Dances with Wolves - What place would you most like to go?
Note: This is an archive post. Discover why golf is my new [active meditation against overthinking].
Hello, my beautiful friends! Thanks for coming again! How are you living? Today I am going to talk about an incredible movie called: Dances With Wolves!
Dances with Wolves was a surprise when it was released in 1990. No one expected not only the critical success but especially the blockbuster success that Kevin Costner's first film directed, especially in a three-hour epic. Kevin Costner most recognized in the movie robin hood prince of thieves. Steve Reevis, who was a Native American actor and member of the Blackfoot tribe, was in this movie. Its original version, which gained almost an hour more in its extended version released a year later.
The Truth, however, this ambitious work carried on Costner's back speaks profoundly not only to the American people and their history, to the massacre of the natives, the exploitation of the "frontier," but also in a universal way. All peoples, regardless of nationality. There is a more significant theme, always present behind the story of a hopeless soldier who finds himself making friends with a Sioux tribe. The air of melancholy that permeates Dances with Wolves brings out our hidden feelings and dialogues with them, uncovering truths that are increasingly obvious to us. And maybe that's why the movie survives so easily for so long. It brings us back to a past not long ago when the abuse of this rock we live in was in its infancy.
I understand the need and urgency of evolution (for better or worse), but I appreciate films like this and several others that make us pause and reflect. Dances with Wolves is an honest, well-made and well-performed film that deserves the attention of any movie lovers. The movie was still responsible for finally revitalizing the western, but never really gaining strength. But perhaps most of all, it is a work of fiction that, until then, would bring the most honest and profound insight into the Native Americans. By the way, Steve Reevis died unexpectedly on December 7, 2017, of unknown causes while at home on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana.
Michael Blake, who had written the script for Stacy's Knights, had been trying to sell his work (a simplified version) since the early 1980s. But he only will see the fruit of his work repeatedly rejected until it was published in 1988. Costner then acquired the rights to the job. And went into production, resulting in a film shot almost entirely in South Dakota, with some sequences in Wyoming. The epic plot of the movie can be summed up in just one majestic, now-classic scene, bathed in John Barry's beautiful soundtrack: the Tatanka Hunt. Remember the scene of the wildebeest bursting in The Lion King? Well, it's something like that, only bigger and, of course, in live-action, without using special effects. This sequence already bears one of the recurring elements of the film, which is the destruction of nature by the white invaders. As we witnessed the bulls by the thousands - filmed during a real burst of a gigantic herd in the Midwest, with Costner effectively galloping - we see hope. But this roller coaster of feelings continues. Decades packs have returned, and their presence in the movie reminds us of this, of the human capacity to do good, to reverse almost irreversible situations.
However, what catches the eye is how Costner moves well between moments like this, to medium shots and close-ups of indigenous intimacy in their small hollows. And when the film addresses the customs of the Sioux tribe on the American frontier, we see Lieutenant John J. Dunbar (Costner) attempting suicide. After realizing that he will lose his leg. During the Civil War, with the character slowly understanding his place in the world and discovering who he is, the word that comes to mind and one that is mentioned by Dunbar during the projection: harmony. This harmony makes us understand why Dunbar (who represents us) marveled at what he found in the desolate Fort Sedgewick. Where he asks to be sent after his "suicide" makes him a hero: the natives live off the land and to the earth. They are in perfect balance with nature, hunting to survive and making the most of the environment, with a more efficient organization than the military.
One of the criticisms of the film is that the portrayal of Sioux as "good guys" and Pawnee as "villains" is Manichean, and historically wrong, as the Sioux were more potent than the Pawnee. Yes, it may be Manichean, but only at first glance, as the script shows the "dark" side of the Sioux so clearly. As when Dunbar sees the white bull hunter's cart on the table, and the whole tribe celebrates death. Of white men with a proud display of scalps. There are sadism and anger there. The same goes for everyone's initial reaction to Dunbar - always violent - especially in the case of Wind in His Hair, convincingly lived by Rodney A. Grant. About historical correctness, the answer is simple: Dancing with wolves sometimes even seems to be, but it is not a documentary.
