Soldier Blue

Soldier Blue is a significant cinematic piece from the beginning of the 1970s, which shines a light on the volatile political and social climate of America in that era. Released in 1970 and directed by Ralph Nelson, the film stars renowned actors like Candice Bergen, Peter Strauss, and Donald Pleasence. This portrayal of the American frontier brings forth several themes, including the deconstruction of Western myths, critique of American imperialism, and a deep dive into the conflict between Native American tribes and the encroaching settlers.

The movie opens with an idyllic depiction of the Western frontier, but swiftly turns dark when a band of Cheyenne Indians attacks a group of the US Army. Everyone is killed, save for two survivors: Cresta (played by Candice Bergen), a young woman who was originally kidnapped by the Cheyenne but has since assimilated into their tribe, and Honus (played by Peter Strauss), a naive private in the US Army. Stranded in a brutal wilderness filled with perilous dangers, this unlikely pair must traverse through treacherous territories and hostile territories to reach their army post.

Cresta is a fully realized character who challenges the stereotype typically portrayed of women in Western movies during that period. Pragmatic, headstrong, and resourceful, Candice Bergen delivers a layered performance, showing Cresta's transformation from a reckless adventurer into a fierce defender of the Cheyenne. On the other hand, Honus serves as a counterpoint to Cresta; he begins as an idealistic soldier blissfully ignorant of the realities surrounding the “Indian Wars,” making their dynamic increasingly complex as the film unfolds. Their journey further emphasizes the harsh realities of the frontier, intensifying the complex moral landscape beneath the surface.

The film's subtext delves deep into America's colonial past, questioning the violent dispossession of Native Americans by white settlers and military forces. In a time when Vietnam was still an open wound in the national psyche, Soldier Blue’s brutal portrayal of violence and inhumanity serves as both historical commentary and a metaphor for American foreign policy. The film is best known for bringing into sharp focus the Sand Creek Massacre, with its unflinching portrayal of brutality drawing comparisons to the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam only a year earlier.

Veteran actor Donald Pleasence brings a disturbingly callous realism to his role as a shady, mercantile agent. His portrayal adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, providing a grim commentary on the cruel realities of opportunistic capitalism. This resonates with the film's core message – questioning and criticizing the relentless march of "progress" and the devastation it left in its wake.

Technically, the film possesses an artful approach to cinematography, capturing the stunning landscapes of the West in contrast to the jarring brutality of conflict. Director Ralph Nelson uses powerful imagery to underline his thematic exploration. The film's soundtrack, written by Roy Budd and including the powerful title song sung by Buffy Sainte-Marie, adds emotional depth to the narrative and amplifies its thematic undercurrents.

Throughout the years, Soldier Blue has left a profound impact on the Western genre, offering an alternative perspective to the conventional narrative of American westward expansion. Its bold and unflinching confrontation of American history is known to have inspired the revisionist Western movement, giving way to self-aware and reflexive productions that do not shy away from discussing the moral complexities of the American West.

In conclusion, Soldier Blue is an audacious film that dared to break the mold of Western genre by questioning and critiquing the myths of American imperialism. Combining stunning performances, brutal realism, and a strong commentary on American history, it stands as a significant film of its era. While its violence might unsettle some, its potency lies in its willingness to challenge perceptions, revealing a dark chapter of history that was often overlooked in mainstream discourse of the time.