In “The Only Good Indian,” author and literary critic Tommy Orange provides a powerful summary of the 2020 film of the same name. The movie, directed by Kevin Willmott and starring Julian Black Antelope, tells the story of four Native American men who escape from a government boarding school and are pursued by a vengeful government agent. Orange’s summary highlights the film’s themes of resilience, identity, and the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities.
Background
The Only Good Indian is a novel written by Tommy Orange, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. The book was published in 2020 and has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and exploration of Native American identity. The novel follows the story of four Native American men who are haunted by a traumatic event from their past. The book is set in the 1970s and explores themes of identity, trauma, and the impact of colonialism on Native American communities. Tommy Orange’s writing is deeply personal and draws on his own experiences as a Native American. The Only Good Indian is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Native American identity and the impact of historical trauma on contemporary Native American communities.
Plot Summary
The Only Good Indian is a gripping and powerful film that tells the story of four Native American men who escape from a government-run boarding school in the early 1900s. The film is set in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the American West, where the men must navigate a dangerous and hostile environment as they try to make their way back to their homes and families. Along the way, they are pursued by a ruthless and determined government agent who will stop at nothing to capture them and return them to the school. As the men struggle to survive and evade their pursuer, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their lives and the deep-seated prejudices and injustices that they face as Native Americans in a white-dominated society. With its powerful themes of survival, resilience, and resistance, The Only Good Indian is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history and struggles of Native American people.
Character Analysis
One of the most compelling aspects of “The Only Good Indian” is the complex and nuanced portrayal of its main character, Lewis. As a Native American man who has been forced to assimilate into white culture, Lewis is torn between his loyalty to his tribe and his desire to survive in a world that is hostile to his identity. Throughout the film, we see Lewis struggle with the trauma of his past and the difficult choices he must make in order to protect himself and his loved ones. Despite his flaws and mistakes, Lewis remains a sympathetic and relatable character, and his journey is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities today.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in “The Only Good Indian” is the idea of identity and belonging. The main character, Lewis, struggles with his Native American identity and the expectations placed upon him by both his tribe and the white society he lives in. This theme is also explored through the character of Sam, who has rejected his Native American heritage and assimilated into white culture. The film raises important questions about the complexities of identity and the impact of historical trauma on Native American communities. Another important theme is the idea of justice and revenge. The film explores the consequences of seeking revenge and the toll it takes on individuals and communities. Overall, “The Only Good Indian” is a powerful exploration of identity, trauma, and justice that sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities.
Identity and Belonging
The theme of identity and belonging is central to Tommy Orange’s novel, “The Only Good Indian.” The story follows four Native American men who were forced to attend a government-run boarding school as children, where they were stripped of their culture and language. As adults, they struggle to reconcile their past with their present identities and find a sense of belonging in a world that often marginalizes them. The novel explores the complexities of Native American identity and the ways in which historical trauma continues to impact individuals and communities today. Through the characters’ journeys, Orange highlights the importance of reclaiming one’s culture and heritage as a means of finding a sense of belonging and healing from past traumas. “The Only Good Indian” is a powerful and poignant exploration of identity and belonging that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
Colonialism and Its Effects
Colonialism has had a profound impact on the indigenous peoples of North America. The effects of colonization are still felt today, as evidenced in Tommy Orange’s novel, “The Only Good Indian.” The novel tells the story of four Native American men who are haunted by their past and struggle to find their place in a world that has been shaped by colonialism. The novel explores themes of identity, trauma, and the legacy of colonialism. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for indigenous peoples to reclaim their culture and their land.
Indigenous Resistance and Resilience
The Only Good Indian (2020) is a powerful novel that explores the themes of indigenous resistance and resilience. The story follows four Native American men who escape from a government-run boarding school in the 1970s and embark on a journey to return to their families and communities. Along the way, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including racism, violence, and discrimination. Despite these challenges, the men remain resilient and determined to reclaim their identities and cultures. The novel is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by indigenous communities and the importance of resistance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Language and Cultural Preservation
The Only Good Indian (2020) is a powerful novel that explores the themes of language and cultural preservation. The story follows four Native American men who escape from a government boarding school in the 1920s and attempt to return to their tribal lands. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including the loss of their language and cultural traditions. The novel highlights the importance of preserving indigenous languages and cultures, which are often threatened by assimilation and colonization. Through the characters’ struggles, the author, Tommy Orange, emphasizes the need for Native Americans to reclaim their heritage and resist the forces that seek to erase their identities. Overall, The Only Good Indian is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for cultural preservation and the resilience of indigenous communities.
Symbolism and Imagery
The Only Good Indian (2020) is a film that is rich in symbolism and imagery. From the opening scene, the audience is transported into a world that is both beautiful and haunting. The use of symbolism and imagery is a powerful tool that the filmmakers use to convey the themes of the film. One of the most striking examples of this is the use of the buffalo. The buffalo is a powerful symbol of the Native American culture and is often used to represent strength and resilience. In the film, the buffalo is used to represent the main character’s connection to his heritage and his struggle to maintain that connection in a world that is constantly trying to erase it. The imagery of the buffalo is also used to create a sense of awe and wonder, as the audience is shown the majestic animals roaming freely in the wild. Another example of the use of symbolism and imagery in the film is the use of the eagle. The eagle is a symbol of freedom and is often used to represent the Native American people’s struggle for independence. In the film, the eagle is used to represent the main character’s desire for freedom and his struggle to break free from the constraints of his past. The imagery of the eagle is also used to create a sense of hope and optimism, as the audience is shown the majestic bird soaring through the sky. Overall, the use of symbolism and imagery in The Only Good Indian (2020) is a powerful tool that helps to convey the themes of the film and create a sense of connection between the audience and the characters.
