“Trudell”
In the current state of the nation many people remain confused and opposed to the decisions of the government. It is in these times that it may be hard to remember or understand the struggles that had come before. One of the biggest struggles of time is the one that comes between the American Indians and the US Government. In the documentary film “Trudell” this struggle is depicted not only as a social and political issue but also as a personal struggle.
John Trudell the subject of Heather Rea’s documentary “Trudell” is an author, politically active speaker, poet and musician. He is the descendent of a Sioux father and a Mexican mother. After serving time in the Vietnam War, Trudell became committed to Indian activism. He saw many things that upset him and his people. This gave him a reason to use his voice.
After Trudell began speaking out against the US government and its treatment of the Indian people, he became a subject of interest to the FBI. Trudell was continuously active traveling all over attempting to spread his ideas. Along the way he made many friends, and perhaps some enemies.
“Trudell” the movie raises awareness about this intelligent and talented individual. It is a provocative look at what Trudell stands for then and now. The film includes commentary from prolific people such as Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Robert Redford and Wilma Mankiller the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Rae mixes together images of Trudell on the road in the 1970’s speaking to audiences with poetry, music and traditional chanting. The film has very beautiful moments where the viewer cannot help but to feel sorrow and pain for Trudell’s roots and Trudell himself. But then there are moments that contain raw footage that take away from the serene feel that other moments had built up. Overall the message that resonates in the viewers mind is that Trudell is a peaceful warrior and that he deserves all of the awareness that this film may bring to him and more importantly the awareness that this film may bring to his cause.
- Story- A
- Acting- N/A
- Visuals- B+
- Originality/ Innovation- A
- Enjoyability- N/A Subject matter is serious
- Overall- A
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