Verdict:
A number of scenes in the first half of this film might leave you wondering, “What the hell did I just watch?” and if you should laugh or not. If a scene ended violently, it was probably meant to be taken seriously, right? *shoulder shrug*
There was something odd about the entire tone of the film and it dawned on me: Dances with Wolves feels like a kids’ movie. Whether that mood was intentional or not is unclear, especially considering all the blood and violence, but the movie definitely has the feel of an adventure film for kids. There is a subplot with befriending a wolf and another one about a loyal horse. This movie features farts, slapstick, and I swear, at one point I heard a bouncy noise effect like in a Hanna-Barbera cartoon….but then, moments later, someone had their scalp removed. Perhaps this tonal duality is an homage to older, more violent children’s tales.
The style of narration by Kevin Costner’s character, Lt. John Dunbar, including the wording he uses, sounds like that of a curious child discovering the world.
While there are a few scenes that drag on for too long or seem unnecessary all-together, overall, this movie is interesting and well-paced. At almost 4 hours long, it does not feel too long because the pacing works. Story moments are introduced that make you want to keep watching to see the payoff. The movie gets better as it goes on, as you get more attached to its characters.
The film’s representation of Native Americans raises some issues. Now, I am not a defender for political correctness. However, there appears to be a simplistic dichotomy between “good” and “bad” Native Americans, with tribes that are friendly to settlers depicted as noble and those who resist the encroaching settlers cast as savage. This dichotomy, along with the subplot involving Dunbar’s attempts to tame a wolf, might suggest an uncomfortable parallel with “civilizing” the wild tribes. There is a white woman living amongst the natives, played by Mary McDonnell, because she was supposedly adopted, and her purpose in the movie is to act as the English translator, but is it though, or is it just a concession to Hollywood conventions of having a relatable white actress as the main hero’s romantic interest? Maybe I am reading too much into this.
Kevin Kostner’s main character is perhaps the least interesting, as he is the most wooden one of them all. His face is frozen in the expression of confusion for much of the movie. While this performance helps convey Dunbar’s journey into an unfamiliar culture, as the character is mostly alone and remains cautious and unsure of his dangerous surroundings, it does not make for an interesting performance. In contrast, the supporting cast, particularly Graham Greene as as the Sioux holy man, offers a much-needed counterpoint to Costner’s more reserved approach.
Visually, Dances with Wolves is stunning, capturing the vastness and beauty of the American frontier, as well as the coziness of local life. The score evokes epic exploration, often reinforcing the film’s children’s adventure tone, like it’s a coming-of-age story.
In short, Dances with Wolves is a film that grows on the viewer. It is not a great movie, given the occasional stiff acting, an inconsistent tone, and debatable purpose for some of the scenes, but the film’s curious mood and evolving storyline ultimately come together to deliver a satisfying and memorable journey.