- Joined
- Mar 3, 2015
Graham Greene passed away September 1, 2025; posting this, my favorite performance of his ever, in his honor.
It is based on true events on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the Dakotas, and highlights the struggles of Lavoie, a young FBI agent (played with conviction by Val Kilmer) to come to terms with his Native American heritage. Lavoie is originally sent to the region to quell unrest among the natives and investigate a murder. He reluctantly teams with Walter Crow Horse of the local tribal police (Greene is outstanding) and together they reveal a cover up of the crime and a huge conspiracy. Crow Horse also helps Lavoie come to terms with his heritage. The film features many first performances by First Nation actors such as John Trudell, Ted Thin Elk and Shelia Tousey. Michael Apt directs and also produced the riveting documentary about the original Pine Ridge massacre on which this film is based. One scene stands out. Lavoie drives to the Wounded Knee Memorial alone to contemplate his connection there. He falls asleep in the car and wakes up seeing a rider on horseback headed straight toward him. As the rider approaches he unsheathes his rifle and takes aim.. he is wearing early 19th century calvery gear. Lavoie begins to run joining many other natives including women, children, when he wakes: he has had a vision.
As the film closes Lavoie and Crow Horse part ways at a crossroads; Crow Horse tells Lavoie “There ain’t no word in Sioux for goodbye”.
RIP Mr. Greene
I loved him in Dances with Wolves!
. He is important to so many. And a versatile actor..
