Kevin Costner put his own money on the line for the epic western Dances with Wolves. Except for the Young Guns films, westerns were long since out of cinematic fashion. The last true blockbuster was probably Blazing Saddles, (1974) a comedy that parodied the genre.

Although Costner was a major star due to The Untouchables and Field of Dreams, no major studio would bankroll the ambitious project, especially with a planned three hours running time. The problem was not only keeping the viewers' attention, but such a long film reduced the number of times it could be shown in a day in the same theater. Costner was also unproven as a director, and could not be relied upon to rein in the budget.

Of course, Costner had the last laugh. Not only did Dances with Wolves win seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, but it made a ton of money at the box office. It grossed over $400 million worldwide. It briefly revived the western genre, with Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven winning Best Picture the very next year.

Costner's achievement is all the more remarkable when one considers Hollywood's reluctance to crown westerns. Dances with Wolves was only the second western to win Best Picture, after the now obscure early talkie Cimarron (1931).

The story is set during the Civil War, when Indian tribes still had the plains to themselves, and bison herds stretched for miles. Lieutenant Dunbar (Costner) becomes a Union hero in battle, and as a reward is allowed to choose his own post. He wishes to see the west, and is dispatched to a remote fort that proves deserted.

He is soon spotted by the Sioux, who at first are unsure how to deal with him. In relatively convincing fashion, Costner convinces them of his peaceful intentions, and is eventually allowed into their tribe. His best friend becomes Kicking Bird (Graham Greene), and he predictably finds true love with Stands With a Fist (Mary McDonnell).

McDonnell was a surprising casting choice, as Costner could easily have chosen a younger and more attractive actress. Had the film been backed by a major studio, it is certain that a name actress would have landed the role. But McDonnell's selection adds credibility to the film, as does the Sioux decision not to allow Dunbar to participate in a battle against the fearsome Pawnee.

As three-hour Costner vehicles go, Dances with Wolves is pretty good, although I am embarrassed to admit that Waterworld is more fun to watch. The cinematography is outstanding, even if the harsh Plains winter is only incidental to the story. Costner made a wise decision to cast actual Native Americans in Sioux roles, and further added authenticity by having them speak Sioux and not English.

Costner is a decent actor, but the film improves when the focus is instead on the Sioux. However, Costner's narrative voice is thin, and sometimes even whiny. Part of the problem may be that he wants his character to be likable, to the extend that it becomes wishy-washy. The usual grit of the action hero is absent.

The political correctness to the characters has been criticized, perhaps unjustly. Dustin Hoffman's Little Big Man (1970) also featured a hero who was a misfit in both the white and Indian worlds. In that film, the Indians were also portrayed nobly, but only vainglorious General Custer was vilified.

The White shame is much more evenly distributed in Dances with Wolves. Once in the West, the soldiers suddenly become (in turn) incompetent, stupid, brutal, murderous, and ruthless. The most curious performance, however, comes from Maury Chaykin, who has a deranged cameo as Dunbar's commanding officer.

As the Pawnee are portrayed as threatening savages, Costner cannot readily be accused of beatification of the Indians. Harsh aspects of their culture, such as their treatment of aged widows and dogs, are understandably skirted. It is only the oafish portrayal of U.S. soldiers that seems stereotyped.

One interesting scene has Dunbar chased by his partly tamed wolf, Two Socks. The wolf appears to bite him in the leg. In fact, it was the stuntman who was bitten. Costner then had to finish the scene himself, and he kept the wolf at bay by dropping scraps of raw meat.

Dances with Wolves was a sleeper sensation at the Oscars. GoodFellas had been considered a lock to win Best Picture and Best Director, especially since it was the much better film. Dances with Wolves did not win any acting Awards, although Costner (Best Actor), Greene (Best Supporting Actor), and McDonnell (Best Supporting Actress) were nominated, as were the sets and costumes. The movie did win deserved awards for its cinematography (Dean Semler), film editing, and sound. It also was awarded for its adapted screenplay (Michael Blake, who wrote the source novel as well) and its original score.

While Dances with Wolves is perhaps not as great as its critical reputation, it remains an entertaining film that has gorgeous photography. Certainly, the failure of later Costner epics should not be held against it. (51/100)

k@filmsgraded.com, filmsgraded.com


Recommended:
No

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8