Wilfred Buck Review: The Fulfilling Journey of an Indigenous American Star Scientist Laid Out in the Cosmos
For Indigenous star expert Wilfred Buck, the stars hold an immense power that reaches outside the domain of astronomy. Hailing from an Indigenous group whose narratives have been deliberately effaced by official accounts, he turns to these clustered stellar objects as both historical document and divine presence. Echoing Buck's holistic approach to stargazing, Lisa Jackson's mixed-genre documentary draws from a wealth of diverse visual styles, all woven into a breathtaking depiction of a formidable community elder.
An Existence in Motion
Someone always on the move, Buck is often seen behind the wheel, traveling from one job to another. Speaking at academic conferences and seminars, and leading lectures and presentations for youth, he not only makes astronomy accessible but also establishes enduring connections between various generations. This sense of unity is especially touching considering Buck's own tragic family history. He was separated from his siblings in his youth, after they were forcibly removed from their parents by the state. His childhood was plagued by a cycle of addiction, financial hardship and depression.
Cinematic Narration and Legacy
The film portrays these periods from his youth through stylised, suggestive dramatizations shot on rich 16mm footage. Narrated by Buck's narration, these are scenes imbued with longing and melancholy; the shifts between past and now are smoothly done, adding a touch of beauty to an extraordinary life story. His tireless efforts to safeguard Indigenous tradition and knowledge have laid important cultural roots that were previously suppressed. Shifting between the heavens and the ground, from the individual to the collective, the director's comprehensive film creates a world of encounters with striking style and insights.
