Review of Little Big Man (1970) by Richard C — 22 Dec 2012

In just under two and a half hours, Little Big Man manages to create a fascinating insight into the life of Jack Crabb, played consistently and carefully detailed by Dustin Hoffman, through the course of over a century.

The film manages to create a topsy-turvy detailing into a man kidnapped by Native Americans not once but twice in his life, but also shown fighting for General Custer at the infamous Last Stand and becoming acquainted with Wild Bill Hicock, among other historical scenarios.

While it might not come across as creating an inspiring tale in the same way that a film like Forrest Gump does and does feel a bit overlong in the General Custer sequences, Little Big Man nevertheless plays as an interesting and enjoyable insight into the life of a man who might or might not have done the things he said he does to the point that we might suspect if everything we have watched really is true.

But the fact that the film manages to display a historical set of consistently enjoyable scenes and creating a liking for its main character only goes to give reason to praise the film. The one person who deserves the most praise for the film is of course Arthur Penn whose direction plays as thoroughly impressive in terms of scope, structure and detail.

A very good film that despite its stance might be better to just view only once.