Review of The Searchers (1956) by Barry-John D — 13 Jan 2010

How did wayne not win an oscar for this?? A film with a truly dark edge where Wayne portrays of a war hero struggling to contain his anger and hatred for another race. The character is brutally racist and the film commits itself to analyzing this subject .

Wayne has respect for the Comachee, this is clear by his knowledge of their ways, however the viewer is never made aware of his opinion of the race prior to the brutal murder of his family. Subsequently his unabated search for his niece is fueled by hatred for the indians, brought on, one supposes entirely, by the brutality of the murders committed on the settlers. John Ford intentionally told this tale from one point of view, that of the european settlers, who were robbed, raided and ignorantly fearful of their native neighbors, the plight of the native american was a tale for another day. Although this film conducts a very deep analysis of Wayne's motives and sinister intentions it never really explains how Wayne's character learnt the traditions of the Comanchee, knowledge only perhaps gained by living amongst them I suggest. Wayne, an American icon, is very easy to dislike in this movie and the author spells out clearly to the viewer that a man, should leave the business of revenge to more divine beings, both Wayne and his sidekick miss out on life significantly whilst committing themselves to the search. The cavalry charge finale is disrespectful to the native american but perhaps a sign of the times the film was made in. In addition the pleasing end reuniting of Wayne and his niece has perhaps more shades of Christian moral values, than reality.

A beautifully shot John Ford production. It could have perhaps shown the harassment of the native Indian in a lot more detail but this would have made less time available to explore Wayne's character resulting in ,i feel, poorer film overall. The viewers fear and dislike for Wayne's actions and sinister ultimate intentions, more than compensates for this and for that credit must go to the actor and the director. the final shot from inside the house looking out onto monument valley is unforgettable!