Tombstone Movie’s Unfair Treatment of Mattie Blaylock: The Overlooked Character

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Growing up during the 1990s, a period rich in memorable films, Tombstone significantly influenced my childhood years. With its legendary dialogue, indelible characters such as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Johnny Ringo, and some of the most thrilling gunfights ever captured on screen, it’s no wonder this Western is often hailed as one of the greatest of all time.

Previously, I hadn’t seen Kurt Russell’s remarkable film for quite a while, but upon rewatching it, I recalled something I had long neglected: the movie unfairly treats one character. This isn’t about Doc, Wyatt, or any of the Earp brothers (or cowboys, in general). Instead, it’s the longtime partner of the lawman-turned-saloon-owner-turned-U.S. marshal who often receives unfair treatment. Let me clarify…

Tombstone Is An All-Time Great Western And Wyatt Earp Is A Great Character

In terms of unforgettable Western films, only a handful can rival the grandeur of “Tombstone,” a tale that encompasses fresh starts, atonement, unlikely champions, and just retribution (though its impressive mustaches are incidental). Ever since I witnessed Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday confront the Cowboys near the O.K. Corral for the first time at a friend’s house as a child, this movie has held me captivated. As the years have passed, my admiration for it has only grown stronger.

Though John Carpenter’s movies with Kurt Russell will forever hold a special place in my heart, his portrayal of Wyatt Earp is undeniably iconic, not just because of the legendary mustache he sports. The dialogue, the reluctance to confront the Cowboys due to his understanding of the consequences, slapping Billy Bob Thornton, and later referring to people as “curs,” are all memorable. In fact, his character’s transformation from start to finish is incredibly powerful, making it a journey I never tire of revisiting.

But The Way He Treats His Wife, Mattie Blaylock, Is Outrageous

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but admit that Kurt Russell’s portrayal of Wyatt Earp is one of his most gripping performances. Yet, let me clarify something about the historical figure, as depicted in the film “Tombstone,” which may not align with my admiration for badassery. The way he treats his common-law wife, Mattie Blaylock, portrayed by Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, throughout the movie doesn’t exactly resonate with me as a display of strength or courage.

Initially, it’s clear that this man has no interest in her before they even reach Tombstone, as hinted by their early scenes. Although a heartwarming image shows the Earp brothers with their wives gazing at themselves in a shop window, his behavior quickly becomes confrontational when he accuses her of excessive laudanum use. The situation escalates further as he gets caught up in Tombstone’s chaos and develops an obsession with Josephine Marcus (played by Dana Delany).

He’s currently absent, engaged in activities like hunting, gaming, and lengthy equestrian outings with a well-known actress, leaving his wife feeling forlorn at home, unsure of her spouse and his intentions, as she has little to occupy herself besides pondering their relationship dynamics.

Mattie Is Treated Like A Cold, Lifeless Junkie Throughout

Throughout the film, Wyatt Earp and his brothers significantly transformed the Oriental Saloon and energized Tombstone into a more vibrant frontier town. Meanwhile, Mattie, portrayed as a passive character, often appears to be on the sidelines with little action or involvement. Her character seems somewhat underdeveloped and lacks dynamism, despite her historical significance in Wyatt Earp’s life for a time. This unfortunate depiction is regrettable given her real-life importance.

Regardless of the significant events unfolding – like the Cowboys creating chaos, shootings on the streets, or Morgan Earp’s tragic death on a pool table following a backshot, Mattie is always present. While the movie is inspired by real-life figures, it seems that Mattie’s role in these events was not particularly positive.

When not preoccupied with longing for Josephine or physically confronting card dealers, or belittling his wife due to her struggles with addictions, Wyatt tends to treat her as a child rather than an equal partner. Instead of offering support or even inquiring about her situation, Wyatt fails to propose any solutions.

I Just Kept Feeling Sorry For Her More This Time Around

Initially, it appeared to me that Wyatt and Mattie’s bond was more about practicality than affection. However, as the movie progressed, I found myself growing increasingly sympathetic towards Mattie. After all, imagine devoting years of your life to someone, crossing the vast American West together, with dreams of building a future, only for them to fall in love with another woman as soon as you reach your destination? That’s quite a predicament, isn’t it?

Mattie wasn’t an ideal partner, and throughout their time in Tombstone, Wyatt Earp was gradually distancing himself from her, though he lacked the courage to formally end things. It seemed as if he dispatched her on a train with Virgil (Sam Elliott) and his wife as a way to offload her without creating unnecessary complications in his life.

Then The Movie Ends With Her Having An Off-Screen Overdose. Wild!

In the climax of the film “Tombstone,” the most poignant moment that leaves Mattie Blaylock in a disadvantageous position is near the end. As the story unfolds, explaining the fates of the main characters, Mattie’s destiny appears almost insignificant, as it’s disclosed she overdosed shortly after departing Tombstone. Intriguingly, during this brief discussion about Mattie’s fate, the scene on the screen focuses on Wyatt Earp and Josephine Marcus dancing and kissing in the snow – essentially rubbing salt in the wound.

Is the portrayal of Mattie Blaylock in Tombstone problematic enough to make me dislike the movie, or affect others’ enjoyment? Not entirely, but it does leave a sour taste knowing that her character was handled with such disregard and lack of empathy, given she seemed to require aid or at least consideration.

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2025-05-12 01:22