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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 1993)
‘Geronimo’ is more history, less fanaticism Story of Apache based on facts A rarity in mainstream movies, “Gcroniino” is a historical film based more on history and less on fantastic embellishments. The story is narrated by 2nd Lt. Britton Davis (Matt Damon), a young and inexperienced officer whose ide alistic beliefs are challenged by the injustices of the army and govern mem. Davis serves under 1 st Lt. Charles Gatewood, played by Jason Patric (“Rush”). Gatewood befriends Gcronimo and negotiates his final surrender after the army is unable to capture him. Gatewood and Davis arc aided by A1 Sicbcr, one of the few “While Eyes” able to track the Apache. Rob ert Duvall (“The Godfather”) deliv ers a strong showing as Sicber, a man who secs the world as black and white. Gene Hackman (“Unforgivcn”) gives a solid performance as Brig. Gen. George Crook, whom the Indi ans call Nantan Lupan, “Gray Wolf Chief.” Crook sees himself as a friend of the Indians and earns their respect. Wes Studi as Gcronimo really pulls the movie together, though he only received fourth billing. He plays the rebellious warrior to perfection. The story begins in 1885 when Gcronimo surrenders and is placed on Turkey Creek reservation. He finds himself unable tosit and farm the land or take government handouts. Gcronimo exemplifies the Ameri can Indian free spirit. He refuses to be caged in on a tiny reservation, forced to adapt to the ways of the “White Eyes.” - i ■ —> .......■ .. i Courtesy of Columbia Wes Studi, left, as Geronimo and Jason Patric as Lt. Charles Gatewood star in “Geronimo: An American Legend. He rises up and returns to the moun tains, attacking white settlers to sup ply his men and to discourage whites from moving onto Apache land. The film is more historically au thentic than most popular films. The filmmakers used an American Indian consultant, Sonny Skyhawk, to en sure a more accurate depiction of the American Indian people and their lifestyles. Geronimo deals with actual Amer ican Indian-white issues and not just cowboy and Indian fights, although the fight scenes are well-choreo graphed. Geronimo and the other Apache arc struggling to understand the ideals of the^White-Eyes.’* But it is almost impossible for them to com prehend the greed of Manifest Desti ny. Unfortunately, even though the film is named after an American Indi an leader, “Geronimo” leans strongly to a white perspective. It also portrays Geronimo as the hero of all his peo ple, when there were many who dis agreed with him and thought he was leading them in a suicidal rebellion. This film does portray Geronimo and the Apache who followed him as what they were — the last group of American Indians to show their dis content with white domination in the form of warfare. Even though Gcronimo may not have been the hero to all his people, he was an inspiration to many and a legend to all. — Joel Strauch U.N.L. Residence Halls, a better slice of “The Good • ••A place you live with your friends...success oriented students like you • Conveniently located in the heart of campus • Improved food service... includ ing the new Grab 'n Go breakfast option • A live-in staff to assist you when you need it • You and your roommate don't have to argue about who's going to clean the bathroom. •UN-L Residence Halls.. The Good Life!