Little Big Man (1970)

Arthur Penn brings life to the 1964 Thomas Berger comic novel about Jack Crabb, a Caucasian boy raised during the 19th century by the Cheyenne nation. Its a classic example of how to create an entertaining western film with just the right blend of action, comedy and adventure. Despite its age, it could never really be outdated, because it puts most recent films to shame. Little big man is although satiric, very cleverly thought out and effectively portrays the injustice and prejudice to the native Americans in the 19th century, creating an even more layered, interesting view. Jack Crabb, at about 10 years old, survives a massacre from the Pawnee along with his sister. They both are found and taken back to a Cheyenne village, while his sister manages to escape on horse-back, Jack remains as a member of the tribe. Each actor carries off their part well, including Dustin Hoffman whom perfectly portrays Jack Crabb as a man going through as many statuses as one can possibly think a single human being ever could. From a conman's apprentice, to a hermit, he did it all, and did it well. Chief Dan George plays Old Lodge Skins, the head of the tribe. Although portrayed bizarrely, the Native American was justifiably nominated for an academy award. The best performance was of Richard Mulligan as Custer, the know-it-all general who recklessly leads the 7th Calvary to their death at the battle of Little Big Horn. I would consider this to be one of the really well made classic films. It embarrasses some pictures for being money making scams, especially some of the appalling western productions. It represents how films are sometimes taken for granted and overlooked. I used to not be interested in western films, lets just say i am now.