The beginning of the 1990s was uncharted territory for a young, newly established Val Kilmer. He broke out as the villainous, cock-sure “Ice” in Top Gun (1986) years prior and Willow (1988) was a success, but its visual effects and creators were taking more of the spotlight. But the ‘90s would prove to be that rocket that launched him to the stars. Starting out with a bang as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), a film he spent months recording himself and learning the music just to convince Stone he was right for the job; it was that kind of tenacity and drive he had for acting that got him roles in films like Tombstone (1993), Heat (1995), and Batman Forever (1995).
Thunderheart comes out in April of 1992, makes $4 million in its opening weekend, and a bit over $22.5 million total against a $15 million budget. I hesitate to call this his forgotten classic as it does have its fans and it certainly had some names and star power behind it, but looking at the socio-political climate of the early ‘90s and the message of the film, perhaps it was a bit ahead of its time.
A series of brutal murders shocks a small Native American reservation in the Dakota badlands and FBI agent Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer) is assigned seemingly for his Sioux heritage. His immediate superior (Fred Thompson), knowing that Ray is inexperienced but ready to prove himself, hopes that his presence will make it easier for Ray’s partner, Agent Frank “Cooch” Coutelle (Sam Shepard), to gather evidence and collect eye-witness accounts. And while the reservation’s primary police officer (scene stealing Graham Greene) views Ray as an outsider, a key elder in the tribe (Chief Ted Thin Elk) believes him to be the reincarnated spirit of Thunderheart, a Native American hero.
There are a few things that help this film stand tall among its peers: the acting is great, Kilmer is still forging his leading man style, and he brings so much to the screen. As a conflicted character fighting against his heritage, and resisting what appears to be a spiritual awakening as it relates to his ancestors, there is a range of emotion that plays on his face in nearly every scene that’s just fascinating to watch. Knowing this is at the beginning of his career, and watching with that hindsight, definitely brings an added bonus. Graham Greene (Dances with Wolves) as Walter Crow Horse is the highlight of the film. His scenes with Kilmer are top notch and their banter carries the film through some of its more meandering subplots.
Another factor is the filmmaking. Director Michael Apted (Gorillas in the Mist) films the Native American reservation in a personal way, showing the beautiful landscapes and a reverence for its inhabitants. Photographed brilliantly by cinematographer Roger Deakins (Blade Runner 2049), who was only three years away from his first of many nominations, the warm desert tones were captured without making it feel too bright for its subject matter. Composer James Horner (Titanic), already a three-time Oscar nominee, brings a driving and, often times, very loud drumming score.
The pedigree involved is dizzying, not to mention Robert De Niro’s (Killers of the Flower Moon) newly formed Tribeca Productions getting behind the project to help with funding. This could have been a run-of-the-mill neo western murder investigation, but it’s elevated by the strength of all its parts, bringing attention to the real-life murders of Native Americans on reservations during the ‘70s, on which this film is loosely based. Also, calling attention to the Wounded Knee massacre, which happened in the same geographical area, brings a bit more gravity to its real-world implications.
The Blu-ray transfer itself is actually quite astounding. Being more than 30 years old, it’s really hard to spot any major flaws. It is very crisp and looks present day, which is worth the upgrade for that alone. The special features are pretty tame with only a commentary from screenwriter John Fusco (Young Guns) and the films theatrical trailer. If you are a fan of Kilmer, or this film, this upgrade is perfect for your collection.
Thunderheart Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with screenwriter John Fusco
- Trailer
Available on Blu-ray May 21st, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Sony Pictures Thunderheart webpage.
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Categories: Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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