Casual audiences may not know Taylor Sheridan by name, but they're certainly familiar with the writer-director's work, especially the recent hit TV series Yellowstone, which he co-created. Sheridan has written and directed several highly-rated films, Sicario and Mayor of Kingstown. The latter stars Jeremy Renner, but that's not his first collaboration with Sheridan. The actor starred in Sheridan's 2017 murder mystery, Wind River.
The modern frontier movie follows the investigation of a tragic assault and murder occurring on a remote Native American reservation in Utah. It features impressive scenery, intimidating snowstorms, and unforgettable performances. And while Wind River has an intense plot, the behind-the-scenes story is almost as harrowing.
There Were 12 Unsolved Murders On The Reservation Where Filming Took Place
Wind River unpacks the unsolved murder of a Native American woman. The film draws attention to the prevalence of unsolved Native American murders in the U.S.
The Reelness revealed that Taylor Sheridan learned just how serious this problem is during the course of filming. Tribal leaders on the reservation where the movie was filmed told the director there were 12 unsolved murders in the area of fewer than 6,500 people.
Wind River Is One Of The Biggest Reservations In The U.S.
Fans might wonder if Wind River takes place on a real Native American reservation. In fact, Wind River is a real place in the western U.S.
The reservation's official website lists it as the seventh-largest reservation in the United States. It rests in the northwestern region of Wyoming. However, much of the film was shot in nearby Utah.
Chris Pine Almost Starred
Wind River is one of Jeremy Renner's best movies. His performance is so strong that it's almost impossible to imagine any other actor playing Cory Lambert. However, the movie almost featured a completely different star.
Indiewire reported that Chris Pine was set to star in the movie alongside Elizabeth Olsen. However, he ended up filming his role in Wonder Woman while Renner took on the lead role.
Jon Bernthal Lives In Ojai
Jon Bernthal plays Matt Rayburn, Natalie's boyfriend who appears at the end of the film. Audiences might recognize Bernthal as one of the most likable characters in The Wolf of Wall Street.
In Wind River, Matt gives a monologue praising the tranquil majesty of Ojai, California. He talks about the warm beauty of the area against the cold darkness presented in his remote trailer. Esquire revealed Bernthal holds similar opinions to his character, as he and his family live in Ojai themselves.
Snowmobiles Had To Be Used For Transport
Much of the scenery in Wind River showcases a long winter. Audiences see blankets of snow amid what at times might feel like endless snowstorms. As such, pieces of winter equipment like snowmobiles are often on display.
Refinery29 revealed that Olsen, who plays FBI special agent Jane Banner, said moving around cast and crew was tough. Because of the massive amount of snow in the remote filming area of Utah, the people on the film used snowmobiles and snowcats to get around.
Taylor Sheridan Researched For Missing Native American Women Statistics
Wind River is bookended by text that reminds the viewer of the very real problem of unsolved missing women cases on Native American reservations in the U.S. It ends by telling audiences no statistics exist for these missing Native American women.
Bustle revealed that Taylor Sheridan told NPR that he hired two researchers to uncover numbers about missing Native American women. They looked for three months. When they came back telling him they couldn't find a single statistic, the director included this eye-opening statement about the horrifying problem.
It Was Shot In Less Than 45 Days
Wind River didn't break any notable movie records, but viewers might say it showcases an impressive production. The film features many actors and several action sequences, all in the difficult setting of a snow-blanketed remote area.
But despite filming challenges, Wind River was shot relatively quickly. Film LA revealed that the shooting began on March 12, 2016, and was wrapped by April 25th of the same year.
Jon Bernthal Lost Toenails On Set
Perhaps the most intense and upsetting sequence of Wind River comes when the mystery of Natalie's disappearance is revealed. Before Natalie escapes, Matt brawls with his coworkers.
Rabbit Reviews revealed that the film's most gut-wrenching scene didn't come easily. Bernthal lost four toenails in shooting the fight sequence. Audiences might say the sequence is the most disturbing in the movie, but it's also the most effective.