Reviews of Winter in the Blood

Winter in the Blood: LAFF Review

By David RooneyThe Bottom Line

An honorable if only intermittently satisfying attempt to access a journey that takes place almost entirely inside the protagonist's head.

Chaske Spencer of "The Twilight Saga" stars in twin brothers Alex & Andrew Smith's adaptation of Native American writer James Welch's 1974 novel.

There’s no questioning the profound personal investment and deep connection to the wide-open spaces of Montana that grace Alex & Andrew Smith’s Winter in the Blood, the twin brothers’ first feature since their brooding 2002 coming-of-age drama The Slaughter Rule. But in remaining true to the spirit of Native American writer James Welch’s landmark 1974 novel, they have not succeeded in solving the central problem of how to render in emotionally involving narrative terms a fundamentally page-bound, internalized story.

An obvious labor of love, this hand-crafted film is beautifully made–photographed, scored and edited with a grubby lyricism that makes its shortage of plot momentum all the more frustrating. However, admirers of Welch’s books about Native American life, exploring the struggle to maintain cultural, ancestral and physical ties to the past while navigating a way forward, will find rewards in the drama’s cumulatively affecting final stretch.LA Film Fest 2013 Review: WINTER IN THE BLOOD Captures The True Western Spirit

By Dylan SharpThe film taps into the mythology of the Plains Indian to subvert the generic Western. This Indian's a cowboy who'd rather hide than conquer. He spends the whole movie looking for his broken gun. The mind's frontier may be more dangerous than the range, but at least he has tradition (the 'chock cherries' he provides for the elders to smoke out of long pipes) to bring a sense of peace.

Between the nostalgia and the tragedy, you'd be forgiven for feeling a little stifled. Welch's novel came out in 1974. This film, for all intents and purposes, could have come out in 1974 as well. It uses that era's sweeping aesthetic and tragic, freedom-seeking characters to create an experience that feels old--and not in an entirely pleasant way either. I found myself asking throughout the film, "But what about now? Has anything changed?" Perhaps in Montana things haven't changed that much. But the themes of our stories have changed slightly and these days there's something about the source material that seems to portray tribal misery in a romantic manner that's slightly uncomfortable. The film version does little to update the story and as a result, some of its vitality is sacrificed. There's something very Montana about this project--kind of backwards and a little old fashioned. It works in that odd paradoxical way that it doesn't.

It seems the Smith brothers set out to make a very specific type of western--one in which nearly all of the thrills of the traditional western are either withheld or turn out to be fantasies. What's left is a portrait of a forgotten individual on a lonesome landscape. Not completely pleasant and not totally real, Winter in the Blood isn't the kind of movie with much of a shot at getting a major theatrical release. But true aficionados will want to track this down. There simply aren't many true Westerns out there these days--and while it may be a little inverted, this is nothing if not a true Western.'Winter in the Blood,' a Review by Sonny SkyhawkMy final verdict? On a scale of one to three feathers, with three being excellent, I give Winter in the Blood two feathers.
Comment:  For more on the subject, see Winter in the Blood Premieres in LA and Filming Winter in the Blood.

Winter in the Blood premieres in LA

A good overview of this movie. I especially like the part about the importance of using Native actors and taking a chance on Chaske Spencer as the lead.

'Winter in the Blood': Movie adaptation of Welch novel debuts at film festival in LA

By Patrick DouglasTo cast the film, the brothers turned to veteran casting director and Great Falls native Rene Haynes. Haynes specializes in Native American casting and brought in actors like Gary Farmer, Julia Jones, Eddie Spears and Saginaw Grant.

Her recommendation of using “Twilight” actor Chaske Spencer to play the lead character Virgil First Raise was key, Alex Smith said.

“She was a champion for Chaske,” Alex explained. “It was a big gamble because we hadn’t worked with him before, and we didn’t know if he could carry the movie but it was a jackpot. He carries it heroically.”

“Being in Montana, we got in touch with (producer) Sherman Alexie in Seattle to get ahold of Rene in Los Angeles only to find out that Rene’s from Great Falls,” Alex said. “The funny thing was; we had to go to Rene to meet Chaske, who lives in Brooklyn, to find out he grew up in Poplar.”

