MoviesNewsTalk
Jim Bridger was a famous frontiersman, trapper, and explorer who played a key part in the history of the American West. His journey, skills, and personality is part of many different written histories which now has inspired newer pieces of media. Most notably in "American Primeval" where Bridger has a unique interpretation on a dark part of U.S. History.
Jim Bridger was born in 1804. In his career he earned his place as a noteworthy mountain man of his time. He was very well known for his knowledge of both the landscape and Native American cultures.
His contributions to exploration include mapping unknown routes through the wilderness as a guide as well as setting up various trading posts to help in new settlements across the landscape. He is well known to navigate the untamed terrains with skill and an ability to connect with many tribes.
American Primeval, the show on Netflix has put Jim Bridger into view again by showing a complex persona of a once powerful man making difficult life changing decisions during a troubling time of expansion. His story was given a nuanced performance by the show’s casting choices of actor Shea Whigham.
In this new show he is not just portrayed as the traditional heroic type but more of a person who has experienced great life changes while coming face to face with choices regarding survival and growth which highlights another aspect of the legend. There is a view of a person in between two distinct groups with a goal for finding stability in life.
One aspect that this show explores in depth was the relationship he had with Brigham Young. It becomes very obvious he’s not aligned with that new form of structure during their interactions. They come from vastly different view points and are forced into discussions that show how their power struggles become a focus for both individuals.
The meetings that take place are portrayed as very strained with a constant back and forth of who holds more authority. Brigham Young, a powerful political and religious figure attempts to persuade him into a position he would most likely decline making it apparent there is no compromise with what he stands for. The contrasting ideas highlight the clashing dynamics within their cultures which can become detrimental to all those surrounding them.
While the series uses the history of the Utah War as a back drop. American Primeval utilizes Jim Bridger as one character that is loosely based on truth but with some creative additions. While his interactions with Brigham Young, his presence at Fort Bridger, and involvement during this time have factual history behind them some parts have been added or modified.
In the series Fort Bridger’s history was showcased. He created the trading post along the Oregon Trail that then ended up being acquired by the Mormon Church in 1855, as they sought ways to expand the LDS footprint. Although his time was in flux while the fort was present he has found another unique level of importance to all who knew the history behind him and that land.
With this depiction viewers are able to have a more realistic view of the complexities at this time by examining the expansion of the American West with all the elements surrounding different cultures that make it all more complex. There is both an honest representation of the positive and negative aspects to the various different personas at the time.
This is one of many moments that showcase a deep underlying history of violence and conflict and those who are seen at the front of all of that which can lead to a great understanding for many new viewers of American expansion. Jim Bridger has proven with actions, choices and how his story is shown to make a great contribution to the themes presented by that medium.