Dreamspeaker (1977)
Directed by Claude Jutra
Share on
Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Dreamspeaker was one of several TV movie projects directed by Claude Jutra after his first flush of success with Mon Oncle Antoine (1971). As with most Jutra films, the story involves an emotionally fragile young boy, unable to cope with the cruelties of the world. The lad achieves inner peace through the help of Dreamspeaker, an Indian shaman (or "medicine man"). It would be nice to relate that the central character's self-discovery was reflected in Jutra's own life. Unfortunately, at the time Dreamspeaker was filmed, Jutra was undergoing another of his periodic bouts of depression; perhaps he'd hoped that this film would serve as therapy.
Characteristics
Moods
Keywords
craziness, folklore, Native-American, Shamanism, violence