Cast
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Crew
Director
- Mel Damski
Writer
- Evan Hunter
Producer
- Lee Levinson
Reviews
John Chard
Keep walking...
The Legend of Walks Far Woman is directed by Mel Damski and adapted to screenplay by Evan Hunter from the novel Walks Far Woman written by Colin Stuart. It stars Raquel Welch, Bradford Dillman, George Clutesi, Nick Mancuso and Eloy Casados. Music is by Paul Chihara and cinematography by Gayne Rescher.
An honourable but flat picture that finds Welch as the titular title character, as a Native American woman we view her trials and tribulations, as seen from the Indian's point of view. Unfortunately the story is dull, only really springing to life once Custer is defeated late in the play. There we are perked and piqued by how the Indian's react, the women and children waiting to see what members of the tribe come back from Little Big Horn. The filching of the cavalry's dead bodies, and the army fight back that has such dire consequence for Walks Far Woman.
Ultimately it's a story worth telling, only it's told poorly, and not even the lovely Montana locations can offset the disappointment one feels once pic has finished. 3/10
Aug 16, 2017
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Legend of Walks Far Woman examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mel Damski 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Legend of Walks Far Woman took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1148 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Legend of Walks Far Woman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Story of the Weeping Camel, which focuses more on action than character development, The Legend of Walks Far Woman offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Return of the Big Cat and The Proud Bird from Shanghai explore similar territory, The Legend of Walks Far Woman stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: August 24, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 51m
