Review of September Dawn (2007) by Shawn E — 25 Feb 2008

"September Dawn" relates a version of the events surrounding the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. I'm not sure if this version accurately depicts the Mormons behind the massacre, but I do know that the filmmakers are most definitely not on the Mormon's side. Almost all of the Mormons are shown in the film to be little more than wild-eyed zealots, paranoid of outsiders and craving revenge for the murder of their founder, Joseph Smith, while the members of the wagon train are but innocent lambs being led to the slaughter. The killings are shown in graphic detail to drive home the appalling nature of their actions with one scene in particular, where a boy is shown getting his throat slit, while not offensive to me personally, being rather unnecessary and over the top in my opinion.

The Mormons state that they are sending these emigrants to heaven by killing them, but it is clear that this is only to justify their actions in the eyes of God, since, not long before, they were praying that they be sent to Hell for their sins. It is revenge that they want, plain and simple. There are some weak attempts to show that a couple of the Mormons actually have a conscience, but, in the end, they just come across as cowards for failing to stand up to their leaders. Again, I'm not sure if this is an accurate depiction, but I can't help but think that the filmmakers are taking a lot of creative license and greatly exaggerating the events and the Mormons' mindset at that time.

Prior to the massacre, a relationship develops between the only Mormon willing to resist his brethren, Jonathan Samuelson, and one of the emigrants, Emily Hudson. While this relationship adds a more personal side to the story, I had a hard time getting attached to the characters. This was mostly due to sub par acting and lame dialogue which, unfortunately, drew me right out of the story and, as a result, left me a bit bored until the actual massacre started. In fact, most of the acting in the film is pretty wooden with the only actors showing any skill being Jon Voight as Jacob Samuelson and Terence Stamp in his small part as Brigham Young. Voight and Stamp are actually quite good in their roles, and their performances are one of the few high points in the film.