Another aspect always mentioned as unfavorable is the convenient presence of a white woman among the indigenous, Stands With a Fist, lived by the still beautiful Mary McDonnell. However, cases of kidnapping white women were common in the wild west, one of which even inspired one of the greatest exponents of the genre, Hate Trails. Besides, be a historically correct element, the inclusion of the character works as a way of making viewers' relationship with Dunbar Sioux credible. Without him having to miraculously and instantly learn the language or become Marcel Marceaux of the border. The extended version of the film, which Costner was not involved and therefore, cannot be called the "director's cut." Manages to delve deeper into the Sioux culture, giving us time to absorb every aspect that we have. It's a tour de force, no doubt, as it brings the already long cinematic experience to 4 hours. However, unlike many extended versions out there, the inclusion of these extra 55 minutes does not weaken the narrative. On the contrary, they make it even more vibrant. Mainly, I like both equally, but if I had to choose, I would have the extended version, even without it having the director's blessing.
Dances with Wolves is a film that, despite the central plot being beaten (the constant rereading of Pocahontas history), surprises with the ensemble composed by the stunning look, the sweeping soundtrack. Costner's efficient direction, and an oiled cast, which convinces us of every role, even the most caricatured and villainous. And, perhaps most importantly, it makes us reflect.
About the Book:
Dance With Wolves is a book of the dramatic genre, written by the American Michael Blake in 1988 and published the same year. The book was already written as a source for a possible film adaptation, giving Michael Blake the scriptwriter title for the film of the same year in 1991. Earning a surprising 7 out of 12 nominations for the Oscars (best movie, best director, best photography, best editing, best soundtrack, best sound effects, and best-adapted screenplay). 3 of 7 Golden Globe nominations (best movie, best director and best screenplay). Dance With Wolves gained immense repercussions shortly before being adapted to theaters due to its incredibly transparent sensibility and strong social and dramatic character. Unfortunately, Were several differences between the book and the Oscar-winning film, and because of that, the book sort of fell behind and merit was eventually given to those related to film adaptation. Too bad few cared what they lost by not reading this beautiful book.
John Dunbar was a consecrated and heroic soldier during the American Civil War. The troops were surrounded by the enemy, and their weapons were very inferior. So, Dunbar found an opportunity: With his horse could attract the attention of the opponents and then open a breach for his troops to attack them. The brave soldier rose to rank and became an example to the US army. After his award, Dunbar had the opportunity to decide where he would serve shortly, choosing to fulfill his dream and head for the border to Fort Sedgewick.
Those troops could not find any reason to serve in that region because they realized the balance had already been established there. So they decided to go home, leaving the fort abandoned. Dunbar believed he would meet someone there and would have company for the next few months. John Dunbar was alone.
They are determined not to leave the post and to believe that the troops would soon return to Sedgewick. The new Lieutenant settled in entirely and adopted a lifestyle that suited solitude and a way of fortifying Sedgewick, preventing any possible attacks that might come. What the Lieutenant did not know was that he settled in an area near the territory of the Comanches. Indians living in peace and harmony with nature and that this clash with a new culture and a modern philosophy would completely change his life — insight into the world.
So a new journey and even a new life await the lonely Dunbar who saw, on his Cisco horse and the mysterious Two Socks wolf, his only companions. The Comanches initially distrust the Lieutenant because they are afraid of the white men. And all the terror they have imposed on the Indians and their families.
Michael Blake's work takes on a deep and philosophical direction, as it portrays the transformation of an American army hero to a Comanche. With totally different traditions, habits, and thoughts about nature, harmony, emotions, and existentialism.
Subsequently, Dunbar comes across a white woman who was taken to live with the Comanches during her childhood and after so long forgot her previous life. Because of this, the two end up connecting and destined for a future together.
Dance With Wolves is an exceptional, compassionate, and human book that shows how the world is so much bigger than what our eyes can see. It also exalts something so familiar today (even though the book is old): prejudice. Sometimes the most beautiful things are by our side, but out of fear, ignorance or intolerance, we let them getaway.
Michael Blake did not write a script for a movie but writing for life. Transforming not only the life and destiny of an American soldier but also of all readers who know how to interpret his beautiful message.
Profound stories have always helped me reflect, but it was in the green field that I found the silence my mind needs. I invite you to discover how I seek tranquility on my new [golf and mental health blog: Kakuno Overthinking].
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