“It was this weird going outward to come back inward thing to do this project,” he said.

Having a story primarily involving Native Americans with Native actors was extremely important, Alex said.

“It’s a very underrepresented demographic or ethnicity in American film,” he said. “The stories are deep and the stories are really beautiful. Obviously there’s a lot of tragedy involved and a lot of loss and displacement but there’s also an amazing amount of power and understanding of the natural world, of families, of communities.”

“We relied very heavily on our Native cast to keep us authentic and create the emotional storyline, the emotional journey of the characters to make it true to life,” Andrew said. “Not being Natives ourselves, we filled out that sensibility by empowering the cast as much as we could.”Comment:  A couple of notes:

Haynes "brought in actors like Gary Farmer, Julia Jones, Eddie Spears and Saginaw Grant"? Who were the Smith brothers thinking of using before they consulted Haynes? You can find these actors on almost any list of Native actors, so how difficult was it to cast them?

Is it really a risk to cast Chaske Spencer as the lead? It's not as if there's a big-name Native actor who can open this film better than Spencer.

This is a textbook case of where you don't need a "star" such as Brandon Routh or Taylor Lautner. Keep the budget low and maybe you'll earn a profit.

Just do your due diligence to make sure Spencer is reliable, and test him to make sure he can do the job. If he's right for the role, go for it.

For more on Winter in the Blood, see Filming Winter in the Blood and Welch Movie Reaches Kickstarter Goal.

Spencer inspires Red Lake youth

Actor Chaske Spenser of ‘Twilight’ fame inspires youth at Red Lake conferenceFor the finale of the eighth annual Red Lake Nation Youth Conference on Thursday, Chaske Spenser urged teens to honor their personal potential and work for their dreams.

"Nobody else can stop you," he said. "There’s potential inside you that nobody can put out except you."

Spenser, a 38-year-old Lakota who grew up on reservations, was keynote speaker for the youth conference banquet Thursday evening. But during the afternoon program, he spoke to the 336 participants in a more informal manner. He told them how he won the role of werewolf Sam Uley in the Twilight saga films. He said when he auditioned for the movie, "I was broke; I was a garbage man for a catering company."

He was also suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. When he announced he’s been sober for five years, his audience broke into applause, and drum group Young Kingbird responded with a loud mallet stroke.

Because of his success in his acting career and his recovery, Spenser said he promised himself he would give back to the community.

"I go around and try to help people as much as I can," Spenser said. "My life changed when I put down drugs and drinking."Comment:  For more on Chaske Spencer, see Documentary About Hominy Indians and "I Strengthen My Nation" Campaign.

Docudrama about Hominy Indians

Movie Set To Highlight Hominy Indians' 1927 Gridiron Feat

By Ashlei KingA "Twilight" star is teaming up with the Osage Foundation and Fully Funded Films to shed light on an untold story.

They hope to make a film called "Playground of the Native Son."

The 1925 Hominy Indians professional football team represented 14 different tribes from 1925-1936.

"This is just another minority team that was really never recognized and we think it's about time they're recognized," associate producer Julia Lookout said.

In 1927, the world-champion New York Giants agreed to play Hominy in what they thought would be a joke.

"The coup de grace is the fact that they played the New York Giants and they beat them, so we decided to do a documentary and talk to a lot of the ancestors," Lookout said.‘Twilight’ actor to tell Hominy Indians story

Filming complete for docudrama on Hominy Indians team

Film's producer hopes to have it ready for a June release

By Shannon Shaw DutyThe filming for the docudrama Playground of the Native Son has wrapped and producer Celia Xavier hopes to have the documentary finished by June of 2013.

“We should have it finished in six months,” Xavier said at the Osage Nation Foundation Christmas Celebration Dec. 15, where cast and crew were invited. Director of the docudrama, Michael Nash, heard Xavier’s comment and said jokingly, “Eight months.”

