“Woman Walks Ahead” follows an independent and determined artist, Catherine Weldon, who travels to the Wild West to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull, a Native American leader. She defies societal norms and risks everything to build a relationship with him, despite the danger that lurks around every corner. The movie showcases her bravery in the face of adversity and the power of human connection across cultures and beliefs.
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Review
In the dusty plains of the Dakota Territory, a woman named Catherine Weldon embarks on a journey that will change her life forever. Her destination: Sitting Bull’s Lakota Sioux reservation, where she hopes to capture the Chief’s likeness in a portrait. Little does she know, her quest will thrust her into the midst of a tumultuous conflict between Native Americans and the United States government.
The film “Woman Walks Ahead” tells this story through the eyes of its protagonist, played by Jessica Chastain, as she navigates cultural differences and political tensions in pursuit of her art. The movie is directed by Susanna White and written by Steven Knight, both acclaimed artists in their own right.
The film begins with Catherine arriving in Dakota, determined to meet Sitting Bull (played by Michael Greyeyes) and paint his portrait. But as she delves deeper into Lakota culture, she finds herself becoming more and more invested in their plight against American imperialism. She befriends local schoolteacher Susie (played by Chaske Spencer) and falls in love with army officer James McLaughlin (played by Sam Rockwell), ultimately siding with the Sioux people in their fight for justice.
The plot is based on true events from the late 19th century, when Sitting Bull was leading his people against encroaching settlers and government officials seeking to take over their land. Catherine Weldon was a real person who did indeed travel to Dakota to paint Sitting Bull’s portrait, though much of what happens after that is fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Throughout the film, we see how Catherine’s relationship with Sitting Bull evolves from professional to personal as they bond over shared experiences of loss and displacement. Their conversations are some of the most poignant moments in the movie, as they reflect on what it means to be true to one’s culture while living in a rapidly changing world.
The cast is outstanding across the board, but it’s Chastain who truly shines in the lead role. She brings a quiet strength and vulnerability to Catherine, who is often underestimated by those around her due to being a woman and a white outsider. Her chemistry with Greyeyes is palpable, and the two actors create a deep sense of intimacy between their characters that transcends language barriers.
The film’s score, composed by George Fenton, adds to the overall atmosphere of sorrow and triumph that permeates the story. The haunting melodies echo the beauty of Lakota culture while also underscoring the tragedy of their struggle.
The movie has been highly praised for its cinematography, too. It captures the sweeping landscapes of Dakota with breathtaking detail, from rolling hills dotted with wildflowers to stark bluffs carved by windswept rivers. The colors are vivid and evocative, conveying both the majesty and brutality of nature.
Despite its critical acclaim, “Woman Walks Ahead” did not receive widespread attention upon its initial release in 2018. However, it has since gained a cult following thanks to word-of-mouth buzz among fans of historical dramas and indigenous representation in media.
One reason for this attention may be the way the film handles its subject matter with sensitivity and respect. It does not shy away from depicting the atrocities committed against Native American people during this time period but also portrays individual characters as complex human beings rather than mere archetypes.
The movie’s success is all the more impressive given its troubled production history. It originated as a passion project for screenwriter Steven Knight, who had long been fascinated by Catherine Weldon’s story but struggled to find financing until Chastain came on board as producer and star.
There were also reports of conflicts between White and production company A24 over creative differences during filming, leading to rumors that the movie might not even make it to theaters at all. But in true underdog fashion, “Woman Walks Ahead” persevered and proved its doubters wrong.
Overall, the movie is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and inspire change. Catherine Weldon’s portrait may never have been finished, but her legacy lives on through this film and the conversations it has sparked about representation and equity in Hollywood. As Sitting Bull says in one of the film’s most memorable quotes: “My life is like a painting. Every stroke of it is an experience.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 103
- Release : 2018-04-25
- Genre : Drama, History, Western
- Cast : Jessica Chastain as Catherine Weldon, Michael Greyeyes as Sitting Bull, Sam Rockwell as Silas Groves, Ciarán Hinds as James McLaughlin, Chaske Spencer as Chaska
- Crew : George Fenton as Original Music Composer, Steven Rosenblum as Editor, Andrea Calderwood as Producer, Edward Zwick as Producer, Marshall Herskovitz as Producer
- Popularity 11.07
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Black Bicycle Entertainment, Bedford Falls Productions, Potboiler Productions
- Summary : Based on a true story, this riveting western follows a headstrong New York widow as she journeys west to meet Sioux chief Sitting Bull, facing off with an army officer intent on war with Native Americans.
- Tagline : Defy your times
