How the ‘Reservation Dogs’ Editor Was Influenced by ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and Robert Altman to Nail the Series Finale

As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling, I must say that “Reservation Dogs” has truly captivated my heart and mind. The collaboration between editor Varun Viswanath, co-creators Sterlin Harjo, and Taika Waititi is nothing short of magical. Their unique approach to long takes and resets adds a layer of authenticity that resonates profoundly with the audience.

“It really begins with the footage,” editor Varun Viswanath says.

In contrast to typical editing practices, Viswanath, who’s been nominated for an Emmy along with editor Patrick Tuck for “Reservation Dogs” on FX, has a powerful advantage in the editing room: his co-creators and showrunners, Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi.

Apart from capturing extended shots, they also perform resets. This allows us to listen in on their conversations with actors, providing an additional means to delve into their thoughts and appreciate their preferences, as explained by Viswanath. Viswanath and Tuck teamed up to work together on editing the final episode of the series, titled “Dig.”

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by the heartfelt episode where our community comes together to pay tribute to the late medicine man Fixico (Richard Ray Whitman). Throughout this series, the essence of our community is woven into every scene, but it truly shines in this particular episode. The key characters all reach their own personal resolutions: Elora (Devery Jacobs) embarks on a new journey as she prepares for college; Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) learns about self-reliance as his mother takes a job in the city and he finds his own way, maybe with Jackie (Elva Guerra); while Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis), who had been apprenticed under Fixico, now dedicates her time to helping those on the reservation. As for Cheese (Lane Factor), his new glasses offer him a clearer perspective on life.

In the final episode, Harjo intended to focus on the children and the community, and he felt that a funeral would be the ideal setting for this. As he explains, “In our community, one of the most joyful occasions is when we gather to mourn someone’s passing.” He believes that people tend to be more open and sincere in the face of death, expressing their love for each other more freely, and lowering their defenses.

As an avid movie enthusiast, Harjo acknowledges that this episode was filled with nods to various films such as “Ocean’s Eleven” and “Dazed and Confused.” When crafting and shooting this episode, Harjo drew inspiration from renowned director Robert Altman, particularly his approach to using large casts. Specifically, he studied Altman’s techniques like the use of slow zooms, transitioning between characters in the background and foreground while they engage in simultaneous dialogue.

As a movie reviewer, I can tell you that when it came to editing this film, Tuck and Harjo aimed to encapsulate the very spirit of community and the sensation of being present. In their own words, “We opted for long, sweeping shots, punctuated by glimpses into the lives of our central characters in the future – a life that’s just beginning.”

As someone who has lived through many ups and downs in life, I can truly appreciate the powerful impact of community on a person’s journey. Having been there myself, I understand how difficult it can be to face loss and struggle alone. That’s why I find the scene between Willie Jack and her Aunt Hokti particularly poignant.

Viswanath was responsible for editing the prison scene in Season 2 as well. Harjo explained, “I chose not to experiment with a drastic change in approach, but rather make it feel consistent with Season 2. The significance of this scene lies in its calmness before the ensuing chaos in the rest of the episode.” This jail sequence served as a prelude, providing a glimpse of the community before they sprang into action, according to Harjo. “An effective way to emphasize the importance of community is by portraying a character who is removed from it and kept isolated,” said Harjo. “This character carries a burden that wouldn’t be as heavy if she weren’t in prison.”

Viswanath found the particular moment deeply moving, acknowledging that there wasn’t an abundance of footage available. He explains, “For me, that scene encapsulates the essence of the Native community that Sterlin and his team embody.”

As a passionate admirer, I find the significance of this particular scene lies in the preservation and transmission of ancestral secrets across generations, demonstrating the resilience of our community even within confined circumstances. This thought beautifully transitions into Willie Jack’s commitment to ensuring our community continues operating as it should, as eloquently put by Harjo.

In a heartfelt farewell, Bear now bids adieu to his spiritual mentor, William “Spirit” Knifeman, portrayed by Dallas Goldtooth. “You are worthy of affection, and you are worthy of giving it,” Spirit advises, subtly reminding Bear that the community stands ready to provide him with such love.

In the pilot episode, Viswanath found Bear’s character to undergo the most significant emotional development, and the farewell scene was a poignant culmination. The intention behind capturing this moment on film was to highlight how much more subtly WoonA-Tai portrayed his character, with subtle facial expressions that were also more restrained, as the editors noted.

The last scene of the episode shows everyone in the group expressing their affection towards each other. In the editing room, Tuck considered incorporating additional footage for specific dialogues, but ultimately opted for a wide-angle shot highlighting the quartet instead.

In Tuck’s words, “We resisted the urge to switch to different angles, opting instead to keep the audience immersed in the scene alongside the Rez Dogs, surrounded by their beloved people and community. This approach wonderfully captures how these characters have evolved over three seasons, providing a fitting conclusion for the series, encapsulating all the emotions we aimed to evoke.”

As I reflect on the poignant sequences that culminated in the film’s climax, they were brimming with heartfelt goodbyes and profound loss. Yet, as Viswanath astutely notes, these moments consistently underscored a singular theme: “Return to your community, partake in a shared meal, and find solace.”

2024-08-11 22:47

How the ‘Reservation Dogs’ Editor Was Influenced by ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and Robert Altman to Nail the Series Finale

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