Podcast Summary: The Plot Thickens – Episode "The Mythmaker"
Introduction
In "The Mythmaker," the sixth episode of Turner Classic Movies' (TCM) podcast series The Plot Thickens, host Ben Mankiewicz delves into the making of John Ford's seminal Western, The Searchers (1956). This episode explores the film's production challenges, technical innovations, complex character portrayals, and its enduring legacy in American cinema.
Monument Valley and John Ford's Relationship with the Navajo
The episode begins by setting the geographical and cultural backdrop of The Searchers—Monument Valley, a stunning location spanning Utah and Arizona, which is the heartland of the Navajo Nation, America's largest Indian reservation.
Ben Mankiewicz [00:00]: "Monument Valley doesn't really belong to either of those states. For this is the home of the Navajo..."
John Ford, a respected filmmaker, developed a close relationship with the Navajo people. He often collaborated with Native Americans on his films, notably relying on a Navajo medicine man named Old Fat for weather predictions critical to outdoor shooting.
Ben Mankiewicz [04:30]: "Old Fat was a medicine man, one of the Navajo's spiritual leaders... he'd give him a drink of whiskey and he'd sit him up on top of the mountain. And by God, here come the clouds."
Despite skepticism from the crew, Ford's trust in Old Fat's abilities underscores his deep respect for Navajo culture and spirituality.
Production Challenges and Technical Innovations
Filming The Searchers posed numerous challenges, including harsh climate conditions, extended shooting days, and technical experimentation. Ford chose to shoot the film using VistaVision, an advanced format at the time, enhancing the film's visual brilliance and deepening the audience's immersion in Monument Valley's vast landscapes.
Ben Mankiewicz [20:15]: "Shooting the movie this way meant that audiences would feel surrounded by sky and sandstone pillars."
Additionally, Ford pioneered the concept of a "making-of" documentary by allowing a film crew to document the production process, resulting in what is considered one of the first behind-the-scenes TV specials.
Casting and Character Portrayals
John Wayne was cast as Ethan Edwards, the film's complex protagonist. Wayne's portrayal deviated from his typical heroic roles, embodying a character driven by vengeance and internal conflict.
John Wayne [12:45]: "I have tried to never play the pure hero... I've always been a character of some kind."
Natalie Wood played Debbie, the kidnapped niece, bringing a youthful innocence to the role. The casting also featured Vera Miles as Lucy Edwards, adding depth to the narrative through her interactions with the Native American characters.
The episode highlights Ward Bond's discomfort with co-star Vera Miles, illustrating the on-set tensions and personal dynamics influenced by Ford's directing style.
Old Fat [14:50]: "He didn't even know he was existed... Well, thank you. Natalie."
Representation of Native Americans
The Searchers presents a nuanced portrayal of Native Americans, juxtaposing stereotypical depictions with more complex characterizations. While the film has been criticized for its racist elements, it also offers moments of deep ambiguity and humanity, particularly through the character of Scar, the Comanche chief.
Dan Ford [55:30]: "He speaks pretty good American for a Commanch. The only person that can really see eye to eye with Ethan Edwards is Scar."
Despite Ford's efforts to include real Navajo actors, the film often homogenized Indigenous cultures, reflecting broader Hollywood trends of the time. The episode discusses the economic impact of Ford's productions on the Navajo community, highlighting both positive and negative aspects.
Bill Billy Yellow [38:20]: "John Ford was very nice at one time. He just came out here and gave everybody $5 each."
Themes and Analysis
At its core, The Searchers grapples with themes of vengeance, racism, and redemption. Ethan Edwards embodies the tragic loner, a man consumed by hatred yet moments later capable of profound vulnerability and change. The film's ending, where Ethan chooses not to kill Debbie despite his deep-seated animosity, underscores its thematic complexity and moral ambiguity.
Ben Mankiewicz [41:50]: "Ethan Edwards was wrong the entire time, and his last act is admitting it. But as we'll see, Ethan Edwards does not get redemption."
The episode delves into how Ford uses visual storytelling, live music on set, and symbolic imagery to enhance these themes, creating a richly textured narrative that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about American history and identity.
Iconic Final Shot
One of the film's most enduring images is the final shot, captured by Ford and his cinematographer Wynton Hoak. This moment, where Ethan walks away alone into Monument Valley, has become a symbol of endless wandering and unresolved conflict.
Olive Carey [50:10]: "I keep seeing that all the time now. I see it in Yellowstone twice a week."
This shot not only closes the film but also encapsulates its ambiguous resolution, leaving audiences to ponder Ethan's future and the broader implications of his journey.
Conclusion
"The Mythmaker" provides an in-depth exploration of The Searchers, highlighting John Ford's artistic vision, the film's technical achievements, and its complex portrayal of characters and themes. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Ben Mankiewicz sheds light on why The Searchers remains a landmark in American cinema, continuing to influence filmmakers and provoke discussion decades after its release.
Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps
- Ben Mankiewicz [04:30]: "Old Fat was a medicine man, one of the Navajo's spiritual leaders..."
- John Wayne [12:45]: "I have tried to never play the pure hero... I've always been a character of some kind."
- Dan Ford [55:30]: "He speaks pretty good American for a Commanch... The only person that can really see eye to eye with Ethan Edwards is Scar."
- Bill Billy Yellow [38:20]: "John Ford was very nice at one time. He just came out here and gave everybody $5 each."
- Ben Mankiewicz [41:50]: "Ethan Edwards was wrong the entire time, and his last act is admitting it."
- Olive Carey [50:10]: "I keep seeing that all the time now. I see it in Yellowstone twice a week."
Final Thoughts
The Mythmaker successfully unpacks the enduring legacy of The Searchers, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its creation, significance, and the intricate dynamics that have cemented its place in film history. Whether you're a seasoned film buff or new to John Ford's work, this episode offers valuable insights into one of cinema's most debated masterpieces.