Reel Injun

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René M While there are only handful of documentaries that explore the issue of how Hollywood has and continues to portray indigenous peoples in cinema, this Canadian contribution to the discussion opens the floodgates on the long and now often subconscious settler culture that permeates the stories told involving indigenous peoples. It is important viewing, especially for the simple realization that the money behind so many of these stories is the filter on the lens that continues to imbed colonial roots as though there was no story worth telling before the arrival of Europeans. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/07/25 Full Review Audience Member The greatest 01 hour: and 26 minutes ever with real footage!!!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member There are several documentaries like this about racial stereotyping in Hollywood on the streaming service Kanopy, although I think I initially streamed this on Netflix before I had heard of the new Kanopy site through my library. A fascinating exploration of the subject with a lot of movie clips and interviews. The filmmakers and many interviewees are angry at the way First Nations people were/are depicted. You can also see in the trailer and throughout the film that many are able to look at the inherently racist movie industry with a sense of humor and hope for the future. The doc is not narrowed to only looks at Hollywood feature films, but a stand-up comic who worked in the 70s is featured as well as the controversy involving the "crying Indian" from a famous 70s TV commercial. And rather than the filmmakers remaining off screen, native filmmaker Neil Diamond, one of a trio of writer-directors, is shown traveling around to meet interview subjects. He also visits a real-life old west town that let's tourists dress up and live a bit of wild west cowboy fantasy (minus the androids of Westworld). This definitely makes a statement. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member This film isn't a quilt trip. It isn't preachy. It's an interesting look at how Indians have been portrayed in film throughout history. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member entertaining and fascinating Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Friendly reminder: white people are awful. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Reel Injun

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