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Sitting Bull

Name: Sitting Bull
Director: Sidney Salkow
Released: 1954
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1954

Director

Sidney Salkow

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Sitting Bull (1954) is a Western film that challenges the typical heroic narrative of American expansion. By focusing on the Sioux perspective, the film gives a significant role in driving the story to indigenous characters, which was often missing in mid-century cinema. However, the film still adheres to the social norms of the time. It lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities and offers very little ability to act to women, who are confined to domestic roles. Overall, the film's strength lies in its moral complexity. It presents federal authority as a force of displacement rather than a stabilizing institution, offering a nuanced view of systemic pressures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Sitting Bull have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-cisgender identities. It follows the social norms of the 1950s, where everyone is assumed to be straight or cisgender.

How does Sitting Bull portray gender?

Limited

Women in the film are limited to supporting roles within the Sioux tribe. They do not have the opportunity to influence the main political or military events.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Sitting Bull?

Good

The movie focuses on the Sioux perspective by featuring a Native American historical figure. This gives significant power to characters of color, allowing them to play key roles in political negotiations.

How does Sitting Bull represent religion and culture?

Good

The film counters the idea of expansion by showing the U.S. military as a disruptive force. It portrays the Sioux defense of their land as a justified fight for cultural survival.

Does Sitting Bull include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. None of the characters are defined by a disability.

Present on Screen

Focuses on the Sioux perspective and gives significant power to Native American characters.
Challenges traditional Western expansionist clichés by portraying the military as a disruptive force.
Offers a nuanced critique of the 'civilizing' mission through the lens of tribal sovereignty.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.
Women are limited to supporting roles and do not have the opportunity to influence major events.
Does not depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux tribe is forced by the Indian-hating General Custer to react with violence, resulting in the famous Last Stand at Little Bighorn. Parrish, a friend to the Sioux, tries to prevent the bloodshed, but is court- martialed for "collaborating" with the enemy. Sitting Bull, however, manages to intercede with President Grant on Parrish's behalf.

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