Review of the Reel Injun Film
The movie Reel Injun is a Canadian film that was released in 2009. The film directors were the Cree moviemakers namely: Neil Diamond, Jeremiah Hayes and Catherine Beinbridge. They were also the writers of this film. The film was then produced by Christian Fon, Catherine Bainbridge and Linda Ludwick. Among the starring characters in this movie are: Adam Beach, Clint Eastwood, Zacharias Kunuk, Jim Jarmusch, Robbie Robertson, Sacreen Little feather, Neil Diamond and Russel Means. The directors of music were Claunde Castonguay and Mona laviolette. Edith labbe was in charge of cinematography. After its release on September 10th 2009, the movie began being distributed by Domino films.
The inspiration in writing this movie is derived from Diamond’s personal life experience when he was a child. Diamond grew up in Waskaganish in Quebec. While here Diamond and other native Indian children loved to play Indians and cowboys taking from the local movies they watched on their rural homes. Diamond was concerned about how all his playmates wanted to act cowboys. In addition, when he went to study in the southern parts of America, most non-natives would question him on whether the native people ever rode on horses and whether they lived on the teepees- the Native American tents that were conical in shape. From these episodes, Diamond realized that the stereotypes that these people had could also have come from the movies that they watched.
Acted in English and in the Canadian setting, this movie takes the form of a road movie. In the movie, Diamond visits various locations in the United States of America. Here, Diamond visits the southern parts of Dakota- the Blackhills, the Crow agency of Montana, the Wounded Knee and Monument valley. He also visits the northern parts of Canada.
The film is set to dissect through the way the Native Americans are portrayed in movies. In this film Reel Injun is exemplified using excerpts collected from the classic as well as the contemporary Hollywood movies. Reel is also illustrated in interviews together with some film makers, film historians and also renowned actors. Therefore, we can learn that this movie apart from entertaining us it also reminds the native North Americans of the contribution of their people’s past in film.
The director Neil Diamond is also illustrated as he travels long distance across United States in search of iconic sites and locations for motion form of pictures. He is also searching for the American-Indian history. He revels to us much about American cinema history, for example that even the Native Americans have been involved in film making since its birth to date. This means that they contributed to this industry since its birth.
The movie Reel Injun also performs a survey of profound stereotypes concerning Indians. This ranges from the common noble savage to their counterparts, the drunken Indians. According to Pevere and Geoff, the movie also outlines the renowned Iron eyes Cody, who have been depicted in many American movies as the Native Americans. This film goes ahead to demonstrate how these people have played this role on various screens to the point of winning the conviction of many that indeed they are the Native Americans. This is deceiving and leads to stereotyping about the native. He therefore inspires the Native North Americans to come out and tell out their stories before the truth is overshadowed.
Moreover, this film also goes ahead to illustrate how Hollywood movies have enshrined itself in the use of the Italians Americans to act as Indians in various movies. In addition the movie also explores how Hollywood also uses the American Jews to act as Indians in some of its movies. This could have led to stereotyping by the viewers that the natives always live in reserves, they are rich and that they don’t pay taxes. Reel Injun also goes ahead to portray the way a good number of Native Americans artists could even make jokes using their native language while on the screen. According to Ostrow, in most of such episodes the film director would think that these people were speaking in gibberish language. From this, we learn that the Native Americans have a duty to give an understanding to the people concerning them so that they will be appreciated in the society. The movie opens peoples’ understanding that the Natives are not stoic, noble and treacherous people but they are only human. Therefore, these people have their rights.
In conclusion, apart from being entertaining, funny and informative, Reel Injun should teach us not to forget Native Americans and their impact in forming today’s Cinema world. The movie also teaches us to appreciate the Native Americans.
Works Cited
Pevere, Geoff. Cree director Neil Diamond’s real look at reel Indians. “Toronto Star. (19 February 2010) <http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/767792–cree-director- neil-diamond-s-real-look-at-reel-Indians>
Ostrow, Joanne. ““Reel Injun” coming to PBS in Nov.” Denver Post. (4 August 2010).
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|