Little Big Man

Definition

Little Big Man is a 1970 film directed by Arthur Penn that offers a unique perspective on the American West by portraying the life of a white man raised by Native Americans. This film challenges traditional Western themes, presenting a more nuanced view of Native American culture and critiquing the myth of Manifest Destiny, which typically glorifies American expansionism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character of Little Big Man, played by Dustin Hoffman, serves as a bridge between two vastly different cultures, offering insight into both Native American and settler perspectives.
2. The film uses humor and satire to address serious themes such as colonialism, cultural identity, and the impact of violence on both Native Americans and settlers.
3. Little Big Man portrays iconic events like the Battle of Little Bighorn, showcasing them through a lens that humanizes Native Americans rather than depicting them as mere adversaries.
4. The narrative structure is non-linear, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory and storytelling in recounting personal and collective histories.
5. The film's release came during a period of growing awareness and advocacy for Native American rights, aligning with broader social movements challenging traditional narratives in media.

Review Questions

• How does Little Big Man challenge traditional Western themes and representations of Native Americans?
  • Little Big Man challenges traditional Western themes by presenting a complex narrative that humanizes Native Americans while critiquing colonialism and Manifest Destiny. Instead of portraying Native Americans as one-dimensional adversaries, the film depicts their rich culture and experiences through the eyes of a white protagonist raised among them. This subversion invites viewers to reconsider their understanding of historical events and the impact of expansionism on indigenous peoples.
• Analyze how the use of humor in Little Big Man contributes to its overall critique of American expansionism.
  • The use of humor in Little Big Man serves as a powerful tool for critiquing American expansionism by juxtaposing comedic elements with serious subject matter. This blend creates a space for audiences to engage with painful histories while also reflecting on the absurdity of colonial narratives. By infusing comedy into situations that highlight violence and cultural misunderstanding, the film encourages viewers to question accepted myths surrounding the American West and consider the perspectives of marginalized groups.
• Evaluate the significance of Little Big Man in the context of 1970s cinema and its impact on public perceptions of Native American issues.
  • Little Big Man holds significant importance in 1970s cinema as it represents a shift towards more authentic portrayals of Native American experiences in film. By addressing themes such as cultural imperialism and historical injustice, it contributed to a growing awareness among audiences regarding Native American rights and issues. The film's influence extended beyond entertainment; it fostered critical discussions about representation in media and laid groundwork for future films that would continue to explore these themes with greater depth and sensitivity.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that justified American expansion across the continent, often at the expense of Native American lands and cultures.

Revisionist Western: A subgenre of Western films that reinterprets and critiques the traditional narratives of the American West, focusing on moral complexity and historical accuracy.

Cultural Imperialism: The practice of promoting the culture or language of one society over others, often leading to the erosion of indigenous cultures.