Dances with Wolves is a 1990 American epic Western film starring, directed, and produced by Kevin Costner in his feature directorial debut. It tells the story of Union Army Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, who travels to the American frontier to find a military post and meets a group of Lakota. Much of the dialogue is spoken in Lakota with English subtitles. The film was shot from July to November 1989 in South Dakota and Wyoming. It has been praised for its epic grandeur, but it has also been criticized for its simplistic view of the Native American culture it attempts to honor.
Plot
Dances with Wolves is a 1990 film that tells the story of Union Army Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, who, after being assigned to a remote outpost, develops a relationship with a band of Lakota Indians. Attracted by the simplicity of their lifestyle, he chooses to leave his former life behind to be with them. He is given the name Dances with Wolves by the Lakota and becomes a welcomed member of the tribe. The plot also involves his falling in love with a white woman who has been raised by the tribe and the tragedy that results when Union soldiers arrive with designs on the land.
Cast
- Kevin Costner as Lieutenant Dunbar
- Mary McDonnell as Stands With A Fist
- Graham Greene as Kicking Bird
- Rodney A. Grant as Wind In His Hair
- Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman as Ten Bears
- Tantoo Cardinal as Black Shawl
- Robert Pastorelli as Timmons
- Charles Rocket as Lieutenant Elgin
- Maury Chaykin as Major Fambrough
- Jimmy Herman as Stone Calf
- Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse as Smiles A Lot
- Michael Spears as Otter
Director: Kevin Costner
Writer: Michael Blake
Box Office Gross: $424,208,848
Distributor: Image Entertainment Inc., Orion Pictures, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Genre: History, Drama, Western
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 21, 1990
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 29, 2016
Themes & Reception
Dances with Wolves addresses several themes that are relevant today, such as cultural diversity, environmental preservation, and respect for nature. The film is known for portraying Natives honestly and sympathetically, offering a rare and often devastating look at the impact of history on an entire people through both sides of the conflict.
Challenges Faced
The production of Dances with Wolves faced several challenges, including the harsh filming conditions in South Dakota and Wyoming. The remote locations and the need to accurately depict the historical period added complexity to the production. Additionally, as it was Kevin Costner's directorial debut, there may have been challenges associated with taking on such a significant role for the first time.
Settings
The film was shot from July to November 1989 in South Dakota and Wyoming. The vast and picturesque landscapes of these states provided the perfect backdrop for the epic Western tale depicted in the movie. The settings played a crucial role in immersing the audience in the story and capturing the beauty of the American frontier.
The film's unique portrayal of the Native American culture and its stunning natural settings have contributed to its critical and commercial success, earning it numerous accolades, including seven Academy Awards.
Visual Styles & Techniques
Dances with Wolves employs various visual styles and techniques to bring its story to life. The film's cinematography, directed by Dean Semler, captures the sweeping landscapes of the American frontier, immersing the audience in the beauty of the natural settings. The use of wide shots and long takes conveys the vastness of the prairie and the sense of isolation experienced by the characters. The film also utilizes a natural color palette to evoke the untamed wilderness of the frontier.
Trivia & Fun Fact
One interesting trivia about Dances with Wolves is that it was Kevin Costner's directorial debut, and the film went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Another fun fact is that the movie's title is a literal translation of the Sioux name "Siŋté Máza" given to the protagonist, which means "Dances with Wolves".