Matthew and Riki dive deep into Indigenous representation in media, using the 2022 film Prey as a launching point for a broader discussion about the evolution of Native American portrayals in Hollywood. The conversation explores how this Predator franchise entry breaks new ground while honoring both the source material and Indigenous culture.
How does Prey set a new standard for Indigenous representation? The hosts discuss the film’s groundbreaking achievements, including its predominantly Native cast led by Amber Midthunder, authentic cultural consultation, and the historic creation of a Comanche language dub – a first in movie history. The discussion highlights how producer Jane Myers’ involvement as a Comanche and Blackfoot consultant helped ensure cultural authenticity throughout production.
What can we learn from revisiting Dances With Wolves (1990)? Riki presents a compelling case for reexamining the film’s legacy, arguing that while imperfect, it represented a significant step forward in Native American representation. The hosts explore how the film launched the careers of prominent Native actors like Graham Greene and Wes Studi, while setting new standards for language authenticity and cultural portrayal in mainstream Hollywood.
How do these films compare to other attempts at cultural representation? The conversation expands to examine other films like The Last Samurai and Avatar, discussing the complex dynamics of white savior narratives and the importance of authentic cultural consultation in historical dramas.
Other topics covered:
- The evolution of the Predator franchise and how Prey reinvents it
- The role of French trappers in the film and their thematic significance
- The importance of authentic language use in Indigenous films
- The impact of Dances With Wolves on subsequent Native American representation in Hollywood
- The complexities of casting Native actors across different tribal affiliations
- The problematic aspects of The Last Samurai and its historical inaccuracies
- The representation of Indigenous peoples in modern media and tourist culture
The episode concludes by emphasizing the ongoing journey toward better Indigenous representation in media, highlighting both the progress made and the work still needed. While Prey represents a significant step forward, the hosts acknowledge that authentic representation requires continued commitment from the entertainment industry to elevate Indigenous voices both in front of and behind the camera.
Use these links to get some of the books and movies we mention on the podcast, while helping us keep the lights on!
- Comanche Marker Trees of Texas by Jimmy Arterberry, one of the authenticity consultants on Prey
- Prey
- Dances with Wolves
- The Last Samurai
- Avatar