Xavier said that when the film is finished she plans on having a showing in Pawhuska for Osages and area Natives. Xavier also wrote the Osage Tribal Murders documentary about the Osage Reign of Terror. Nash directed the 2010 documentary Climate Refugees, a film investigating mass migrations caused by the changing climate, according to the IMDb.com Web site.

According to the documentary Web site, the docudrama is based on the 1920s all-Native Hominy Indians professional football team and their 28-game winning streak. The 1925 Hominy Indians professional football team represented 14 different tribes from 1925-1936.Comment:  For more on Indians in football history, see AMC Develops Carlisle Football Drama and The NFL's Oorang Indians.

Below:  "The 1925 Hominy Indians professional football team represented 14 different tribes from 1925-1936."

"I Strengthen My Nation" campaign

'I Strengthen My Nation' campaign helps Native youth resist drugs and alcoholA new media campaign featuring Hollywood actor Chaske Spencer (who plays Sam Uley in the Twilight Saga) encourages Native communities to address substance abuse by teens and young adults. The “I Strengthen My Nation” campaign empowers Native youth to resist drugs and alcohol and motivates parents to talk openly to their children about drug and alcohol use. The campaign materials, which are available below, were developed in partnership with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and Tribes. In addition, an exciting website, weRnative.org, is debuting. The site offers young people information on puberty, sexual violence, suicide, cultural preservation, and other important health topics.Comment:  For more on Chaske Spencer, see Spencer Receives Unsung Hero Award and Spencer Encourages Native Vote.

Spencer receives Unsung Hero Award

'Twilight' Actor Chaske Spencer Talks About Charity Work, Humanitarian Awards And His NYC Photo Exhibition With Ology!

By Chaske's LoverWe all know Chaske Spencer as Sam Uley, the hunky, deep-voiced werewolf pack leader in the Twilight Saga films. Yes, he’s tall, dark and handsome, but there’s also a lot more to this actor than the Twilight world probably knows. In addition to rubbing elbows with Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson and the rest of the gang, Chaske’s Ologies are quite broad, from charity work to photography.

Although his role as Sam has catapulted him to fame in a short period of time, Spencer has used the bright hot spotlight in many positive ways: he’s the spokesperson for United Global Shift, a charity designed to create learning programs for people trying to make a difference and co-founder of the Be The Shift Campaign. The campaign aims to promote action and charity work throughout the country. It’s obvious that Spencer is an extremely passionate person; not only about acting, but also about making a lasting difference in the world for the better.

Like his devotion to helping others, Spencer has remained active with photography, and exhibited his work, along with the work of photographer Nadia Itani, at "THE BAR" Dream Hotel on July 12 in New York. It’s hard to believe that Spencer was raised on a remote Indian reservation in Idaho, and it’s obvious he hasn't taken the fame thing for granted. Check out Ology’s chat with the actor below, where he told us about his charity work and awards!

OLOGY: Hi Chaske! Congrats on the Unsung Hero Award you received in New York a few weeks ago.

CHASKE: Thank you so much, thank you.

Obviously people know you from Twilight, but it’s pretty clear there’s a huge charitable side to you too. How did you become involved or even hear about United Global Shift—it seems like a great organization.

Yeah, definitely! My manager is really involved in United Global Shift so when we got together, like years ago, it was always something I wanted to be a part of. When I got the role in Twilight, I decided to use the spotlight from the movie to help bring light to subjects that don’t usually get covered by mainstream media. So yeah, we had meetings and stuff about trying to help bring fresh and clean water to Indian reservations, try to educate people about ocean purification and different technologies available to help recycle your water. That’s been a big project for us.Comment:  For more on Chaske Spencer, see Spencer Encourages Native Vote and Spencer Joins NBC Western Pilot.

Spencer encourages Native vote

‘Twilight’ actor urges Natives to voteA new video titled “Native Vote” has been released featuring Lakota Sioux actor Chaske Spencer, known for his role in the “Twilight” saga, in an effort to inspire Native Americans to vote in upcoming elections.

The video was released with the help of the National Congress of American Indians.

