News of the World: A Journey Through a Divided America
Paul Greengrass, known for his intense thrillers like “Captain Phillips,” takes a different turn with “News of the World.” This film tells the story of a Civil War veteran tasked with returning a young white girl, raised by Native Americans, to her remaining family.
Captain Kidd, portrayed by Tom Hanks, once owned a printing press. However, the war left him with nothing. He now travels through the remote towns of the American West, reading news to people who would otherwise remain uninformed. During one of his journeys, he discovers a ransacked stagecoach and the body of its Black driver. Nearby, he finds Johanna (Helena Zengel), a white girl who speaks only the Kiowa language. She was kidnapped and raised by the tribe, but after a brutal attack by the army, she needs to be delivered to her relatives. Reluctant at first, Captain Kidd decides to take on the responsibility himself.
Tom Hanks as Captain Kidd in “News of the World”
The Western’s Revival: Reflecting Modern America
The Western genre is experiencing a resurgence, moving beyond deconstruction and postmodern parody. After films like “Unforgiven,” “Dead Man,” and “Blazing Saddles” seemingly exhausted the genre’s possibilities, the Western is finding new relevance. Its themes are being used to explore contemporary issues, reflecting the “new sincerity” of our times. This revival is particularly relevant in a deeply divided America, where the threat of a second Civil War looms large.
Helena Zengel as Johanna in “News of the World”
“News of the World” exemplifies this trend. On the surface, it’s a classic road movie set in the American West. Two disparate characters, a solitary veteran and a young girl who doesn’t speak English, gradually bridge their cultural differences during their journey. The shadow of the recent war hangs over them, with hostile Southerners and patrolling Yankees. The Native Americans, a marginalized and misunderstood people, appear and disappear like ghosts. The protagonists face a series of challenges as they travel towards their destination, a journey that proves more important than the destination itself. Greengrass, known for his action-packed thrillers, surprisingly excels in this slow-burning, character-driven drama, punctuated by moments of intense violence.
Scene from “News of the World”
A Dialogue with the Present
However, “News of the World” is more than just a Western. It’s a film that engages in a dialogue with modern society. Captain Kidd is not just a Civil War veteran; he’s a newsreader who seeks to unite people through shared experiences. Despite being a former Confederate soldier, he is a figure of reconciliation, deeply disturbed by the lingering racism and disunity within the American nation. Tom Hanks, in a departure from his usual roles, embodies this character of an American hero striving to bridge divides.
Johanna, his companion, is an even more compelling symbol. A blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl of German descent, raised by Native Americans, she embodies the melting pot that is America. She represents a nation of immigrants and adventurers, a culture formed from countless traditions that have yet to find a common language. “News of the World” suggests that finding this common language is still possible. It requires embracing what we don’t understand and listening to unfamiliar voices.