September Dawn

September Dawn is a Western drama film directed and co-written by Christopher Cain. The movie was released in 2007 and stars Hollywood veteran Jon Voight, along with Trent Ford and Tamara Hope, among others. The film is a historical drama taking its reference from real historical events, the Mountain Meadows massacre in 1857. This disastrous event involved a group of pioneer settlers known as the Baker-Fancher wagon train being brutally killed by local Mormon militia and Native Americans.

Jon Voight, an award-winning actor perhaps best known for his roles in "Midnight Cowboy" and "Coming Home," plays a significant role in September Dawn as Jacob Samuelson. Samuelson is a religious zealot and local Bishop of the Mormon Church whose religious extremism translates into suspicion, aggression, and hostility toward the Baker-Fancher train passing through their far-off Utah territory. Voight delivers a powerful performance, embracing the complexity of his character and adeptly showcasing a man fully believing he's chosen by God to protect his people at any cost.

Trent Ford and Tamara Hope adds to the drama with a romantic storyline that crosses the socio-religious divide. Ford plays Jonathan Samuelson, the son to Voight's character, who falls for Emily Hudson, portrayed by Hope, a young woman from the ill-fated wagon train. Their relationship unfolds as one of the central subplots, providing a contrast to the escalating tension and conflict looming between the settlers and the Mormons. Ford and Hope capture the innocence, desperation, and defiance of forbidden love in their performances.

September Dawn is more than a romance set amidst historical conflict; it's a nuanced exploration of religious extremism and fanatical zealotry, set against a backdrop of isolation and paranoia of the unfamiliar. It brings to light a lesser-known, darker chapter in American western expansion history while critiquing the dangerous perversion of religious faith when wielded as a weapon against 'outsiders.'

Cain doesn't shy away from the bleakness or brutality of this historical event, which might make some scenes uncomfortable for sensitive viewers. However, such raw depiction also reinforces the film's thematic premise by showing the extent of devastation that can result from xenophobia and religious extremism. Furthermore, the narrative draws a haunting parallel between past events and modern instances of violence rooted in religious and cultural intolerance.

While the film is undeniably gritty, its cinematography beautifully captures the vast, open landscapes of the West, which juxtaposes the narrative's intense claustrophobia and imbues the film with a deep sense of unease. The screenplay, co-written by Carole Whang Schutter and Christopher Cain, while grounded in historical events, takes liberties with the portrayal of characters and events to add drama and explorer its themes.

However, September Dawn not only tells a story of tragedy but also captures gestures of humanity, love, and defiance in the face of despair and imminent danger. This nuanced perspective adds emotional depth to the narrative, making the film a thought-provoking discussion of history, religion, love, and the consequences of intolerance.

While September Dawn is a historical drama, it resonates with a modern audience as it encourages viewers to reflect on the consequences of religious fanaticism and intolerance. Its strong cinematic qualities, combined with laudable performances from its cast, particularly Voight, Ford, and Hope, make it an engaging watch for fans of historical dramas and westerns.

Some viewers could find the film's critical examination of historical events controversial. There's also the age-old debate concerning the extent of artistic license in historical dramatizations. As with any historical interpretation, September Dawn might not fulfill everyone's expectations. But it's the type of cinema that aims to provoke thought, incite discussion, and shed light on the harsh and often overlooked realities of human society and perseverance.

In summary, September Dawn is a dark yet poignant portrayal of a tragic historical incident and its aftermath. It delivers a powerful message about the perils of fanaticism and intolerance, offering a melancholic exploration of love, faith, and human nature in the process. Whether you're a history buff, a Western enthusiast, or a cinema appreciator seeking a robust narrative, September Dawn could prove to be an engaging watch.