Wyoming’s wild, out-of-control nature welcomes only the strongest into its bosom and never bows to man. Not everyone can settle in these places, and yet here, far from big cities, highways, and noise, is the Wind River Reservation, one of the last Indian havens (Sheridan, 2017). Left alone with nature and the laws of the tribe, the locals have nevertheless been unable to hold a delicate balance of power, as inexplicable murders have begun to occur on their native land, generating more questions than answers. The film’s atmosphere creates tension and sadness, and the brutality of some scenes makes you feel uncomfortable.
I watched this movie several years ago and now feel the same emotions and admiration when I watch it again. I was attracted by the plot and liked the visual and musical accompaniment. I also believe that the acting remains top-notch, and the characters seem alive. In addition, I want to mention sympathy as the primary emotion because it is impossible not to empathize with Indians who are losing their lands. We now lack the same love and attention to nature that the indigenous peoples honor, and we have something to learn from them.
The Indians are being forced off their land because the white population wants more and more land. Sheridan (2017) explicitly makes this connection between nature and social conflict. Indigenous peoples want to expel or be forced to live by the rules of the white population, who want to establish an owl order in any territory, no matter what. As a consequence, the film shows the cost of these desires.
As my creative response, I want to show a small picture I drew. I tried to depict the Wyoming woods in it, which is scary and makes you feel homesick. The picture came out heavy and emotional because the film struck me with how rude people sometimes are to the world around them. The movie brings up many important themes, but I noticed the feeling of sadness and regret that the Indians’ home is no longer their true home.
From the course material, I was inspired to create the painting by the way we discussed the visual impact on our emotions and feelings. Visual perception has a lot to do with how we form memories. And the totality of those memories and feelings causes us to reproduce the emotions of watching movies differently. In my case, my picture reflects the feelings I was experiencing. Not only discomfort but fear enveloped me because the film was dragging and long. I think the film is like a fog: just as frightening and slow, immersing in its own story and depth.
I created the picture with a graphics tablet and Krita software. They are great aids in conveying emotion in a visual art format. I felt that it was the only way to respond to my feelings. I thought one could add aural information to the painting, like videos on YouTube of soft and intense music. I created such a painting because it is an excellent way to deal with the anxiety I felt because of the film. Among the details of the painting, I would like to draw attention to the small fire and the rays of light in the center of the painting. I think that is why the painting feels like a movie. The surroundings of darkness and fear can recede if we have a lingering hope for a promising future.
Reference
Sheridan, Taylor. (2017). Wind River [Film]. Acacia Filmed Entertainment.