Narrative Style and Structure
The narrative style and structure of “The Only Good Indian” by Tommy Orange is a unique and powerful aspect of the novel. The story is told through multiple perspectives, each chapter focusing on a different character’s point of view. This allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and experiences, as well as the larger themes of identity, culture, and trauma that run throughout the novel.
Additionally, the structure of the novel is non-linear, with flashbacks and jumps in time that add to the complexity of the story. This structure also allows for a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their relationships to each other and their pasts.
Overall, the narrative style and structure of “The Only Good Indian” adds to the emotional impact of the novel and makes it a powerful and unforgettable read.
Historical Context
The Only Good Indian (2020) is a film that explores the historical context of Native American boarding schools. These schools were established in the late 19th century as a means of assimilating Native American children into white American culture. The schools were often run by religious organizations and were notorious for their harsh treatment of students. Children were forced to abandon their native languages, customs, and beliefs, and were punished severely for speaking their own language or practicing their own religion. The film is set in the 1970s, a time when many Native Americans were beginning to reclaim their cultural heritage and challenge the legacy of the boarding schools. The historical context of the film is important because it sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Native Americans to reclaim their identity and culture in the face of centuries of oppression and assimilation.
Cinematography and Soundtrack
The cinematography and soundtrack of “The Only Good Indian” are integral to the film’s overall impact. Director Kevin Willmott and cinematographer Matt Jacobson use a mix of wide shots and close-ups to capture the vastness of the prairie and the intimacy of the characters’ experiences. The use of natural lighting and muted colors creates a sense of realism and grittiness that adds to the film’s authenticity.
The soundtrack, composed by Kevin Wilmott and Greg Klyma, features haunting melodies and traditional Native American music that add to the film’s emotional depth. The use of silence and ambient noise also plays a crucial role in creating tension and atmosphere.
Overall, the cinematography and soundtrack of “The Only Good Indian” work together to create a powerful and immersive viewing experience.
Reception and Criticism
The Only Good Indian (2020) has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes. The film, directed by Kevin Willmott, has been praised for its exploration of the historical trauma and ongoing struggles of Native American communities. Many critics have also commended the performances of the cast, particularly lead actor Julian Black Antelope, who delivers a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a man grappling with his past and present. However, some have criticized the film for its graphic violence and bleak tone, arguing that it may be too difficult for some viewers to watch. Despite these criticisms, The Only Good Indian has sparked important conversations about the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights.
Comparison to Other Indigenous Films
When compared to other indigenous films, “The Only Good Indian” stands out for its unique approach to storytelling. Unlike many other films that focus on the struggles of indigenous people in the past, this film takes a more contemporary approach, exploring the ongoing challenges faced by Native Americans today.
The film also stands out for its strong performances, particularly from lead actor Wes Studi, who delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a man struggling to reconcile his past with his present. The film’s cinematography and score also add to its impact, creating a haunting and immersive atmosphere that draws viewers in and keeps them engaged throughout.
Overall, “The Only Good Indian” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a fresh perspective on the experiences of indigenous people in America. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Native American identity and the ongoing struggles faced by indigenous communities today.
Impact and Significance
The impact and significance of “The Only Good Indian” by Tommy Orange cannot be overstated. The novel tackles important themes such as identity, trauma, and the lasting effects of colonialism on Native American communities. Through the stories of four different characters, Orange sheds light on the struggles and complexities of being Native American in contemporary society.
One of the most significant aspects of the novel is its unflinching portrayal of the violence and brutality that Native Americans have faced throughout history. Orange does not shy away from depicting the horrors of the past, but he also shows how these traumas continue to affect individuals and communities in the present day. By doing so, he highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and healing that Native Americans face.
Another important aspect of the novel is its exploration of identity. The characters in “The Only Good Indian” are all grappling with questions of who they are and where they belong. They are caught between the traditions and values of their Native American heritage and the pressures of assimilation and conformity in mainstream society. Through their stories, Orange shows how complex and multifaceted Native American identity can be.
Overall, “The Only Good Indian” is a powerful and important novel that sheds light on the experiences of Native Americans in contemporary society. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of Native American communities, and a call to action for greater understanding and justice.
Interview with Director and Cast
In an exclusive interview with the director and cast of “The Only Good Indian,” we got a glimpse into the making of this powerful film. Director Kevin Willmott shared his inspiration for the story, stating that he wanted to explore the history of Native American boarding schools and the lasting effects they had on Indigenous communities. Lead actor Wes Studi, who plays the role of Wesheltaw, spoke about the challenges of portraying a character who is struggling with his identity and the trauma of his past. Co-star Kaniehtiio Horn, who plays the role of Kiksuya, discussed the importance of representing strong Indigenous women on screen. Overall, the cast and crew of “The Only Good Indian” are proud to have created a film that sheds light on an important and often overlooked part of American history.
Future of Indigenous Cinema
The future of Indigenous cinema is bright, with more and more Indigenous filmmakers gaining recognition and support for their work. The success of films like The Only Good Indian is a testament to the power of Indigenous storytelling and the importance of representation in media. As more Indigenous voices are heard and more stories are told, audiences will continue to be moved and inspired by the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous peoples. With increased funding and resources, the future of Indigenous cinema is sure to be filled with even more groundbreaking and powerful films.