Podcast Summary: All Of It – Peter Berg's 'American Primeval'

Episode: Peter Berg's 'American Primeval'
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC

Introduction to 'American Primeval'

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the newly released Netflix series "American Primeval", directed by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Berg. Set in 1857 Utah, the series explores the brutal realities of frontier life, where Mormon militias, the U.S. Government, and indigenous tribes vie for survival and land.

Transcript Highlight:

[00:37] Alison Stewart (C): "It's 1857, it's Utah, and the price of land could be your life. The Mormon militias, the US Government and the indigenous people, they're all fighting to just simply exist."

Exploring the Frontiers Beyond Romance

Peter Berg emphasizes the show's intent to portray the American frontier not as a romanticized utopia but as a harsh, violent environment where survival is paramount. He aims to challenge traditional narratives by highlighting the raw struggles and the pervasive violence of the era.

Key Insights:

• Peter Berg (E) discusses the contrast between romanticized views of the frontier and the brutal reality:

  [02:47] Berg: "We wanted to explore how hard it was for people to survive and how many things could be a real problem... It was a very violent time."

• He draws parallels between past and present violence, suggesting that the same human instincts drive conflicts both historically and today:

  [04:16] Berg: "How did we get here? Have we grown? Have we matured? Have we as a species become less violent or more violent?"

Balancing Violence with Emotional Depth

Berg outlines the delicate balance between depicting the era's brutality and developing emotionally resonant characters. He believes that showcasing both the capacity for violence and the depth of human connection is essential to creating relatable and compelling narratives.

Notable Quote:

[05:29] Berg: "We look for both. If you want to portray the worst enemy aspect of people, you have to also balance that with the best friend side of people."

Directing a Limited Series vs. Films

Delving into the technical aspects of production, Berg contrasts directing a limited series like "American Primeval" with directing feature films. He highlights the increased complexity and extended commitment required for a series, citing a 155-day shoot characterized by unpredictable challenges such as weather extremes and cast issues.

Quote on Challenges:

[06:38] Berg: "Directing a limited series is the hardest thing I think you can do as a director... every day was an exhausting, glorious challenge."

Handling Historical Sensitivities and Authenticity

A significant portion of the discussion centers on portraying historical events accurately and respectfully. Berg addresses the depiction of the Meadows Massacre, a real historical event where Mormon militias killed over a hundred pioneers. He explains the extensive research undertaken to represent this event authentically while acknowledging its sensitive nature.

Key Points:

• Representation of the Meadows Massacre:

  [08:07] Berg: "We wanted to present something as real and potentially inflammatory as the Meadows Massacre... it was a pretty big challenge."

• Balancing Historical Accuracy with Narrative Needs:

  [09:30] Berg: "We try to tell a balanced version... presenting the justification for how the Mormons were pushed into that corner."

Cinematography and Sound Design

Berg discusses his directorial choices aimed at immersing the audience deeply into the story. He favors handheld cameras with wide lenses to create an intimate and participatory viewing experience. Additionally, he praises his collaboration with sound designer Wiley Statement, whose intricate soundscapes enhance the series' realism.

Notable Techniques:

• Cinematography:

  [13:14] Berg: "Using very wide lenses... you get close to someone's face with a lens like that, and you're kind of in their brain."

• Sound Design:

  [14:40] Berg: "Sound design locks in... It's real, real art. And he makes all of us better."

Cultural Representation and Consultation

Acknowledging his own limitations, Berg underscores the importance of cultural consultants in authentically portraying Native American tribes. He details the collaborative process with consultants to ensure accurate representation of languages, attire, and customs.

Quote on Cultural Accuracy:

[17:11] Berg: "We had Shoshone Piute consultants, language consultants, wardrobe consultants... they became kind of like co-directors and partners."

Portraying Strong Female Characters in 1857

The series features strong female characters who defy the historical norms of their time. Berg explains that the extreme survival conditions create a scenario where gender roles are fluid, allowing women to exhibit strength and agency despite the societal constraints of 1857.

Insight on Female Characters:

[19:18] Berg: "If you're fighting to stay alive and you're fighting to stay alive, you're going to want to protect yours... it's a level playing field for men and women."

Lessons Learned and Teamwork

Reflecting on the production of "American Primeval," Berg highlights the invaluable lessons learned about teamwork and leadership. He appreciates the collective effort required to bring such a complex series to fruition and emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration.

Final Thoughts:

[21:22] Berg: "It was a reminder that we do go further together. And it's actually kind of more fun. So it was a great time."

Conclusion

Peter Berg's "American Primeval" offers a gritty, unfiltered portrayal of the American frontier, challenging traditional romantic notions by focusing on survival and the inherent violence of the era. Through meticulous research, authentic representation, and innovative directing techniques, the series stands out as a compelling exploration of a tumultuous period in American history.

Final Quote:

[23:27] Berg: "The name of the show is American Primeval. It is on Netflix."

For listeners interested in exploring the complexities of American history and the human condition, "American Primeval" is a must-watch series that delivers both intense drama and thoughtful reflection.