Reel Injun

I don’t know what the bigger travesty is, that I was taught relatively nothing about Native American history in high school, or that I was taught nothing at all about Native American film history in film school. After 9/11 patriotism came back in a big way. But what does it really mean to be an American? I’m American because I was born in this land, but my ancestors come from Europe so am I really American? The story of the real Americans is a tragedy and a shame that this nation should never live down. But on the other hand, I wouldn’t exist here if not for the suffering of the indigenous peoples. My white guilt runs deep. The least European American’s could have done was not add insult to injury. But unfortunately not only was what happened to the Native American’s a terrible genocide, the film industry effectively erased their history and culture as well in the collective subconscious of the world.

The film “Reel Injun,” is about the legacy of Native American’s in Hollywood films, from the beginning of film until now. There is so much about Native American’s in film that I did not know. Somehow in all the film history classes I took this information was omitted. I found this film to be fascinating and incredible. This is one of the best films I saw at the entire SXSW 2010 festival. I have a bias however, as a film nerd. I really don’t know how interesting this film might be to someone who doesn’t really care about film history, or about Native Americans. But there is enough good stuff in this film that I have a hunch most people will appreciate it. The film gets extremely personal at times, while always maintaining a broad perspective on how Natives portrayal in film has evolved. In film school I took a class entirely on the films of John Ford and never once did I consider just how racist “The Searchers,” is and how vile the hero was until I was offered a different perspective, that of the real people who are portrayed as savage Indians.

Not only did this film inform me, but I was very moved emotionally by it. I have no doubts that this film will be released on DVD. It is my sincere hope that it makes it to theaters. This movie deserves a wider audience. This movie has forever changed how I think about film and film history. If you ever have a chance to see it, I cannot recommend it enough. I will be counting the days when I can get my hands on the DVD and see all of the special features. What are you waiting for? Go see it already!! It’s really a truly great documentary.