Is Dark Winds Based on a True Story? The Real Inspiration Behind the Navajo Detective Thriller

Before he died in 2008, author Tony Hillerman wrote 37 books – 18 of which tell the fictional story of Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police.

In 2022, AMC adapted Hillerman’s Navajo novels into a series under the title Dark winds. The series follows Lt. Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Deputy Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they try to solve a series of crimes and murders on their reservation in the 1970s.

Although the series is not based on a true story, creator Graham Roland and his production team, which includes Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin and actor Robert Redford, said they are committed to authentically portraying the Diné (Navajo people).

However, despite hiring an exclusively Native writer’s room, their attempts were criticized after Season 1 for mixing Native cultures and missing specific Navajo customs. Director Chris Eyre said for Navajo Times yes it is Dark winds the team made the necessary “course correction[s]” after these comments, including hiring a language consultant and a cultural consultant.

Here’s everything you need to know about the chart-topping AMC series, Dark windsand the books that inspired him.

Is Dark winds based on a true story?

Elva Guerra as Sally Grom grows up. Dark Winds, Season 2, Episode 1.

Michael Moriatis/AMC

Dark winds is heavily adapted from Tony Hillerman’s fictional novels, but the series’ themes and plots are deeply rooted in history. In the first season, viewers learn about two parts of Native American history: the forced sterilization of Native American women and assimilation boarding schools that attempted to separate young Native children from their heritage, among other crimes, including abuse and murder.

“What we wanted to smuggle in was a bigger story about what it means to be Native, but also to go beyond just representation, like just being Native on screen,” said writer Maya Rose Dittloff. Salon in 2022

Since the show is based on novels written by a white man, writer Billy Luther said the writers’ room’s task was to take Hillerman’s books and make the show more authentic.

“We all had different backgrounds, different experiences and came from different tribes and nations and it was really cool,” he said of the writers’ room. “I think all the writers knew we were doing something special with Tony.”

What is Dark winds about?

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee and Jonathan Adams as Lester McGinnis. Dark Winds, Season 1, Episode 4.

Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC

The AMC series, which received a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating for its first and second seasons, is a “thrilling Southwestern Noir” that follows Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Deputy Jim Chee (who is also an undercover FBI agent) of the Navajo Tribal Police. as they investigate a series of crimes on their reservation.

The first season is based on Hillerman’s novel A woman who listens about two people who were killed before the eyes of a blind shaman. While “The Listening Woman” believes that supernatural evil has been unleashed, Leaphorn is certain that the killer is human.

Season 2 draws from Hillerman’s People of Darknesswhich is about the murder of a dying man and a rich woman who agrees to pay $3,000 to return a stolen box of stones. A series of strange events haunts Chee and drags him into the “Bad Land”.

Each season follows its book closely, but creator Roland has made certain changes in character development.

“The liberties I took were really about the characters — adding another layer to them. [For example,] Leaphorn deals with his own loss as he investigates the case, something not found in the novel … and Chee returns to the reservation after a long period [of time]”, he explained during an interview with SciFi Vision.

Where is it Dark winds recorded?

John Paul Comanche as Najavo Medicine Man, Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee and Jessica Matten as Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito. Dark Winds, Season 1, Episode 1.

Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC

Dark winds mostly filmed at Camel Rock Studios — the first Native American-owned film studio — located in Sante Fe, NM. The movie ranch in the background has sets, filming stages and 100 acres of tribal land.

“The country breathes new life and authenticity into these stories,” McClarnon said Cowboys & Indians 2024 “This setting allows me to bring Joe Leaphorn to life. For so many indigenous tribes, the land is the foundation of our culture and our spirituality. Earth is a sacred and important character within us [tribal] stories.”

Camel Rock, a 75,000-square-foot former casino, opened its doors in 2020. Tom Hanks’ News from the world was the first film shot on the estate.

Where can I watch Dark winds?

Jessica Matten as Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito. Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 3.

Michael Moriatis/AMC

Dark winds Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on AMC+ and Netflix.

Will there be 3 seasons Dark winds?

Shawnee Mae Pourier as Anna Atcitty, Makena Ann Hullinger as Nanobah and Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn. Dark Winds Season 1 Episode 3.

Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC

In September 2023, AMC announced that Dark winds has been renewed for a third season.

“We began this journey with high hopes for this series, given the outstanding source material and the outstanding creative team behind it, and it has succeeded on every level,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. . statement. “From the beloved novels to the incredibly collaborative production team, there is so much to tell in this universe.”

Dark winds The third season is expected to premiere sometime in 2025, and according to the New Mexico Film Office, the plot will come from Hillerman’s second detective novel, Ballroom of the Dead.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education