HIDALGO
3 STARS - Thought-provoking
The interlacing themes of racism and honor create a complex
weave in Joe Johnston’s “Hidalgo.” Based on
the true-life story of Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen), the
pedigrees of both a horse and a man are tested by the prejudices
of both American and Muslim cultures.
Frank Hopkins was the “half-breed” son of an American
Cavalry soldier and a Sioux Chief’s daughter who was
born in the tumultuous 19th century and witnessed the massacre
of “Little Big Horn.” His stallion, Hidalgo, was
also a “mixed-breed” of the American West. Descended
from the Spanish horses brought over by the Conquistadores,
Hidalgo had become a “little brother” of Hopkins
when he encountered him in the wild and both willingly joined
their lives together.
Struggling to find his way in a world of racial prejudice,
Hopkins had hidden his Native American heritage and served
as a courier for the Pony Express and U.S. Cavalry. Taking
messages to the field, it was by his own hand that the orders
came which annihilated his tribe. This act of genocidal hatred
imbedded within Hopkins a torment that caused his friend,
Chief Eagle Horn (Floyd “Red-Crow” Westerman) to
call him “Far Rider,” not because he and Hidalgo
were the nation’s champions at long-distance races, but
because he lived “far from himself” and “far
from home.”
As the American West became more of a novelty than a reality,
Hopkins won several cross-country races, making himself and
Hidalgo so famous that Buffalo Bill Cody (J.K. Simmons) hired
him to appear in his “Wild West” shows. Billed as
the greatest horse and rider in the world, a wealthy Muslim,
a Shiekh of Shiekh’s, Sheikh Riyadh (Omar Sharif) saw
his claim in Paris and demanded that he either enter the 3,000
mile race across the Arabian deserts called the “Ocean
of Fire” or stop making his claim. Hopkins and Hidalgo
enter the race, both facing the defining moment in their journey
home as they recover their dignity and their honor.
Paralleling the racial prejudice Hopkins experienced as half
Anglo and half Native American, Hidalgo is the only horse
of mixed breed in the races. All the other horses are purebred
Arabians. Derisively making fun of the small painted mustang
from America, the Bedouin people arrogantly proclaim their
horses’ superiority.
The deadly race they run presents a predictable struggle imbedded
with intrigue, romance, betrayal and victory. It is a story
of humanity and horses, recognizing that for both, what is
on the inside is of far more importance than any exterior
definition. In a moment when Hopkins has accepted defeat,
Hidalgo is empowered by their mutual heritage to find the
strength and sustenance to continue. The character and will
of both horse and man raise them above the breeding and arrogance
of the Bedouins and Arabians, which eventually leads Hopkins
and Hidalgo to find their way home.
Discussion:
The horror Hopkins witnessed and his inability to accept and
forgive himself caused him to lose his honor to an alcohol
addiction. What difference did it make for him to return after
winning the 3,000 mile “Ocean of Fire” endurance
race?
The emphasis among the Bedouin Muslims to simply accept their
misfortune as the “will of Allah,” was contrasted
with the “willingness” of Hopkins and Hidalgo to
fight against difficult circumstances and overcome them. How
do you believe this difference in their religions impact the
race?
The most devious person portrayed in the film was Lady Anne
Davenport (Louise Lombard). Described as “the Christian
woman,” she was willing to commit adultery against her
husband and murder innocent people simply to improve the bloodline
of her horses. Why do you think the film called her by the
title of “Christian?” Is the film anti-Christian,
or is it using irony to contrast her behavior with her persona?
The defining moment finds Hopkins ready to kill Hidalgo in
order to save him from the misery of a long death from starvation.
At that moment, Hopkins is visited by visions of his ancestors
and both Hidalgo and he are strengthened to finish the race.
Do you believe your ancestors watch over you and help you
in times of trouble? What is your evidence of this?
When Hidalgo and Hopkins return home and Hidalgo rejoins the
wild horses that Hopkins has set free, it is assumed that
he is going to sire colts in which his spirited will can continue.
What do you believe Hopkins did? Did he return to the reservation
and his Sioux tribe or to the city and his Anglo tribe?
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Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary.
Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman
is pastor of the Free Methodist Church. For more reviews:
http://www.cinemainfocus.com.
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