According to a press release, the video “highlights the power and importance of the Native vote and encourages voters in tribal communities to understand that every voice–and every vote–counts.”

NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata said Native American voters are one of the country’s most underrepresented and disenfranchised group of voters.

“‘Native Vote’ is focused on turning out the largest Native vote in history in 2012. Estimates show that over 1 million eligible Native voters are unregistered. It’s going to take people like Chaske Spencer stepping forward to help spread the word,” Pata said. “This is a true grassroots effort and we need everyone to be involved to spread the word. We hope that Indian Country and non-Native people alike are inspired, especially young people, to get more involved in civic activities such as voting.”Comment:  For more on Chaske Spencer, see Spencer Joins NBC Western Pilot and Actors Turn Out for Breaking Dawn.

Spencer joins NBC Western pilot

'Twilight' Alum Joins NBC Western Pilot (Exclusive)

Chaske Spencer will play a cook who cares for his aunt in "The Frontier," the drama about a group of travelers who follows their dreams and heads West from Missouri across the unchartered country in the 1840s.

By Lesley GoldbergNBC is adding a Twilight werewolf to its Frontier pack.

Twilight's Chaske Spencer--best known as Sam, the leader of Jacob's wolf pack in the franchise--has boarded the NBC Western drama pilot The Frontier, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.

The project, from writer/exec producer Shaun Cassidy, revolves around a group who follows their dreams and heads West from Missouri across the unchartered country in the 1840s.

Spencer will play Eli, a cook who's traveling with his mentally unstable aunt, Luisa. He's described as an optimist who's trying to be patient with his aunt's real and imagined fears who ventures off with part of group to search for others.Comment:  For more on Chaske Spencer, see Actors Turn Out for Breaking Dawn and AIFI's 2011 Winners.

Actors turn out for Breaking Dawn

Wolfpack and Other Native Actors Again in Spotlight With Release of New Twilight FilmThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1, the latest installment of the Twilight series, had its Hollywood premiere Monday night, and members of the Wolfpack—shape-shifting Quileute Indians played by Chaske Spencer, Kiowa Gordon, Bronson Pelletier and Alex Meraz—joined co-stars Kristin Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner on the black carpet. Native actors Gil Birmingham, Booboo Stewart, and Julia Jones, who also play Quileute tribe members, were also on hand.More photos from the premiere:

Gil Birmingham
Chaske Spencer
Alex Rice
Alex Meraz
Bronson Pelletier and Kiowa Gordon

Comment:  The first link includes lots of photos and videos of the actors.

Note: Some of us don't consider Booboo Stewart or Julia Jones Native actors.

For more on Twilight, see No Indians in Breaking Dawn Posters and Twilight Video Game?

Below:  "Gil Birmingham and Chaske Spencer at the 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1' premiere."

AIFI's 2011 winners

American Indian Motion Picture Award WinnersThe 36th American Indian Film Festival ended Saturday with presentation of this year's winners with the American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show at the Palace of Fine Arts.

The American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show, recognizing excellence in USA American Indian and Canada First Nations cinematic achievement, making the annual awards show one of the most prominent Indian Country and Native Cinema showcases.

Outstanding performances varied across the talent venue, on awards night including: Blues singer/songwriter Derek Miller, Punk/Indie band Miracle Dolls, Hip Hop/ R&B duo The Battiest Brothers, comedian JR Redwater, and violinist Swil Kanim.

This year's winners are listed below:

BEST FILM--Shouting Secrets, Korinna Sehringer, Director

BEST DIRECTOR--Andrew Okpeaha MacLean, On The Ice

BEST ACTOR--Chaske Spencer, Shouting Secrets

BEST ACTRESS--Michelle St. John, Every Emotion CostsComment: Follow the link to see the full list of winners.

For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Movies.

Filming Winter in the Blood

Sherman Alexie, Chaske Spencer, and Gary Farmer talk about the novel and movie versions of Winter in the Blood:

On the Set:  It's taken a state to make 'Winter in the Blood'

The film has been a labor of love for Montanans from the governor on down. It was made by local-boys-made-good (the Smith brothers), funded locally and based on a novel by a local Native American author.

