Summary
7 tech score
“Woman Walks Ahead” (A24)
One of my favorite films from last year was a movie titled “Hostiles”. It concerned events in the late nineteenth century when the United States was making its last moves to subjugate the American Indian. That film, good as it was, made very little money at the box office due to a faulty plan to promote the film and to make it widely available. I fear the same fate is going to befall the new film “Woman Walks Ahead” which stars Jessica Chastain and concerns the same subject matter.
In this film Chastain plays Catherine Weldon, an artist who decides to go west to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull. She has been recently widowed and feels that it is time to assert her Independence. She writes ahead to the fort near the reservation where Sitting Bill (Michael Greyeyes) is located, but the commander, James McLaughlin (Ciaran Hines), ignores her request.
On the train out west she meets Silas Groves (Sam Rockwell) who is with the War Department. He discourages her from her mission and places as many obstacles in her way as he can. Eventually however she does meet with Sitting Bull and the rest of the film is about their relationship. It is not exactly what you would expect. Catherine is trying to reach her goals of independence while he is trying to reach his goal of survival for himself and his people.
This is a movie to be pondered both while seeing it and then afterwards. It shines the light on two people who end up having a beautiful relationship while they join to help the Native Americans of our country. This is not a time in our histiry we can celebrate for most would agree the Indians were treated brutally. Still the movie focuses on a lull that allows Sitting Bull’s portrait to be painted and his legend to grow.
With each role she takes Jessica Chastain grows a little more as an actress. In this film she delivers the core of her character plus adds in a nuance here and there to make it a more particular portrayal. Greyeyes is just as compelling as Sitting Bull, giving the man humanness and dignity. Hines and Rockwell add substance to the film in their supporting roles.
The beauty of the countryside is captured vividly by cinematographer Mike Eley, while George Fenton’s musical score lifts up the drama of the visuals. All elements of the making of this movie come together to create a solidly entertaining moviegoing experience.
The film is rated R for profanity, violence and brief nudity.
“Woman Walks Ahead” is a movie worth seeking out. It will entertain as well as educate. Don’t let it get overlooked.
I scored “Woman Walks Ahead” a stepped up 7 out of 10.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
