About Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (HBO)

'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee', a made-for-television movie from HBO, premiered in 2007. The movie is an adaptation of the 1970 novel of the same name by Dee Brown, that highlights the conflicts between the United States government and the indigenous people of America during the late nineteenth century.

In the epic tale of tragic loss, the movie delineates the western expansion of America from the perspective of the Native Americans. It particularly focuses on the Sioux tribe, starting from the Battle of Little Bighorn until the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890; a series of violent, transformational encounters that proved to be devastating for the natives.

Making / Production

The adaptation of Dee Brown's novel into a powerful movie was driven by HB0. Dick Wolf served as the executive producer while Yves Simoneau directed it. The screenplay was penned by Daniel Giat. The film was shot in various locations in Canada, providing a realistic representation of the Native American terrains. The cinematography by David Franco truly captures the rich cultural heritage and spirituality of the natives, while also portraying the brutality and torment they had to face.

Actors

• Adam Beach as Charles Eastman - With an exceptional performance, Beach portrays the character of Eastman, a Sioux-educated physician navigating through the tormenting conditions.
• August Schellenberg as Sitting Bull - Schellenberg's strong performance as Sitting Bull, the Hunkpapa Lakota leader, is note-worthy, bringing to life the noble yet tragic figure.
• Aidan Quinn as Henry Dawes - Quinn delivers a fine performance as Senator Dawes, showing the inherent contradictions in his policies pitted against the native people.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie was based on a real incident and was highly acclaimed for its historical accuracy.
• Several cast members have indigenous roots, adding more authenticity to the storytelling.
• The film was released in 2007, which marked the 117th anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Awards

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee was honored with a multitude of awards following its release. The movie won the Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie, Cinematography and Sound Mixing, and also bagged the Golden Globe award for Best Mini-Series

Quotes

• "The only good Indians I saw were dead." - Col. Nelson Miles
• "They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they only kept one; they promised to take our land, and they took it." - Red Cloud

Music, Soundtrack

• "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" Original Score - Composed by George S. Clinton
• "Wounded Knee" - An original song written and performed by John Trudell, a Native American poet, musician, and activist.