Review of Little Big Man (1970) by Tom B — 15 Sep 2011

Chief Dan George lights up a lot of laughs in this movie, until about half way through when it becomes an essay on Vietnam war, in step with the times. In this regard it hits a home run, cinematic art style.

Colorful cast, often hilarious comedy, goes firmly where few films have ever gone, portraying raids against Indians in heart-wrenching ways. Casting is intentionally not always authentic Indian, for clear and salient reasons.

Many cinematic glosses on Ford, and possibly Fellini, and certainly art-house. Hollowed us out by the end with its unflinching portrayal. It would be nice to see a thorough treatment of film with essays and commentary, although in many respects film stands on its own and means what it shows.

I loved it when I was a kid. It was funny and saucy and full of crazy characters, much like old-fashioned picaresque novels. Makes me think of Joseph Andrews and the ridiculous. Delivers an emotional sting and left me with a bit of a heavy heart, but grateful for it.

Beautiful locations and sets. Chief Dan George was my favorite when I was a kid. I still love him. Oh, Canada.