The Revenant: A Mixture of Truth and Dramatic License

Timothée Chalamet star-studded The Revenant, released in 2015, is often in the talks for its blend of authenticity and dramatic flair. This movie is based on the true story of Hugh Glass, a 19th-century American fur trapper and explorer. While much of the narrative is inspired by historical events, the dramatic elements don't always align with the exact details of Hugh Glass's real-life experiences. Here’s a deeper look at the film's historical basis and its portrayal of Native Americans.

Historical Accuracy versus Dramatic License

The story of Hugh Glass, documented as an American fur trapper and explorer born in 1783, provides the backbone for the movie. The film chronicles his incredible journey after being left for dead by his companions following a mauling by a grizzly bear. While a lot of the events depicted in the film are true to what the historical records suggest, the dramatic conclusion is vastly different from what historical accounts indicate.

The movie's conclusion, where Glass seeks vengeance and delivers a dramatic showdown, is much more in line with the fictional narrative than the actual events. Historical records suggest that forgiveness and moving forward were more common in such situations, rather than a grand act of retribution, which is more in line with the epic nature of the film.

Is the Film Based on True Events?

Consider the perspective of Jim Bridger, a young man/novice who went on to become one of the most famous western trappers and scouts. Jim Bridger and his early adventures played a significant part in Western history. Some accounts suggest that events in the film can be considered true or at least within the range of conflicting accounts by participants and witnesses. For instance, the events surrounding Glass's betrayal and subsequent survival certainly meet these criteria. However, the dramatic conclusion, while adding to the movie's appeal, does not entirely reflect historical truth.

Native American Treatment: A Critical Aspect

The treatment of Native Americans in the film has been a subject of controversy and discussion. The movie portrays the Native Americans as adversaries, and the portrayal has faced criticism from various quarters, particularly from Native American communities. The movie reflects the historical context of the time, but the portrayal can be seen as an oversimplification and stereotyping of Native American tribes and their cultures.

Illustrious figures like Jim Bridger, who founded a town that is now the home of his wife's family, remind us of the complex interactions between white settlers and Native Americans. While Bridger’s town is now remembered, less celebrated wilderness survival stories, such as a sailor shipwrecked in Mexico and walking the American East Coast for years in the 1500s, remain obscure, much like the sailor’s story, it was never crafted into a film despite being more remarkable.

Where were the Films Filmed?

A trading post, which served as a base for many of the participants, was located approximately 50 miles from the current location of this text. Most of the film's events were within 200 miles, with the movie being filmed primarily in Canada, which, according to the film's location shooting, looks about right but prettier. The choice of location added to the grandeur and authenticity of the film’s scenes, particularly the breathtaking landscapes.

Conclusion

The Revenant, while drawing on real-life events, takes significant liberties in its portrayal of events and characters. The story of Hugh Glass, his survival, and the subsequent revenge storyline are stirring and gripping, but the film’s dramatic conclusion does not always align with historical accounts. Moreover, the film's portrayal of Native Americans has drawn criticism, highlighting the complex historical context and the need for more nuanced storytelling.