Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 13, 2024 9:04 am GMT
Leonardo DiCaprio’s acclaimed performance in “The Revenant” captured audiences and earned him his first Academy Award after a long wait. What many might not realize is that this gripping survival film draws inspiration from a lesser-known 1971 Western, “Man In The Wilderness,” which also tells the story of a fur trapper fighting against the odds to survive. The parallels between these two films reveal not only a shared narrative but also highlight significant differences in how each approached the true story of Hugh Glass.
A Tale of Survival: The Story Behind Both Films
The journey of Hugh Glass is a story marked by betrayal, ferocity, and incredible resilience. In both films, Glass, played by DiCaprio in “The Revenant” and Richard Harris in “Man In The Wilderness,” is left for dead after a brutal bear attack. His quest for survival and revenge adds weight to their tales, but the cinematic interpretations diverge significantly in tone and detail.
Here’s a comparison of the two films:
- Title: Man In The Wilderness
- Year Released: 1971
- Budget: Over $2 million
- Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 71%
- Title: The Revenant
- Year Released: 2015
- Budget: $135 million
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%
While “Man In The Wilderness” focuses on elements of faith and struggle, painting a broader spiritual picture, “The Revenant” zeroes in on the visceral and brutal aspects of survival, encapsulated in Glass’s thirst for vengeance.
The Real Story of Hugh Glass
Hugh Glass’s life was indeed extraordinary. In reality, he survived a bear attack and endured countless hardships while traversing a harsh wilderness, but his motivations in real life were different from those portrayed in the films. Unlike DiCaprio’s character, Glass was not avenging a son’s death; rather, he was recovering a lost rifle.
- Bear Attack: Glass was attacked by a bear and left for dead by his companions.
- Journey: His trek through the wilderness lasted an astounding two months, rather than the brief recovery depicted in the films.
- Myth vs. Fact: Both movies take creative liberties with Glass’s story, and while “The Revenant” strives for historical fidelity in some instances—such as maintaining names and key events—it ultimately prioritizes dramatic storytelling.
The Challenges of Filming
Creating “The Revenant” was anything but straightforward. Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu insisted on shooting the film in natural light and in sequence, which significantly drove up production costs and extended shooting periods.
Here are some challenges faced during filming:
- Filming in remote locations limited shooting hours due to travel time.
- Weather conditions often delayed production schedules.
- Actor Leonardo DiCaprio endured extreme physical hardship to embody the role.
DiCaprio remarked on the difficulties, stating, “I can name 30 or 40 sequences that were some of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do.” His commitment to authenticity played a pivotal role in making “The Revenant” a standout film.
Visual Storytelling
A stark contrast between the two films is their visual portrayal of survival. “The Revenant” is noted for its bleak beauty and horrifying intensity, showcasing harrowing scenes—such as Glass taking refuge inside a horse carcass to survive. In contrast, “Man In The Wilderness,” rated PG, presents a more restrained depiction aligned with its era’s storytelling conventions.
Critics and Audience Reception
Upon release, “The Revenant” received widespread acclaim for its cinematography, acting, and overall narrative impact, while “Man In The Wilderness” garnered moderate success but didn’t leave a lasting imprint on pop culture.
- “The Revenant” has often been lauded as a modern classic, with many citing DiCaprio’s performance as the film’s centerpiece.
- “Man In The Wilderness,” while a respectable effort, does not provoke the same level of discussion or interest as its successor.
Both films portray the tenacity of the human spirit, but “The Revenant” appeals to contemporary audiences craving a blend of realism and thrill.
Conclusion: Two Films, One Legacy
In examining both “The Revenant” and “Man In The Wilderness,” viewers can appreciate how storytelling evolves over time. While one film immerses us in the raw experiences of survival and vengeance, the other reflects the cultural attitudes of the 1970s era. The enduring story of Hugh Glass continues to resonate, illustrating that, despite different portrayals, the essence of survival remains timeless.
Leonardo DiCaprio gave an amazing performance in “The Revenant,” making it an important movie in film history. At the same time, “Man In The Wilderness” reminds us of how movies were made in the past and how they reflect the culture of their time. Both films tell powerful stories that keep exciting audiences all around the world.
