THE MOVIE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE (by Tom Parks)

For the first time in my memory, the Indians were portrayed as the good guys. The storyline of John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) and his growing relationship with Stands with a Fist (Mary McDonnell) intrigued me. I was also very moved by Kicking Bird (Graham Greene) as he guided John into the heart of the tribe.

In the film, not a single "White Guy" is a lovable character. In fact, they grow even more unlikeable as they eventually take aim, shoot and kill "Two Sox" -- the wolf that has become John's friend.

I like that all the bad guys meet an untimely end and that when John and Stands with a Fist finally depart the tribe, their future is left up to the audience.

DANCES WITH WOLVES was originally developed to follow some TV program. None of the smart money guys wanted to invest in it as a film. It had too many problems -- too long a story, not enough star power, the use of subtitles, etc. The film's genre was not in vogue at the time as the last three Hollywood Westerns had lost money. To make the film, Kevin Costner had too invest a large amount of his own money.

The result? Arguably, one of the most popular western films ever made.

I must have good taste.



Just so you know: Tom Parks is my grandpa. His love of showtunes (among a great many other things) has greatly influenced my taste.