We mentioned my fascination for the 500 Nations and the North American ‘INDIAN’ my interest in westerns and movies exploring the stories of the West from High Noon (ahem!) to The Outlaw Josey Wales, Little Big Man to the more recent ’The Sisters Brothers’
So I sat up when people posted these two pieces about a perennial favourite in Little Big Man with Dustin Hoffman and Chief Dan George (both of whom I adored)
"Little Big Man (1970): The Western That Shattered the Myth - In 1970, the film "Little Big Man" burst onto the American cinema landscape, directed by Arthur Penn and adapted from Thomas Berger's 1964 novel. This film is a unique blend of genres, incorporating elements of comedy, drama, and adventure. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Chief Dan George, Faye Dunaway, Martin Balsam, Jeff Corey, and Richard Mulligan, "Little Big Man" is often classified as a Western, but it transcends the traditional boundaries of the genre.
The story follows Jack Crabb, played by Dustin Hoffman, who, at 121 years old, recounts his life story. The narrative unfolds as a historical epic that parodies the conventions of the Western genre, contrasting the lives of white settlers and Native Americans. Jack Crabb, a white man raised by the Cheyenne, navigates between these two worlds throughout his life. This premise sets the stage for a deeply satirical and critical examination of American history and the Western mythos.
One of the film's standout features is its sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans, a significant departure from the stereotypical depictions common in Westerns of that era. "Little Big Man" uses satire to expose the prejudices and injustices faced by Native Americans, particularly highlighting the villainous practices of the United States Cavalry. The film's anti-establishment tone was also seen as a critique of America's involvement in the Vietnam War, indirectly protesting the actions of the U.S. military.
Upon its release on December 23, 1970, "Little Big Man" received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. It was praised for its ambitious storytelling and the bold blend of humor and tragedy. The film was recognized with three BAFTA Award nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Dustin Hoffman. Chief Dan George's performance as Old Lodge Skins earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking a historic first for an Indigenous North American actor.
The film's plot is an intricate tapestry of Jack Crabb's life, beginning with the massacre of his pioneer parents by the Pawnee when he was just ten years old. Rescued and raised by the Cheyenne, Jack earns the name "Little Big Man" due to his bravery despite his small stature. The story is a roller-coaster of events as Jack transitions between the Cheyenne and American societies, facing various challenges and adventures. One of the most memorable scenes is Jack's capture by U.S. Cavalry troopers, which leads to a series of encounters that shape his destiny. From the sexually frustrated wife of a reverend to a snake-oil salesman and even the infamous Wild Bill Hickok, Jack's life is filled with colorful characters and unpredictable twists. Each encounter further develops Jack's character and provides a satirical lens through which the audience can view the absurdities and contradictions of American history.
The film also delves into Jack's romantic endeavors, most notably his marriage to Olga, a Swedish woman. Their life together is disrupted when their stagecoach is ambushed, and Olga is abducted by Cheyenne warriors. This event sets Jack on a quest to find her, leading to more encounters with his Cheyenne family and new alliances. These personal stories are interwoven with historical events, adding depth to the film's commentary on cultural and societal conflicts.
"Little Big Man" does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of historical events. The portrayal of the Battle of Washita River, led by General George Armstrong Custer, is particularly striking. This scene highlights the massacre of women and children, a reflection of the historical atrocities committed during such campaigns. The film's depiction of Custer, played by Richard Mulligan, as a madman, serves as a satirical critique of historical figures often glorified in American history. The character of Jack Crabb is partly based on historical figures like Curley, a Crow scout who witnessed the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This blending of historical fact with fictional narrative adds a layer of authenticity to the film, while also allowing for creative liberties that enhance its satirical edge.
Behind the scenes, the film's production involved a remarkable level of detail and commitment. Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of the 121-year-old Jack Crabb required extensive makeup, created by Dick Smith, which included revolutionary false eyelids that could blink. Hoffman even went to the extent of screaming at the top of his lungs to achieve the hoarse voice of an old man. The film's locations, ranging from the actual site of the Little Bighorn battle to the historic buildings of Nevada City, Montana, added to the film's authentic feel.
Arthur Penn's decision to keep Old Lodge Skins alive at the end of the film, unlike in the novel, was a deliberate choice to avoid a melodramatic conclusion. Instead, the film maintains a picaresque quality, reflecting the resilience of the Native American characters despite the tragic history they endure. This choice underscores the film's commitment to portraying the complexity and depth of its characters and themes.
"Little Big Man" received accolades from critics, with many praising its ambitious and unique storytelling. Vincent Canby of The New York Times described it as Arthur Penn's most extravagant and ambitious movie, while Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times called it "an endlessly entertaining attempt to spin an epic in the form of a yarn." The film's blend of humor and historical tragedy resonated with audiences, making it a memorable and significant entry in the Western genre.
In 2014, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, recognized for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. This honor cements "Little Big Man" as a film that not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on the complexities of American history and the myths of the Western genre. "Little Big Man" remains a powerful example of how cinema can use satire and storytelling to provide critical commentary on historical events and societal issues. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire discussions about the portrayal of Native Americans in film and the ways in which history is remembered and retold.”
I don’t know if she wrote this piece but I found it uncredited on her Facebook page:
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To obtain the hoarse voice of a 121-year-old man, Dustin Hoffman sat in his dressing room and screamed at the top of his lungs for an hour. His face was then covered with a 14 piece latex mask, created by Dick Smith, which took 5 hours a day to apply. The makeup included revolutionary false eyelids that could blink along with the actor's. Due to editing, and much to Smith's chagrin, no blinks were visible in the finished film. Of the makeup, Hoffman was quoted in Life Magazine as saying, "I defy you to put on that makeup and not feel old."
The role of Old Lodge Skins was initially offered to Marlon Brando, who turned it down. Other sources claim Arthur Penn's first choice for the role was Sir Laurence Olivier. When that didn't work out, Richard Boone was slated for the role. When Boone backed out at the last minute, Chief Dan George was given the part and earned an Oscar nomination, becoming the first Native American to receive an Academy Award nomination for acting.
The character of Jack Crabb is partially based on Curley, one of Custer's Native American scouts from the Crow tribe. Curley rode with Custer's 7th Cavalry into the valley of the Little Bighorn, but was relieved of duty before the final attack, retreating to a nearby bluff and witnessing much of the action. Many conflicting stories of the era embellished Curley's participation, stating in several cases that he disguised himself with a Cheyenne blanket to escape the immediate field of battle. He was interviewed many times, with some writers claiming him to be the only surviving witness from the U.S. side of Custer's Last Stand. Curley gave several variations of his participation in the battle, and the accuracy of his later recollections has been questioned.
Little Big Man was the name of an actual historical figure. He was a Native American, an Oglala Lakota, who was a fearless and respected warrior who fought under, and was rivals with, Crazy Horse. He also fought at the Battle of Little Big Horn, a battle which is depicted in this film.
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