By Kenneth TuranThe book, which has been translated into eight languages and remains in print, was a foundation stone of the literary Native American renaissance and has inspired countless writers, from Louise Erdrich ("what astounded me was that something so familiar could be made into literature") to Sherman Alexie.

Alexie returned the favor by becoming an associate producer on "Winter in the Blood." When he spoke at a fundraiser in Missoula, remembers co-screenwriter Ken White, he said that reading the book "was the first time I read a story about myself, the first time I saw my story represented in literature. It gave me permission to speak. It's why I became a writer."And:Spencer, raised on reservations in Montana and Idaho, is pleased to be able to use his "Twilight" fame to "help projects like this get going." Though his management was not initially enthusiastic, he says, "I put my foot down, I stuck with this project, I fought tooth and nail."

"I'm not getting paid that much; the experience of doing this is the reward," Spencer adds. "There are no special effects, no big-time soundtrack, but it's so layered, there are so many rich emotions. A role like this challenges me. It's why you hustle those tables, why you bartend, why I became an actor. There's no other reason to be in the Milk River up to your chest in sludge."

For Farmer, a three-time Independent Spirit Awards nominee for roles in "Powwow Highway," "Dead Man" and "Smoke Signals," a film like this, based on a celebrated Native American novel with a cast and crew that includes representation from close to 30 tribes, "has been a long time coming."

"For years as an actor, they never let us do the writing," he says. "We had to work twice as hard to socialize the writer to Native American realities. This for me as a career actor is the culmination of that. To witness this after a 38-year career is just magic."Comment:  For more on the subject, see Welch Movie Reaches Kickstarter Goal and Chaske Spencer's Upcoming Projects.

Below:  "Actor Chaske Spencer studies his script on the set of Winter in the Blood outside of Chinook, Montana." (Patricia Williams/For The Times)

Last Man Stands seeks funding

Film could be shot locally, if funding is secured

By Susan OlpAn independent feature film focused on a fictional Crow youth and his family will be made in Montana this fall, if funding can be secured.

The producer of "Last Man Stands" is Petra Ahmann of Silverline Cinema in New York City. Ahmann is a 2004 graduate of Laurel High School.And:Most of the cast is already in place, Portugal said, with Alex Meraz, one of the wolves from the "Twilight" movies in the lead role of Taylor Brewer. Irene Bedard, who plays the part of his mother, is best known as the voice of Pocahontas in the Disney movie of the same name.

Raoul Trujillo, who has a part in the upcoming "Cowboys and Aliens," has been cast in the role of Taylor's father, and Chaske Spencer, another "Twilight" wolf, has the role as Taylor's older brother.And:The plot centers on Taylor Brewer, an 18-year-old football player at Laurel High, whose family moved off the Crow Reservation. Taylor plans to follow in his brother Charlie's footsteps and join the Marines.

When Charlie is killed in action in Iraq, Taylor's father opposes his younger son's desire to enlist in the military. Taylor turns to tribal elders for wisdom and direction.Comment:  For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Movies.

Advocates criticize codename at hearing

Geronimo Code Name Criticized During Senate Hearing

By Julie SteinbergThe United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs had a lot to talk about at today’s hearing. While the session was originally convened to discuss the impact of racial stereotypes, like Native-themed mascots, on indigenous people, both panels’ testimony also focused on U.S. forces using the name “Geronimo” in the operation that took down Osama bin Laden. (Various news reports have quoted U.S. officials as saying that “Geronimo” was the name of the operation and that “Jackpot” was the code word for bin Laden.)

“I find the association of Geronimo with bin Laden to be highly inappropriate and culturally insensitive,” said Tom Udall, a Democratic senator from New Mexico who conducted the hearing.

Suzan Shown Harjo, the president of The Morning Star Institute, an organization that promotes Native rights and research, said that for Geronimo to be “compared to a terrorist and called an enemy is shocking.”

