About Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee

"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" is a drama-based television film produced by HBO, released in 2007, it is adapted from Dee Brown’s 1971 classic book of the same name. The plot of the film presents the American Indian perspective on the western expansion of the United States during the latter half of the 19th century. The film takes a deep look at the dramatic, tragic and heartrending history of the western American Indian tribes from their perspective as they resist the loss of their land and culture.

Making / Production

The film was made with intensive research and consultation with historians. Shot on location in Canada, the film brings forth a visually stunning representation of the historical events and an emotionally driven narrative. The director, Yves Simoneau, administered the screenplay written by Daniel Giat.

Actors

• Adam Beach - Playing the role of Charles Eastman, a young, mixed-race Sioux doctor trained at Boston, Beach perfectly embodies the struggles of assimilating into a world while striving to preserve his heritage.
• August Schellenberg - Schellenberg’s portrayal of the legendary Lakota warrior Sitting Bull, struggling to defend his people's land, is a compelling performance.
• Aidan Quinn - Quinn portrays U.S. Senator Henry Dawes, who tries to help the 'civilize' the Native Americans and his conflict is authentically portrayed.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on the non-fiction book "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West" by Dee Brown.
• Though based on real events, the film adds a fictional character, Charles Eastman, to serve as a narrative bridge between episodes.
• The film was shot in Calgary, Alberta, Canada over a period of 33 days.

Awards

The movie was widely recognized and went on to receive a number of prestigious awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Golden Globe for Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television. Adam Beach was also nominated for a Best Actor Golden Globe.

Quotes

• "Every human being has a sacred right to the fullest development of all that is in them." - Charles Eastman
• "We are told, 'You are now the children of Uncle Sam.' Well, the old man has treated his red children poorly." - Sitting Bull

Music, Soundtrack

• George S. Clinton composed the music for Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and brought a much-needed emotional depth to the scenes with his composition.
• The title theme and scores throughout the movie perfectly display the mood and tone of the plot.