Cast
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Robert Redford
as Jeremiah Johnson
Will Geer
as Bear Claw
Delle Bolton
as Swan
Josh Albee
as Caleb
Joaquín Martínez
as Paints His Shirt Red
Allyn Ann McLerie
as Crazy Woman
Stefan Gierasch
as Del Gue
Richard Angarola
as Chief Two-Tongues Lebeaux
Paul Benedict
as Reverend Lindquist
Charles Tyner
as Robidoux
Jack Colvin
as Lieutenant Mulvey
Matt Clark
as Qualen
Tanya Tucker
as Qualen's daughter
Crew
Director
- Sydney Pollack
Producer
- Joe Wizan
Reviews
John Chard
The Rocky Mountains are the marrow of the World.
Jeremiah Johnson is directed by Sydney Pollack and is inspired by two books, Raymond Thorp and Robert Bunker's Crow Killer: The Saga of Liver-Eating Johnson and Vardis Fisher's Mountain Man. Script was written by John Millius and Edward Anhalt and cinematography is by Duke Callaghan. It stars Robert Redford, Will Geer, Stefan Gierasch, Delle Bolton and Josh Albee.
Hardened after the war with Mexico, and fed up with everyday life, American Jeremiah Johnson (Redford) leaves civilisation behind to live life as a mountain man. He intends to be self-sufficient as a trapper, but he finds that mother nature can be tough, and out here in the mountain wilderness he is not alone. There are others here, and Jeremiah must face many challenges if he is to truly survive.
Filmed entirely on location in the vast wilderness beauty of Utah, Jeremiah Johnson is light on plot but all the better for it. Film basically constitutes Redford's mountain man learning to survive up in them thar mountains, and, earning the right to do so. A number of issues will arise to test his metal, giving him a number of hardships and adventures to define his transformation from average Joe to a fully fledged mythical man of the Earth. Redford is wonderfully at ease in the title role, and very quickly he gets the audience on side to share in his journey. But ultimately it's the landscapes that you take away from this movie. Not only gorgeous, but also the critical character that frames Johnson during his isolation and battle for survival. 8/10
May 6, 2017
AmazoniaNOTAmazon
I watched it in September 2019, and found it absolutely amazing.
The beauty of the landscapes are astonishing.
If you like adventure movies, then this film "Jeremiah Johnson" is for you, do not hesitate a second.
Sydney Pollack shows here how a great director he is.
You will see how hard the life in mountains is, especially in winter, and especially in the 18th and 19th century.
Robert Redford plays greatly and this movie is really worth being seen. I rate it very highly.
Sep 16, 2019
Thematic Analysis
Jeremiah Johnson represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Sydney Pollack brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Jeremiah Johnson took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.1 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Jeremiah Johnson shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Black Mill, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Jeremiah Johnson offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Right Stuff and Rabbit-Proof Fence explore similar territory, Jeremiah Johnson stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 10, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Budget: $3,100,000
- Revenue: $44,700,000
