The 70's were a radical period of social change in American Culture. Womens' role in America changed drastically during this time. Women traditionally in the background of American life, began to take a more dominant role as they began to vote, enter the work force, and make their once silent voices heard. The film, Rooster Cogburn, was filmed in 1975 amidst all of the changes pertaining to women. The film shows the distinction between what the traditional thoughts of what the role of women should be and how that role has evolved.
The film focuses on the adventure of, Rooster Cogburn, the United States martial and the alpha male cowboy of the town. When Rooster, being a hardened man by the west, meets Eula Goodnight he is hostile and repremansive towards her. Rooster clearly represents the traditional and uneveloved view of womens roles at the time in the country. He consistently speaks down to her, and treats her as an inferior as he constantly refers to her as a burden. However as the film progresses, Eula is a more complex character that Rooster comes to realize and even enjoy.
Eula, an intelligent and well educated women, was introduced as a strict bible abiding woman. When she first meets Rooster she is constantly condoning his behaviors as a man. She criticizes him for drinking, shooting a gun, and even his personal higene throughout the film. Unhappy being viewed as inferior, Eula makes it her duty to show that she is just as strong as Rooster is. She secretly knows how to shoot a gun, and even has a drink with Rooster at the end of the film. Eula being a vocal and persistent woman eventually is accepted by Rooster for who she is. Rooster, although still views himself as the dominant one, is forced to consider Eula an equal as she refuses to accept his view of her role.
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