generalspeaking

Geronimo - An American Legend

On the rare occasion Hollywood produces an outstanding film. Not a popular film, not a money-maker, not one that is a box office hit that the film critics gush praise for, but one of those films that just happens to hit all the right notes. That the producer and the director and the actors in the film all happen to be fine masters of the technique of cinematic production and that they were all dedicated to the message the film projected was, of course, a great help.

One such film of majestic proportions in its geographic filming on location, in the sweep of its historical subject matter, in its credible attempt to reach into the characters of the affected peoples' deep-seated emotions and attachments reflective of the time in history in which they lived, was the 1994-released film, Geronimo. This film does indeed merit the sobriquet of an "American classic".


The film had the authentic feel of the quite wonderful series Lonesome Dove in which Robert Duvall also distinguished himself. Gene Hackman has lent himself to an entire series of historical figures depicting the not-so-distant past, with outstanding success. In this film their collective talents and their sensitivities in presenting the humanity of the people whom they portrayed left little to be critical of.

Matt Damon, who was invested as a backer, as well as having a part in the film, through his collaboration with the producer, has redeemed himself for acting the principal in the series called The Bourne Collection; action thrillers of which Hollywood box office is extremely fond, reflecting the attitude of most Americans who wish nothing but entertainment, the more raucous and violent the better, particularly if it comes with a dollop of moral ambiguity.

The film was eclipsed by world events taking attention away from its purpose and presentation. Although it was nominated for an Oscar, so little attention was given the film, and so little given back at the box office that many well-known film critics admit they had not even been aware of its existence. More's the pity.

The cast was comprised of many actors whose past performances in epic and often quite good films was excellent in this portrayal of a sad and notable time in American (North American, in fact) history. Jason Patric, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman and Wes Studi were outstanding in their performances, with Wes Studi playing the part of Geronimo and Jason Patric the principal character, a member of the then-fledgling United States Army.

The film had the authentic feel of the quite wonderful series Lonesome Dove in which Robert Duvall also distinguished himself as a rough-cut diamond. Gene Hackman has lent himself to an entire series of historical figures depicting the not-so-distant past, with outstanding success. In this film their collective talents and their sensibilities in presenting the humanity of the people whom they portrayed left little to be critical of.

Matt Damon, who was invested as a backer, as well as having a part in the film as its narrator, through his collaboration with the producer, has redeemed himself for acting the principal in the series called The Bourne Collection; action thrillers of which Hollywood box office is extremely fond, reflecting the attitude of most Americans who wish nothing but entertainment, the more raucous and violent the better, particularly if it comes with a dollop of moral ambiguity.

The film was eclipsed by events taking attention away from its purpose and presentation. Although it was nominated for an Oscar, so little attention was given the film, and so little given back at the box office that many well-known film critics admit they had not even been aware of its existence.

More's the pity.

Labels: Human Rights, Political Realities, United States

posted by Pieface @ Sunday, January 16, 2011