Review of Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) by Matthew C — 24 Mar 2010

In an attempt to show both sides of the issue, director Walter Hill and the screenwriters occasionally demonstrate Geronimo's brutality, though they tip the scales by painting him as noble, philosophical and quick with a quip.

Still, the character comes off as superficial, despite Studi's excellent, shaded performance. There's only so much an actor can do when he is given such little screen time and his role is so underdeveloped.

What would have been wrong with doing a movie about the life of this Apache warrior? Or even focusing on how he survived in the desert during this period? Or how his life changed when he later went to prison in Florida? Does anyone really care about how much Gatewood and Davis anguish over their roles in the genocide of the American Indian?

On the positive side, in addition to Studi, there is Duvall as Siebert, who gets all the best lines and knows precisely what to do with them (though this character may remind you a bit too much of his "Lonesome Dove" turn), as well as Hackman, who lends his considerable authoritative presence to a role that is all too small. Many minor roles are also filled well, with special kudos to Steve Reevis as an Apache scout for the cavalry.

In the end, though it is an entertaining picture and may prompt some audience members to seek out more information about Geronimo and the history that surrounds him, the movie should - and could - have been much, much more.