Savage vs. Wise Man

The movie I chose with a Native American character is Legends of the Fall. The reason I chose this one is because I feel that it portrays the stereotypes discussed in class. In this movie, Tristan Ludlow (played by Brad Pitt) is a conflicted character that goes through an emotional journey of sorts. The movie takes place during the early 20^th century; World War I, Prohibition, and the start of the Great Depression. Although the movie is centrally based on Brad Pitt’s love affair and conflicted character, it includes a Native American Family that is living with the Ludlow family. The Native American Family consists of One Stab (the Father), Pet (the Mother) and their daughter Isabel. The Native American Family are the servants to the Mr. Ludlow but he treats them as if they were part of his own family. Mr. Ludlow is often criticized by his visitors because he lets One Stab and his family dine at his table. During that time, people did not have a positive view of Native Americans. One Stab’s character falls into several stereotypes such as, savage and wise elder. The savage stereotype is clearly demonstrated throughout various scenes of the movies, often times it is when an outside visitor come to talk to Mr. Ludlow. He stands next to Mr. Ludlow ready to jump into action at the first sign of a threat. One Stab is also a sidekick to Mr. Ludlow, always encouraging standing by any decision he makes. Moreover, the story of Tristan and his family is narrated by One Stab, who outlives all of the characters in the movie.

            On the other hand, his daughter Isabel is scene throughout the movie as a young girl with a crush on Tristan, but her character soon develops into a strong a fertile squaw capable of speaking her own mind and making her own choices. She falls in love with Tristan and bears his children. Her character fits into the stereotype of a strong outspoken woman that falls in love with the White noble man. Much like the movie Pocahontas, she does what she wants and “follows her heart.”

            These stories resemble the historic representations seen throughout history, for example, One Stab can be seen as a savage and a wise elder. His character fulfills both rolls in the movie. Similarly, Isabel is the squaw of the movie a noble yet outspoken Native American woman. Moreover, Isabel’s character differs from historical representations of Native Americans because she is neither a princess of matriarch. Her father is the head of the family and she pretty much listens to everything he says. She acts and speaks like an educated White woman of her time. Although the way she dresses is closer to the traditional Native American dresswear.

            The representation of Native Americans in the film justify social marginalization by making the Native American family seem like they are included in society but are not exactly equal. Mr. Ludlow treats them as family but still makes them work by cooking, cleaning, taking care of his land, and having them sleep in an isolated shack outside of the main house. In a sense they are portrayed as separate but equal. With this notion in place, it makes is okay for them to be marginalized within society.