Woman Walks Ahead (2017)

About Woman Walks Ahead

"Woman Walks Ahead" is an American biographical drama film directed by Susanna White. The film tells the story of Catherine Weldon (Jessica Chastain), a portrait painter from 1890s Brooklyn, who travels to Dakota to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull, and becomes embroiled in the Lakota peoples' struggle over the rights to their land. She interacts intimately with Native American life and confronts pushbacks from army officials, thus becoming more invested in their struggle for rights.

Making / Production

The movie is directed by Susanna White and written by Steven Knight. The film was produced by Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Erika Olde, Richard Solomon, and Andrea Calderwood. The production companies include Black Bicycle Entertainment, Bedford Falls Company and Potboiler Productions.

Actors

• Jessica Chastain (as Catherine Weldon) - Chastain’s brilliant portrayal of Catherine Weldon captures the strength, passion, and determination of a woman unafraid to challenge societal norms.
• Michael Greyeyes (as Sitting Bull) - Greyeyes lends an aura of stoic resilience to the role, adding depth to his interactions with Weldon.
• Sam Rockwell (as Colonel Silas Groves) - Rockwell's performance brilliantly let us hate the racist colonel.
• Ciarán Hinds (as General Crook) - Hinds' calculated performance as General Crook illustrates his balanced nature amidst martial chaos.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Woman Walks Ahead" is the name given to Catherine Weldon by the Lakota people - a mark of honor.
• While the movie was released in 2017, the filming actually took place in 2016 in New Mexico.
• Despite the serious theme, director Susanna White has said she wanted to keep an element of lightness and humorous touch in the film to make the story more relatable.

Quotes

• “You folks looking to pick a fight? Cause we sure as shit are ready for one!” - Colonel Silas Groves
• “I'm here to paint a picture. That's what I know how to do. That's what I came to do.” - Catherine Weldon
• “They all think because I'm Indian, I must have a spiritual life. I've spent my life fighting the spiritual.” - Sitting Bull

Music, Soundtrack

• The film features an original score by George Fenton.
• It includes a mix of traditional Native American music and modern orchestral pieces.