Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson

In 1885, legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody puts on a grand Wild West show, featuring Sitting Bull as a special guest. Cody's ego and showmanship clash with Sitting Bull's quiet dignity and profound understanding of the injustices faced by his people. The film explores the manufactured nature of the American West and the exploitation of Native American culture for entertainment.

The film received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While some critics praised Altman's distinctive directorial style and the thematic exploration of myth-making, many found the film to be slow, unfocused, and overly cynical. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, contributing to its status as a commercial disappointment.

• Praised for its anti-mythmaking stance and Robert Altman's unique directorial vision.

• Criticized for its meandering pace and lack of clear narrative focus.

• Found to be a cynical and sometimes ponderous deconstruction of the Western genre.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be an interesting, albeit slow, commentary on the portrayal of the American West and Native Americans. Some appreciated its unconventional approach and performances, while others felt it lacked engagement and a satisfying conclusion.

Robert Altman initially intended to make a straightforward Western but was inspired to subvert the genre after reading Dee Brown's book 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee', which influenced the film's critical perspective on the West and its legends.