The Opening of the West

Author: Ryan F. (CT)

The Opening of the West

Produced by Andrew Dominik and Kirk Ellis
Directed by Andrew Dominik
Written by Andrew Dominik and Dale L. Morgan (story)
Cinematography by Roger Deakins
Film Editing by Dylan Tichenor
Costume Design by Patricia Norris
Production Design by Janice Blackie-Goodine
Original Score by Michael Giacchino

Principle Cast:
Josh Brolin as Jedediah Smith
Terry O'Quinn as Jedediah Smith Sr.
Christian Bale as Austin Smith
Jessica Lange as Sally Strong Smith
Gerald McRaney as William Ashley
Sean Astin as Jim Clyman

Tagline:
"The unworthy son once more sets out."

Synopsis:
Wind River, East Side of the Rocky Mountains, December 24, 1829

Dear Mother and Father,
Your unworthy son once more undertakes to address his much slighted parents.
I have several times written but have received no answer from any of you since I left home with the exception of Austin and Peter. They state that our parents now reside in Erie County, Pennsylvania and a few other particulars with regard to the family, but it would give me great satisfaction to hear more fully. It has been a long time since I left home and many times I have been ready to bring my business to a close and endeavor to come home. However, I have been hindered here to as our business is at present most important. It would be the height of impolicy to set a time to come home. However, I will endeavor, by the assistance of Divine Providence, too come home as soon as possible. The greatest pleasure I could enjoy would to be in your company, but whether I shall ever be allowed the privilege, God only knows.

You may well suppose that our society is of the roughest kind. Men of good morals seldom enter the business of fur trade, but I hope you will remember me before a throne of grace. Perhaps you may think it strange that I do not give you some particulars with regard to what is passing in this country, but it is perhaps better that we leave it for a meeting.

"May God of his infinite mercy allow me soon to join my parents" is the prayer of you undutiful.

Son
Jedediah S. Smith

Wind River, East Side of the Rocky Mountains, December 24, 1829

Dear Brother,
It has been some length of time since I wrote to you. I feel thankful for this privilege we enjoy of writing to and inquiring of each others welfare (both spiritual and temporal). Should you receive this, please give me an explanation of you silence and a full account of the situation of our friends and family. Since I left home, I have passed through various vicissitudes of fortune. I have been fortunate enough in some respects as I have been unfortunate in others. I have passed the lands from St. Louis, Missouri to the North Pacific Ocean. We are under the necessity of keeping a constant watch. Despie our vigilance, we sometimes suffer. In August 1827, ten men who were in company with me lost their lives by the Amuchabas Indians on the Colorado River, and in July 1828, fifteen others lost their lives by the Umpquah Indians on the river of the same name. My brother, believe me that we have many dangers to face and many difficulties to encounter. If I am spared, I am anxious to meet with you.

As for my spiritual welfare, I should hardly speak. I find myself one of the most ungrateful, unthankful creatures imaginable. Oh when shall I be under the care of a Christian Church? I have need of your prayers as I wish our society to bear my up before a throne of grace. I can not speak to my friends and family with regard to my coming home as I have set so many times and always found myself unable to perform.

Give my love to my father and my family, none accepted,

I remain as ever your affectionate brother
Jedediah Smith

Walnut Creek on the Arkansas, 300 Miles from the Settlements of Missouri September 24, 1831

My Dear Father,
It is painful at all times to reveal the death of a friend. However, when a brother must tell his father of the death of his brother, it is even more so. Your son Jedediah was killed on the Cimarron on the 27th of May on his way to Sante Fe by the Comanche Indians. His party was in distress for water, and he had gone alone when he was attacked by fifteen or twenty. As soon as he was wounded in the shoulder, he fired his gun. He killed the head chief where it is assumed they rushed him and dispatched him (such my father is the fate of him who you loved). I am convinced that this intelligence will grieve you much, but do not my dear father take it to heart too sorely. He trusted and confided in the Giver of all good and may we hope that his religion will be rewarded.

I am dear father your son forever
Austin Smith

What the Press Would Say:
The Opening of the West is a haunting telling of one of the lesser known heroes of the Old West, Jedediah Smith. Andrew Dominik returns to the western genre after his latest film, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Dominik brings along some of his crew from Assassination... (most importantly Roger Deakins who continues his impressive work) along for the ride. Michael Giacchino provides a gripping score that further enhances both the joyous and somber moments. Like Assassination..., the film goes deep into the psychological aspect of a perceived hero.

Josh Brolin puts in a powerful performance as the guilt-ridden Jedediah Smith. Brolin portrays with perfection not only the honorable leader, but the man ravaged by the knowledge he survived while those he led perished. Brolin continues to find ways to transform himself into any character with his newest metamorphosis as the religious mountain man. Terry O'Quinn masterfully plays the father who avoids his own son in hope he will not see his son's inevitable fate come upon him. Christian Bale delivers as well, displaying a wide range of skills (from scenes of displaying hope to those of despair).

Best Picture-Andrew Dominik and Kirk Ellis
Best Motion Picture-Drama (GG)
Best Director-Andrew Dominik
Best Actor-Josh Brolin
Best Supporting Actor-Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actor-Terry O'Quinn
Best Adapted Screenplay-Andrew Dominik and Dale L. Morgan
Best Original Score-Michael Giacchino