Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson

Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson is a 1976 western film co-written and directed by visionary filmmaker Robert Altman. Starring Hollywood blockbuster actors like Paul Newman, Joel Grey, and Kevin McCarthy, this surrealist western is a historical drama drenched in satire and cynical humor. The film tells the compelling story of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, by weaving history, myth, show business, and western stereotypes into a daring postmodern tapestry. It is a unique portrayal of the American West that questions the constructions of myth, identity, and heroism, which defines the genre.

Buffalo Bill and the Indians explore the world of William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (played by Paul Newman), a well-renowned buffalo hunter turned showman, brimming with charisma and hubris. The title itself suggests the interplay between the popular mythologies of the West and the honest, raw realities behind them. Newman, as Buffalo Bill, confidently portrays a character whose self-belief is unshakeable, representing the quintessential American hero, whose heroics are as much mythology as they are contrived for spectacle. He is the leader of his eponymous Wild West Show, a highly romanticized spectacle of the "old west" that caters to audiences eager to consume a certain narrative about the American Frontier.

On the other hand, Joel Grey plays as Nate Salisbury, Buffalo Bill's business partner and all-round advisor who, like Bill, is committed to creating and selling the illusion of the wild west to their audiences. He ensures the show's continuation at all costs, displaying a steady loyalty throughout. Kevin McCarthy plays the singular and ruthless publisher Major John Burke, who has a knack for spinning yarns and embellishing facts to make them more palatable for public consumption. Together, these characters enunciate the underlying motif of the film, which is the production and consumption of history – twisted and resold for entertainment.

A significant pivot in the narrative happens with the introduction of Sitting Bull, played by Frank Kaquitts, a renowned Lakota leader who is billed as the 'Foe of Custer.' His appearance disrupts the smooth operation of the show by challenging Buffalo Bill to evaluate his understanding of history and his role in shaping it. Strewn along the plot are historical figures like Annie Oakley and President Grover Cleveland, making cameo appearances, making the storyline rife with eccentric characters and infectious charm while reflecting on the idea of history as a commercial spectacle.

Steered by Robert Altman’s unique storytelling style, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson, is an aesthetically rich and layered narrative that uses humor, irony, and satire to critique the bastardization of history for entertainment's sake. Altman plays with viewer expectations, blending history and fiction, humor and drama in a balanced cacophony that reveals truths about the nature of the American West of the late 19th century. The film brings to brilliantly sharp life the extraordinary period of Buffalo Bill Cody’s heydays as a Wild West showman.

A scathing commentary on myths and how they weave the fabric of national identity, the film also puts forth a powerful study of characters shaped by both their self-perceptions and outside influences. The historical framing provides a platform for the actors to explore their larger-than-life characters and confront foundational American stories and images. The film's vivid visuals, detailed characterizations, and wickedly sharp writing provide an entertaining yet introspective look at how Western mythology was created and sustained, both in Buffalo Bill's time and beyond.

Decorated with memorable performances, brilliant screenplay, and luxuriant aesthetics, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson, is a subversive gem within the Western genre. Paul Newman flawlessly portrays a man caught up in his illusions. The not so black and white dichotomy of good and evil is incredibly expressed through the interactions between the characters, particularly among Buffalo Bill, his troupe, and Sitting Bull.

In conclusion, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson, is a strikingly bold foray into the power of story, myth, and show business. It does not hold back in portraying the far-reaching consequences of erasing history's complexities for the sake of national or personal myth-making. A film that simultaneously entertains and educates, it is certainly a must-watch for viewers interested in the intersection of history, myth, and cinema.