The Outlaw Josey Wales

Many western-oriented films tend to focus on reckless cowboys running from town to town, killing anyone who may potentially threaten their power. The Outlaw Josey Wales by Robert Daly, however, portrays a new type of main character defined by an entirely different set of morals and values. Throughout the film, Josey kills a total of 47 characters, but not once does he do so without reason. He never murdered anyone unless the situation left him no …

…role, but he did not fit the traditional definition of an outlaw. Rather than recklessly killing people, Josey only found murder justifiable if it resulted from self-defense. If not instigated, Josey was one of the friendliest people around. The fact that he only killed in self-defense proves that the term “outlaw” radically misrepresents his true characteristics. Josey Wales was forced into becoming a very intimidating and successful outlaw, but truthfully, he never even wanted to.