The hearing received a dose of star power from Chaske Spencer, who plays Sam Uley in the “Twilight” fantasy-romance films. Spencer, who is Native American, said he was the target of racism as a child and also had a hard time finding parts that weren’t just “feathers and leathers” roles. He also condemned the use of the name Geronimo, saying that “we need to be more conscious of the associations we make.”For more on the subject, see Congress to Examine "Geronimo" Codename, Apaches Demand Apology for Codename, and Critics Slam "Geronimo" Codename.

Spencer speaks on Native issues

'Twilight' star uses fame to help others

By Ann Marie Bush"Twilight Saga" film star Chaske Spencer is using his newfound fame to put the spotlight on drugs, alcohol, bullying and suicide.

He also is hoping it will help bring attention to the reservoir at Plum Creek on the Kickapoo reservation near Horton.

"They are in dire need of a water supply," said Spencer, who spent two days in the area to lead workshops for students and their parents.

The actor who plays character Sam Uley, the alpha male leader of the werewolves in the "Twilight Saga" films, made two appearances Monday and Tuesday at the Golden Eagle Casino on the Kickapoo reservation.Comment:  As I've said before, it's great to see a Native actor use his fame to help his people. It's more than we're seeing from non-Natives Johnny Depp and Taylor Lautner.

For more on the subject, see Spencer to Speak for NA Heritage Month and Shift the Power Launch Party.

Below:  "Chaske Spencer, Twilight Saga actor, poses for a picture with two girls Tuesday at the Kickapoo reservation near Horton."

Birmingham, Spencer to host NAIIA

NAIIA Ceremony Coming to Hard Rock Albuquerque on April 29On Friday, April 29, the 2011 North American Indigenous Image Awards event will rock the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on the Isleta Pueblo Reservation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This second edition of the event, which first occurred in 2009, will honor the best indigenous performers from the United States and Canada. This year’s award categories include Film, TV, Music, Magazine, Comedy and Calendar.

Presenters this year will include Gil Birmingham and Chaske Spencer, both of whom are nominated for Best Actor awards for their work in Twilight films. Other notable presenters are casting director Rene Haynes and five-time Nammy Award winner Micki Free.

The other Best Actor award nominees are Gary Farmer for Good Neighbors, Zahn McClarnon for Medium and Noah Watts for Search for the World’s Best Indian Taco. Nominated for the Best Actress award are Kaniehtiio Horn for Mohawk Girls, Crystle Lightning for Search for the World’s Best Indian Taco and Georgina Lightning for Older Than America.

Other award categories will honor names and work familiar to all who follow the indigenous arts and entertainment scene. Musicians include Victoria Blackie, Gabriel Ayala, Chase Manhattan, the Jir Project Band, and Leanne Goose, all of whom will be in town to play Stage 49 at the Gathering of Nations Powwow. Barking Water, written and directed by Sterlin Harjo, Older Than America, written and directed by Georgina Lightning, and Pearl, produced by David Rennke and the Chickasaw Nation, will vie for the Outstanding Feature Film award, while The Last Explorer, Reel Injun, and Two Spirits are the films nominated for Outstanding Documentary.Comment:  For more on the subject, see 2009 NAIIA Nominees and Indigenous Image Awards.

Below:  "Runway Beauty Calendar Models, NAIIA 2009 Calendar of the Year nominees." (Mihio Manus)

Chaske Spencer on Twilight cruise

Twilight Saga Cruise Raises Funds for Quileute School

By Myrlia PurcellEver want to cruise the Mediterranean with Twilight Saga heartthrobs Chaske Spencer or Charlie Bewley?

Fans of the hit vampire film series now have the chance to sail off into the sunset on the 2011 Twi Cruise. The round-trip excursion sets off from the port for Rome, June 20th - 30th, aboard Holland America’s Noordam (Civitavecchia), then heads to Livorno for Florence and Pisa; Monte Carlo; Barcelona; Palma de Mallorca; Tunisia; Palermo; Sicily and Naples for Pompei and Capri.

A custom-designed tour to Volterra after the cruise will give fans an up-close look at the charming yet unassuming Tuscan town that is the inspiration for Stephenie Meyer’s sinister vampire monarchy, the Volturi. The tour will also visit Montepulciano (where “New Moon” was filmed), Florence and Rome.

