I am going to expand on the question we were asked in our packet about the role of the indians in the film- or how they are portrayed and why, yada yada yada.
I think that the director was trying to make the native americans in the film seem like very stereotyped, not that big of a deal indians. The way that we never really see one of them close up, or know any of their names makes them seem very distant. The lack of attachment or recognition of any of them individually really makes it easier for us to be alright with them all being killed. I think that if we had followed the story of how the indians came to hate the stagecoach and who they were exactly, we might not have been ok with the brutal attacks and might have actually felt some sympathy- or any emotion at all - towards the indians.
I think at this time period in movie making, that was a typical view of the directors and general public, so it wasn't really thought of much. I think that the stereotyping and lump summing of the indians just adds to the 'western' style and shows the political time period the movie takes place in. I don't really have any personal anger towards it, I'm just throwing it out there.
I think that the director was trying to make the native americans in the film seem like very stereotyped, not that big of a deal indians. The way that we never really see one of them close up, or know any of their names makes them seem very distant. The lack of attachment or recognition of any of them individually really makes it easier for us to be alright with them all being killed. I think that if we had followed the story of how the indians came to hate the stagecoach and who they were exactly, we might not have been ok with the brutal attacks and might have actually felt some sympathy- or any emotion at all - towards the indians.
I think at this time period in movie making, that was a typical view of the directors and general public, so it wasn't really thought of much. I think that the stereotyping and lump summing of the indians just adds to the 'western' style and shows the political time period the movie takes place in. I don't really have any personal anger towards it, I'm just throwing it out there.
....and here's a picture to clear the mind...
2 comments:
I also found the depiction of Indians in this film less than perfect. It's a really good observation about how we never really get to know the characters involved so there is no emotional attachment (pat on the back). I feel that it was really strange that although the Indians seemed to be the most prominent antagonists in the story, they're hardly featured at all in the actual film. We hear all about Geronimo, but never get to confront him. Peculiar.
i find your picture that is supposed to clear my mind, offensive.... in no ways... and i loved your analysis of the way ford portrayed indians with the normal stereotype. its very insightful and throughly thought out.
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