Silent Tongue

A Native American man, named Awbonnie, is sent by his father to find his former lover, Pecho, who has run off with his adopted son, Preacherman. Awbonnie finds Pecho in a brothel in a ghost town, where she has fallen into prostitution. He tries to convince her to return with him, but she is reluctant. He eventually forces her to leave, but she is killed by a group of outlaws on the way back. Awbonnie is devastated and vows revenge.

Silent Tongue received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many finding its narrative disjointed and its themes underdeveloped. While some praised the performances, particularly River Phoenix's, and Sam Shepard's direction, the film was largely seen as a disappointment and a departure from Shepard's previous works. Audiences were also divided, with some appreciating its unconventional approach and others put off by its bleak tone and confusing plot.

• The film is often described as visually striking but narratively incoherent.

• Performances are noted as a strength, though they can't salvage the muddled story.

• Criticism is frequently directed at the film's bleak and often disturbing subject matter.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available, but general commentary suggests it is a polarizing film, with viewers split between appreciating its artistic aspirations and finding it inaccessible and unsatisfying.

Sam Shepard initially intended 'Silent Tongue' to be a stage play before adapting it into a film.