The Last of His Tribe

The Last of His Tribe, released in 1992, is a poignant drama centred upon the striking dichotomy of civilised society and untamed nature. The film's narrative intertwines historical reality with dramatic storytelling, creating a narrative that explores the fragility of cultural survival. The movie stars notable actors such as Jon Voight, Graham Greene, and David Ogden Stiers.

Directed by Harry Hook, the film reflects on the tracing phases of the Yana tribe through the survival of a solitary native named Ishi, portrayed convincingly by Graham Greene. This is a cinematic interpretation of a true historical incident, the last surviving member of the Yana tribe, creating an empathetic portrait of the extraordinary life of Ishi. The film is gently paced, thereby allowing the audience to fully experience the emotional, historical and cultural complexities.

Jon Voight plays the character of Professor Alfred Kroeber, a thoughtful and passionate anthropologist from the University of California, Berkeley. His role assumes an impactful space in the movie as he discovers the 'wild man', Ishi, and makes it his duty to help him while learning from the last survivor of the lost tribe. Voight's portrayal presents a captivating character whose dedication to his profession borders often on obsession, marked by compassion and guilt for what civilisation has done to Ishi's people.

David Ogden Stiers plays Dr. Saxton Pope, a medical doctor and fellow professor at the university. He treats Ishi upon his arrival and assists Kroeber in their efforts to document and preserve the Yana culture. Though not as central as Greene's and Voight's, Stiers’ role presents another necessary facet in the multi-dimensional story by battling his own professional and moral paradigms.

The film navigates the stark contrast between its characters' worlds. It subtly depicts the cultural clashes between the academics of the early 20th century — represented by Voight and Stiers — and the primitive native — represented by Greene. The vast difference between their worlds is well explored, given that most of the film is set in a university, quite far removed from the verdant outdoors where Ishi truly belongs.

In the role of Ishi, Graham Greene delivered a strikingly powerful performance that is both sensitive and captivating. He effectively communicates the sheer confusion of a man torn from his natural habitat and placed suddenly into a bustling, modern world. Much of the film's emotional depth navigates around Ishi's journey as he navigates the alien world of 'civilised' society, reflecting on both emotional and physical survival.

The Last of His Tribe is a heartfelt exploration of the devastating impact of colonial expansion on Native American tribes and the loss of their traditional ways of life. It weighs the necessity of historical and ethnographic study against the inherent invasiveness of such practices, always with respect for the human being at its heart. The movie is often bittersweet and melancholic, as viewers are presented with the transformation of Ishi and left to ponder the profound tragedy of an entire way of life extinguished.

The cinematography is beautifully done, presenting a stark contrast between the natural beauty of the wilderness and the confines of the modern world. Despite the tragedy at the core of their story, there are moments of humour and warmth, offering a complex and multi-faceted narrative that does justice to the depth and profundity of the subject matter.

The Last of His Tribe is a significant lens through which to shed light on the last pieces of a disappearing culture and the struggles accompanying such historical transition. The movie tackles themes of culture, identity, and loss, making it a valuable addition to the library of historical narrative dramas. Its sensitive portrayal of the characters and the narrative, complemented by commendable performances by the cast, makes it a must-watch film.