Dances With Wolves (1990)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  181 Minutes (Directors Cut: 237 Minutes)

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Western

Director: Kevin Costner

Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant

IMDB Rank: 8/10

Part 1 Time: 99 Minutes (Directors Cut: 135 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 82 Minutes (Directors Cut: 103 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? 

Theatrical Cut: Dunbar does a Pow Wow in front of a fire at his camp.

Directors Cut: Dunbar wakes in the morning at his camp.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: 

Theatrical/Directors Cut: “And the only word that came to mind was harmony, Many times I felt alone… but until this afternoon… I’d never felt completely lonely.” Dunbar talking to himself while the tribe walks past. Then moves to the the separate scenes of Pow Wow and waking up.

First line of dialogue on the second part:

Theatrical Cut: “Only two days, seems like a week, I’m missing the company of my new friends, I can see their faces, but it is not enough, tomorrow I will make an unannounced visit, for what could it hurt they are my neighbours.” Dunbar Narrates

Directors Cut: “Made a long patrol today. There’s nothing to report, Time seems irrelevant except for the fact that I am bored. Dunbar writing into his dairy.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, we know John Dunbar wanted to explore the American Frontier. He has made contact with the Sioux aboriginals and has begun to develop a relationship with them. Will he continue to be loyal to the Americans or will he continue to build upon his relationship with the Sioux? Which side will he choose if they groups come into conflict with one another?

Which part is better? This film was not intended to be split into parts upon its release. But was done so with the extended versions. The first part of the film explores the early contact of John Dunbar, his reasoning for being placed on the frontier, and his contact with the Sioux First Nations people. In the second part of the film, John Dunbar is faced with choice to either to stay loyal to the American Army or to fight alongside with the Sioux First Nations. The first part of the film is given a slight edge due to the backstory of John Dunbar and his awkward/meaningful contacts with the Sioux First Nations.

Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing- Screen Play Based on Material from Another Medium, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Music- Original Score, Best Actor (Nominated- Kevin Costner), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Graham Green), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated-Mary McDonnell), Best Art Direction- Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated).

National Film Registry: 2007