The Redman's View

Plot

In this poignant early Western, a peaceful Native American village is forcibly displaced by encroaching white settlers who claim their ancestral lands. The villagers must undertake a grueling journey across harsh terrain to find a new home, with the elderly chief relying on his son for support during the difficult trek. Tragedy strikes when the settlers compel a young Native woman to remain behind, creating a heart-wrenching separation from her beloved sweetheart who must continue the journey with his aging father. The film explores themes of displacement, love, and sacrifice as the young couple faces an uncertain future, their bond tested by the cruel forces of westward expansion. The narrative culminates in a bittersweet resolution that highlights the personal cost of historical progress and the enduring strength of human connection in the face of adversity.

Historical Background

This film emerged during a pivotal moment in American history and cinema. 1909 saw continued westward expansion and the final stages of the American frontier, making Western themes particularly resonant with contemporary audiences. The film industry itself was transitioning from novelty to narrative storytelling, with directors like Griffith pioneering techniques that would define cinematic language. The Progressive Era was in full swing, bringing increased attention to social issues, including the treatment of Native Americans. This period also saw the rise of film as a legitimate art form, moving away from vaudeville theaters into dedicated nickelodeons. The Biograph Company, where Griffith worked, was one of the leading production houses of the era, competing with Edison and other early film pioneers. The film's sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans, while still using white actors, reflected a somewhat progressive stance for its time, even as it employed the racial stereotypes common to the period.

Making Of

The production of 'The Redman's View' took place during a remarkably prolific period in D.W. Griffith's career, when he was directing multiple films per week for the Biograph Company. The cast and crew worked under demanding conditions, often completing entire productions in just one or two days. Owen Moore and Lottie Pickford were part of Griffith's regular stock company of actors, appearing together in numerous Biograph productions. The outdoor filming required the crew to transport heavy equipment to remote locations, a significant challenge in 1909. Griffith was already developing his signature directorial style, experimenting with camera placement and narrative structure that would influence generations of filmmakers. The film's emotional depth and technical sophistication demonstrate Griffith's rapid evolution as a cinematic artist during this formative period of American cinema.

Visual Style

The cinematography by G.W. 'Billy' Bitzer, Griffith's regular collaborator, demonstrates the evolving visual sophistication of early American cinema. The film utilizes natural lighting for outdoor scenes, creating authentic Western atmospheres that enhanced the narrative realism. Bitzer employed static camera positions typical of the era but varied his framing to create visual interest and emotional emphasis. The use of location shooting rather than studio sets gave the film a visual authenticity that audiences of the period found compelling. Close-ups were used selectively to highlight emotional moments, a technique Griffith was pioneering during this period. The black and white cinematography creates stark contrasts that emphasize the dramatic elements of the story. The visual composition shows early signs of the cinematic language Griffith would later perfect, with careful attention to framing within the confined space of early film cameras.

Innovations

While 'The Redman's View' was not technically revolutionary for its time, it demonstrates several important developments in early filmmaking. The film represents Griffith's growing mastery of narrative construction within the one-reel format, using intertitles efficiently to convey story elements. The use of cross-cutting between different storylines shows Griffith's experimentation with parallel narrative techniques that would become fundamental to cinematic language. The outdoor location filming required portable equipment and logistical planning that was becoming increasingly sophisticated by 1909. The film's emotional pacing and rhythm demonstrate Griffith's understanding of cinematic timing and audience engagement. The relatively long running time for the period allowed for more complex character development than typical early shorts. The preservation of the film provides valuable documentation of early 20th-century film production techniques and the evolution of cinematic storytelling.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Redman's View' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. Typical Biograph releases were accompanied by piano or organ music, with theaters providing cue sheets suggesting appropriate musical selections for different scenes. The emotional nature of the story would have called for romantic and melancholic musical pieces during key dramatic moments. No original score was composed specifically for the film, as was standard practice for productions of this era. Modern screenings of restored versions often feature newly composed scores that attempt to capture the spirit of early 20th-century film accompaniment. The musical accompaniment would have played a crucial role in conveying emotion and narrative progression to contemporary audiences, compensating for the absence of recorded dialogue or sound effects.

Memorable Scenes

• The emotional farewell between the young lovers as they are forcibly separated, with the young woman watching her beloved depart with his elderly father across the vast landscape
• The village elders discussing their forced displacement, conveying the weight of historical injustice through silent performance
• The arduous journey sequence showing the Native American tribe trekking across difficult terrain, emphasizing their resilience and determination
• The final scene suggesting the enduring connection between the separated lovers despite their physical distance

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of 'The Redman's View' were generally positive, with trade publications like The Moving Picture World praising its emotional power and technical execution. Critics noted Griffith's growing skill in creating moving narratives within the constraints of the one-reel format. The film's sympathetic treatment of Native American characters was occasionally remarked upon as noteworthy, though most reviews focused on its romantic elements and visual appeal. Modern film historians view the work as an important example of Griffith's early development and the evolution of the Western genre. While the film's racial politics are now viewed critically, scholars acknowledge its historical importance in the development of American cinema. The preservation of the film has allowed contemporary analysis of Griffith's early techniques and the visual language he was pioneering during this period.

What Audiences Thought

Early audiences responded positively to 'The Redman's View,' particularly appreciating its emotional storyline and romantic elements. The film's themes of love and sacrifice resonated with nickelodeon patrons of the era, who were increasingly sophisticated in their appreciation of narrative films. The Western setting was popular with urban audiences who romanticized the vanishing frontier. The film's relatively longer running time for the period allowed for more character development than typical one-reelers, which audiences seemed to appreciate. The tragic romance between the young Native American lovers provided the kind of emotional melodrama that proved particularly appealing to early film audiences. The film's success contributed to Griffith's growing reputation as one of Biograph's most reliable directors and helped establish the commercial viability of more complex narrative films.

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