Jeremiah Johnson Is a Film about a Young Soldier - Essay Example

Johnson was only driven into vendetta when the Crow Indians murdered his family.  Redford gave a great performance in this movie.  Even with just Redford’s acting, the film could very well be a stand-out.  Will Geer’s performance as Bear Claw Chris Lapp is also outstanding.    The thing that I liked best in the movie is the fantastic cinematography.  The film was shot in Utah Zion’s National Park.  The setting is breathtaking and gives an excellent backdrop for the movie.  The background music used in the movie is very appropriate and blends well with the scenery.   I find the last scene of the movie very touching.  Johnson is shown reaching his hand into the air as a sign of friendship in reaction to the Crow Chief’s raising of his hand too as a sign of peace between the tribe and Johnson.  I find this scene also symbolic of the friendship that is to come between Johnson and the Crow Indians.  There was so much meaning in this scene.   In terms of accuracy, I think Pollack researched well about the language, culture, and clothing at that time.  The technology presented is authentic such as the use of the Hawken rifle.  The movie’s presentation of how hard life was for the early settlers is very realistic.  It is also accurate in portraying the Indians’ reverence for their dead ancestors.  It is believable that they would kill to protect the sanctity of their burial grounds.  Other issues and concerns of the Native Americans are depicted in the movie making the viewers understand their individualities.  Somehow the movie is trying to drive a point about understanding and respecting the culture of the early American settlers.   This is a movie that I would recommend to people who like movies in the Western genre setting.  It is a combination of action and drama.  It is also very entertaining but I would not recommend it for kids because of the violent confrontations between Johnson and the Crows.  Overall, I think “Jeremiah Johnson” is an excellent and unforgettable movie because its theme is timeless and there is a great drama that unfolded through its characters and superb cinematography.   Read More