TONTO and “The Lone Ranger” controversy, A Simple Opinion

Let’s discuss Tonto and The Lone Ranger in simpler terms…

Denise Pearson as Tonto
Studio photo by Bob Pearson

It is a real shame that this film did not do well at the Box Office on opening weekend, mostly due to critic “bashing”. I have talked to several people, who, like many, ‘almost’ did not venture out to go see the film solely on the critics’ word and their opinion on the bad unforeseen perspective of the Lone Ranger along with a few Native American concerns about Johnny Depp’s depiction of the character Tonto which possibly implies setbacks to their culture. Those who ignored the bad press and went to go see The Lone Ranger, left theatres appreciating the sentimental enjoyment along with satisfaction that their $12.00 was worth every dime. As far as I’m concerned I found it to be a good old fashioned ‘Hollywood’ film with modern technology thrown in the recipe. Unlike the endless Zombie movies or repetitive CG acrobatic ‘virtually impossible’ long winded fight scenes that graces the big screens repeatedly today, (the critics panned the excessive CG in the Lone Ranger, sort of ironic).

This film was refreshing and worth seeing. Many (the public/viewer) are shaking their heads as to why the critics went to such great lengths with their scorn. Here’s a theory, a much simpler one: Probably (more likely) was scorned by those critics too young to have seen an episode of the series “The Lone Ranger” which ran from 1949 – 1957 (with daytime re-runs during the 60’s and 70’s) so in turn didn’t quite understand the sentiment of the remake, (closely based on episode one of the series). So… question: What makes a critic? When I tell my friends I don’t like a movie, my personal opinion should not affect their decision whether or not to go see it. Does this classify me as a critic? No, it’s merely my opinion. We all have our own thoughts on life, so why do critics have the ‘power’ to make up the minds of some listeners towards a particular flick? It’s only ‘their’ opinion, not facts. I’m not criticising critics, I’m simply stating, keep their critique in the back of your mind because ultimately the final and real critic is you.

An interesting simple non-controversial example: Our daughter (mid 20’s) and son (early 20’s) neither have seen the series and have no knowledge of the story line or background, the relationship between ‘the cowboy and the Indian’ or any of the references. Our son saw the film first. Liked it but didn’t get the impact without any knowledge of the series. Many of the viewers laughed, which left him lost, “what did I miss?”. Shortly after, my husband and I went to go see the film and absolutely loved it. Our daughter was next in line. Having seen The Lone Ranger, and remembering our son’s reaction, I did a test. I gave our daughter 5 essential tips that she should know about the series without having to view any episodes. 1) What the series was about, 2) the meaning of ‘Tonto’ in Spanish, 3) the meaning of ‘Kemosabe’ from the series, 4) why the Lone Ranger says “Hi-Ho Silver, away” and 5) the score of Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” which is original to the Lone Ranger TV series, (not The Bugs Bunny Road Runner show). She loved it. She laughed at all the right spots, and could completely understand why my generation appreciated the nostalgia. She said it was brilliant and wanted to see it again.

From a observer’s point of view, I personally think. (and many agree) Mr. Depp presented a tasteful and wonderful new adaptation of Tonto along with much respect of keeping a “Native American” feel to his character. University of Cincinnati professor and Native American expert Ken Tankersley says Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Tonto is a very accurate portrayal of American Indian customs, dress and traditions ~ ‘Cincinnati.com’. Not all Native American’s criticized Depp’s portrayal and performance of the fictional character originally played by “white” American actor John Todd on the radio in the 30’s then replaced by Canadian Native American actor Jay Silverheels for the TV series in the early 50’s….”I was surprised how much I liked Johnny Depp, “ she told the News Gazette. “He makes us believe in Tonto – and really is the protagonist of the film.” stated UI Professor LeAnne Howe, who studies media portrayal of Native Americans.

Please see explanation regarding costume alterations
at end of blog

Many are worried that Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Tonto stereotypes the Native American ways of today by way of his short broken English, his excessive make-up, and the large black Crow he wears on his head. I do believe we need to give the public a little more credit. This film was after all a ‘remake’. A Hollywood movie will not suddenly make the viewer believe that what they see on the big screen is suddenly reality. It’s Hollywood… a place for fantasy, fiction, (unless otherwise specified), story telling and escapism. The movie is based on a fictional TV series that took place over 50 years ago. The public is aware that Native Americans today are contributors, educated and very relevant to society …. let alone shining with artistic talents and bringing forth their culture through art, crafts and visual beauty. I live on an island off the west coast of Canada in an area (Cowichan Valley), that is full of wonderful and beautiful native heritage (Native Americans are known in Canada as First Nations), where the First Nations peoples have brought forth so much of their culture and richness to our area. But that’s not all they do, many of them have high positions in Government, are bookkeepers (our bookkeeper), web designers (my web designer), lawyers, accountants, jewellery designers etc.

Yes, maybe a full blood Native American should have played the part of Tonto, but with Johnny Depp being part Cherokee, well versed, established and most versatile actor of all time…. the choice was well made.

I read somewhere that a former well known Native American actor, now a physician by trade (and who’s name regrettable slips my mind – I unfortunately did not document this) was approached for the role of Tonto. When he heard Johnny Depp was in the running for the part he stepped aside, and admitted no one could do it better than Johnny.

Rick Mora, Native American Model/Actor told ‘Indian Country Today Media Network’, “the production provided jobs for many Native Americans”. Did he think the lead to Johnny Depp was fair? No. Did he think it was wrong? No. “Johnny Depp had the money to finish and back the movie”. Disney was temporarily putting it on hold during production due to financial concerns.

As much as the film has brought in some historical accuracy, the character remains fictional. However fictional, Johnny Depp brought insight to the character and had the opportunity to bring the Native American standards up to “equal” not “follower” in past Hollywood movies, or “sidekick” as referenced in the series.

No matter what the controversy, there is no such thing as having everyone agree about topics regarding life in general ~ if that were the case there would be no religious wars, no poverty, no misunderstandings….. However controversy does build knowledge about subjects one otherwise knew little about initially. I am virtually certain that once The Lone Ranger will come out on DVD, it will make up for the lack of sales in theatres this past summer. “There is only one thing in life that is worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about”. ~ Oscar Wilde, or the modern day equivalent, “There is no such thing as bad press”. Well… The Lone Ranger has definitely proven to be the top movie of discussion for 2013 and possibly a few years to come. “That must account for something, aye”!

COSTUME ALTERATION EXPLANATION:

This costume is not screen accurate. Clothing and jewellery were made by me supporting local businesses, (ie. fabric stores, bead stores etc.). Wig, feathers, bandanna and crow were purchased.

The costume I am wearing was altered to suit my physical needs. The oblong beads on the breast plate was individually spun on a wood lathe by my husband and made wider on purpose to cover my upper chest area but not take away from the shirtless factor. I am contemplating removing the bottom two rows to shorten the breast plate.

Since the time the photos were taken on location at the Kinsol Trestle, I was not happy with the crow’s short wing span and formation. I found and purchased a new crow with wings that had a downward open position which looks more like the bird Johnny Depp wore on set, (see studio shots).

The cracked look of the make-up is still pending and being researched for a simple and affordable way to apply.

A pheasant feather has also been since located from the time of the photo shoots and added to the right side of the bandanna.