1883 is Taylor Sheridan’s prequel to his smash hit Yellowstone. In my review of Yellowstone I said this, “In the show we have beautiful, majestic scenery joined with Celtic-like sad, mournful music. Those two film “props” enhance the feeling that we are losing something.” Which is true of 1883 (2021), too.
Taylor Sheridan’s worldview dominates the story, as it does in Yellowstone. Let’s get into it.
Taylor Sheridan’s worldview dominates the story
It dominates the story via dialogue. Otherwise known as, in writer speak, voice. Additionally, his worldview shines through via characterization. Furthermore, these two elements of story(telling) combine with the setting, title, and plot, to tell and show the author’s worldview, or big idea/theme. (AKA philosophy.)
Taylor Sheridan’s worldview is one of Americanism, or Trumpism. That’s right. (See the chapter “Freud On Trumpism” in my book Election 2016.) Notwithstanding that might be a jagged pill for many people to swallow.
Elsa Dutton
is the narrator of the story. She’s a seventeen year old girl, born in 1866. Conceived during the aftermath of the civil war. Her father, James, and mother, Margaret, hardened by it. John Dutton I, is her five year old brother, and grandfather of the protagonist in Yellowstone, John Dutton III. They are headed west from Texas with a wagon train of immigrants; led by a jaded, callous, tough, hard, traumatized, former captain soldier, Shea Brennan.
The Characters Speak:
Death is everywhere.
Maybe God didn’t create it for us?
Life is a balance between being animal and man.
The only family I give a shit about is mine. I hope I made that clear.
Killing means nothing to me.
You either police yourselves, or I’ll do it.
It’s the world I don’t trust.
Our baby-girl is turning into a woman, she rides good. No fear; but not reckless. She rides like you.
I’m worried it’s not fair.
What would you change?
Not a thing.
I’m gonna build you a house–so big you’ll get lost in it.
In general I am unhappy – but here now with you – I’m happy.
What purpose does pain serve? Grief?
Living without them … why?
When you love someone you trade souls with them–they get a piece of yours, and you theirs. You and they see through each others eyes.
Maybe the wind is the world laughing at us?
Heaven and Hell coexist right beside each other.
The journey is the destination.
This land hates us and everyone can feel it.
You’re a dreamer, I’m a believer. There’s a difference.
I’m a woman–I pick myself up.
Warriors don’t cry.
Where your dreams and memories meet–that’s heaven.
Conclusion.
This is not for everyone. It’s very tough, rough. Realistic in my view. More like the way things were; and the way they are. Taylor Sheridan’s worldview dominates the story, which I would sum up this way: He believes in rugged individualism and strength–for both men and women. Furthermore, in an attachment to the land. Moreover–in moral ambiguity. Survival depends on individual strength, and leadership. Ensconced within a loyalty to family.
Have you watched the show? What do you think? Can you tell the speaker just from the words they say?
I’ve never watched Yellowstone, and probably won’t see 1883. Just something I’m not into, but thank you for giving us this review!
It is both brutal and beautiful. One of my favorite pastimes is trying to imagine what things were like before. And what remains of that. Part of why I write these reviews- as much for myself than anyone else. But I very much appreciate you reading and your comments, always. Thanks 🍻
Thank you! Though I’m more into “escapism” when I watch TV, I do spend a good deal of time learning things!!! And yes, like you, I’m a history buff of sorts.
What’s your favorite escape TV?
As weird as it sounds, my wife and I watch TV basically in the evening for 3 hours. We watch reality TV (and it’s usually one I don’t like too much), or crime mystery shows like CSI or NCIS. We have a lot of them on the streaming channels. I don’t watch much live. We have YouTubeTV and it records all the shows we want to watch and we watch them at our leisure. Geeky, I know. It’s probably the one thing I do that is a total time waster!
I don’t think spending time with your spouse, relaxing, is a waste of time. That’s a good thing, I think.
In 1883, whenever James wanted to talk with his wife he’d ask her to “walk with him” – which meant something serious. Just hanging out – they’d sit by the river, or campfire, and chat.
No TV, radio, etc. Lying back looking at the stars was a favorite pastime, and riding their horses together.
When the sun went down, that was the end of the day’s work. Except for a couple of cowboys (cowgirls) who’d be tasked with watching the cattle. They’d sing lullabies to the herd to bed them down – just like you do to a child. 🙂
Oh yeah – they’d fight/solve crime. Bandits, and thieves within. With no mercy.
I’ve begun reading Carl Sandburg’s biography of Abraham Lincoln (1925). In it Sandburg recounts a common sentiment about the American Frontier: ‘”The cowards never started and the weak ones died by the way.”‘ Lincoln thought this was unfair. Honest Abe thought luck, or chance had a say. However, it is the sentiment expressed in 1883 by Taylor Sheridan.
As to God? So far in reading, Lincoln didn’t comment. The Duttons? Sheridan? Maybe their belief is that the two coexisted but were not connected.
Fascinating. In Lincoln’s time, Charles Darwin’s theory had yet to emerge. Freud’s either.
Subsequently, and concurrently I’ve been watching “Tulsa King” and “1923”. Yep, 100% Taylor Sheridan, also. “Landman,” too.
Does the “land hate us.”? In 1923 Sheridan adds a new twist regarding Belief and Dreams. He states (via a character) that when you pray there are only three answers: 1) YES; 2) Not yet; 3) I’ve something else in mind for you. Interesting.