learning that a rancher has been murdered, the townspeople form a posse to investigate. Henry Fonda’s character, who has only just arrived in town, joins the posse. He witnesses the townsfolk, filled with rage and an urge to kill the accused. On their journey, the air, trees, and even the breath they inhale feel eerie, like a warning. Yet, they continue to talk and behave like beasts. In their deranged state of mind, murder is accepted as a form of justice.
The film’s imagery is very expressive, revealing a lot about the characters through long, silent shots. It is an excellent mood piece that meticulously captures hysteria and guilt within the human soul. By effectively depicting the dark paths the characters follow, the film condemns mob mentality and raises important questions about the true meaning of justice and violence. It is striking that Henry Fonda, who is famous for 12 Angry Men, is the lead in this film as well.
When director William A. Wellman pitched the film to the studio head, he predicted it would flop. But Wellman persuaded him to let him direct it on the condition that he would direct two more films for the studio. Unfortunately, it turned out just as the studio head had predicted. However, this film—crafted with such passion, great filmmaking, and strong performances—has stood the test of time. It is one of the best westerns that more people need to see.
Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)
John Ford directed three films in 1939, including notable works like Stagecoach and Young Mr. Lincoln. Young Mr. Lincoln is a biopic about the early life of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on one of the significant events when he aspired to become a lawyer. The film captures the joyous spirit of the people in Illinois, but a crime shakes them and drives them to violence. It shows Lincoln’s inherent nature of helping others and his struggles to uphold justice in a town that is far from peaceful. Henry Fonda’s performance as the young Lincoln greatly contributes to the film, making the character both vulnerable and heroic.
Donald Meek, a great character actor, makes quite an impression on screen despite his short screen time. John Ford’s direction is interesting here because he captures the important moments of the film so effectively that they leave a lasting impact. The scene where Lincoln stops the mob lynching is shot and staged perfectly. I watched that scene in awe, marveling at the mastery involved in it. Like 12 Angry Men and The Ox-Bow Incident, Young Mr. Lincoln is another great Henry Fonda film that critiques violence and prejudice, which distort the true meaning of justice.
Harish embodies the essence of a true cinephile. His passion knows no language barriers as he explores films from every corner of the globe. With a particular love for obscure cinema, Harish finds beauty in the overlooked. His special admiration for directors like Hirokazu Koreeda and Satyajit Ray speaks to his appreciation for nuanced, humanistic storytelling.