Roger Ebert’s Surprising Praise for Matt Damon’s ‘Geronimo: An American Legend’

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As a passionate movie buff, I can’t help but express my excitement about the powerhouse cast of Robert Duvall, Matt Damon, and Gene Hackman gracing the screen in the 1993 Western epic, “Geronimo: An American Legend.” This historical masterpiece offers an intense and dramatized portrayal of the indomitable Apache leader, Geronimo (Wes Studi), whose bravery led him to fiercely resist the United States Army during the grueling and bloody Apache Wars. The film concludes with Geronimo’s surrender in 1886, marking the end of a remarkable struggle that continues to resonate today.

In 1992, Matt Damon, an emerging star, dropped out of Harvard University with only a few credits left for graduation to star in the Western “Geronimo: An American Legend” alongside veterans Duvall and Hackman. Despite not being a hit with critics or audiences upon its release, the film showcased impressive performances from its cast and vividly portrayed the tragic consequences of a brutal war. Notably, renowned critic Roger Ebert was greatly impressed by the Western, praising it in a glowing review and awarding it his prestigious approval. Let’s delve into this epic production in more detail.

The Matt Damon Western Is a Riveting Look at the Legacy of a Legendary Leader

The 1993 Western movie Geronimo: An American Legend, which offers a broad portrayal, delves into the events culminating in Geronimo’s surrender to U.S. forces in 1886. This Chiricahua Apache leader and healer, portrayed by Wes Studi in the film, had spent years bravely leading raids and battles against the U.S. Army during the Apache Wars. After being relocated to a reservation with his tribe, Geronimo grew frustrated when American settlers disregarded their agreement not to intrude on tribal lands, resulting in the massacre of peaceful Apache worshippers. In response, Geronimo formed a small resistance group to fight against the oppressive forces.

In the narrative, Lieutenant Charles B. Gatewood (played by Jason Patric) is assigned to apprehend the evasive Geronimo following the resignation of his superior, Brigadier General George Crook (Gene Hackman), who was disillusioned with the self-centered behavior of the U.S. military and government. With the assistance of his trusted Chief of Scouts, Al Sieber (Robert Duvall), and the green but determined cavalryman Britton Davis (Matt Damon), Gatewood embarks on a mission to persuade Geronimo to lay down arms for the good of his people, culminating in a tragic and solemn conclusion for the noble leader and his subjugated Native American followers.

Roger Ebert’s Glowing Review of ‘Geronimo: An American Legend‘

The release of “Geronimo: An American Legend” on December 10, 1993, turned out to be misjudged, as it clashed with a made-for-TV film titled “Geronimo,” both depicting the life and battles of the great Apache leader. Sadly, the intense Western failed to impress at the box office, earning only $18.6 million against its production cost of $35 million. Critics offered mixed reviews, appreciating the movie’s captivating visuals and thoughtful script, but finding the overall film lackluster and the storyline unengaging. Director Walter Hill attributed the film’s commercial failure to the simultaneous screening of the competing TV movie.

In my perspective, it’s unlikely that many films exist where you could present essentially the same narrative to fifty million viewers, release your version a week afterwards, and expect outstanding success. After all, how does one argue, “My Geronimo boasts superior settings?

Despite Geronimo: An American Legend falling short of both critical acclaim and box office success, esteemed critic Roger Ebert from Chicago Sun-Times was deeply captivated by the Western film. He bestowed a remarkable rating of three-and-a-half stars out of four in his glowing review, describing it as “a movie of outstanding beauty and significant intellect.” Ebert praised Hill’s exceptional directing abilities, noting that the film transcends the action genre due to its visual splendor and thoughtful narrative. He also admired the hauntingly beautiful cinematography and music, as well as the captivating performances delivered by the talented cast.

Lloyd Ahern’s photography portrays the Texas and Mexican landscapes in a muted, desolate red, while Ry Cooder’s music conveys a sense of solitude. There are no forced peaks or troughs due to “wins” or “losses”, but rather an underlying melancholy that encapsulates one group taking the land and the dignity of another.

Ebert not only endorsed Geronimo: An American Legend, but this 1993 Western received acclaim from numerous Native Americans who believed it offered a truthful portrayal of the feared Apache leader. The creative team went to great lengths to accurately represent Native American interests in the film, with Sioux activist Sonny Skyhawk consulting on production. He was highly satisfied with the final product and its powerful message.

The movie offers a general comprehension of the experiences faced by Native Americans during that period. However, it’s not historically precise; instead, it offers an authentic portrayal of what he endured…Our intention is to debunk misconceptions, engage viewers in the truth about American Indian people and their history.

Rent/Buy Geronimo: An American Legend on Prime Video.

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2025-04-14 01:36