Spencer (Sam Uley, the hunky leader of the Wolf Pack) will be returning for this second Twi Cruise, having participated in the 2010 Alaskan cruise, and Bewley (Demetri, the mysteriously charming member of the Volturi) will be joining him on board. There will be photo shoots, autograph sessions, Q&A and more during the 10-day cruise.

The event will be hosted by The Immortals, a cast of tribute artists with an uncanny resemblance to the beloved Cullens. The tribute cruise will include a Costume Event, La Dolce Vita Cocktail Party and Dance, Trivia Contests, Original Games, Twi-Cruisers Got Talent Show, Legends Karaoke Party and a Charity Auction which will benefit the Quileute Tribal Schools in La Push, Washington.

Twilight character Jacob Black (played by Taylor Lautner) is set as a member of the Quileute Tribe. Lautner’s charater would have attended the tribal school in La Push with about 80 children, learning the ancient cultures and traditions cherished by the tribe.Comment:  The last sentence summarizes what should've been in a movie about Quileute teenagers, but wasn't.

For more on Twilight fandom, see Bronson Pelletier Assaulted, Quileute Exhibit Says "We're Not Werewolves," and Birmingham to Attend Quileute Days.

Shouting Secrets trailer

Comment:  The cast looks strong. I don't know about the story. Stories about families that come together over a sick relative are sometimes good, sometimes not.

For more on the subject, see Birmingham, Spencer in Shouting Secrets.

How Spencer became an addict

Twilight star shares his story of struggle with substance abuse

By Katie DurkinWith a father for an alcoholic, he fell into a crowd of other youths from dysfunctional homes, he said.

“I’m talking dysfunction: There was mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse. I thought that was normal for a long time, and it is on a reservation,” Spencer said.

In his teens he began drinking alcohol. He had a lot of anger inside, and the alcohol seemed to help him deal with that, he said.

“I took my first drink, and that one can, that’s what took everything away; all the pressures away,” Spencer said.

He moved off the reservation into a predominately white community during his later teens, where he experienced more racism.

To get over feeling like an outsider, he used alcohol as a social lubricant and got himself into a rough crowd. He would drink to the point of blacking out, and often didn’t know how he got home.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Spencer to Speak for NA Heritage Month and Chaske Spencer in Rehab.

Spencer to speak for NA Heritage Month

‘Twilight’ actor Chaske Spencer to speak Wednesday for Native American Heritage Month

By Maria LeoneChaske Spencer, known for his role as werewolf leader Sam Uley in “Twilight” will appear as part of Native American Heritage Month.

The Native American Community advocate and activist will speak at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Plachta Auditorium. The event is free.

Spencer will talk about empowering people to reduce poverty and create sustainable communities, said Steve Lewis, president of Program Board and Allegan junior.

“He will explain how we as a community can put forth the effort to make change in our global society as well as in our local society,” said Colleen Green, director of Native American Programs.Comment:  People like Chaske Spencer and Q'orianka Kilcher are using their fame the right way: to help people. That's what it's all about.

For more on the subject, see Chaske Spencer's Upcoming Project and Shift the Power Launch Party.

Chaske Spencer's upcoming projects

Chaske Spencer, Actor (Twilight)CHASKE SPENCER:  I just finished a movie called Shouting Secrets. I’m pretty proud of that one. We did it in Globe, Arizona, and I really liked the story. I found out that the script is also written by Steven Judd, who’s a Native American screenwriter and very talented.

It was first written for a Dutch family, and they were trying to get it financed, and for some reason they switched over to a Native American family. I did not know that when I first read it, so it doesn’t really read as a Native American movie. It is like a family movie and the people just happen to be Native American–it was a different twist on things. It was totally a movie written for a Dutch family and you know it just interested me, I really like the character I play.

I finished that project and I’m gearing up to do Breaking Dawn in November. I think we’re shooting through March. After that I’m gearing up doing Winter in the Blood, the James Welch novel, with Andrew and Alex Smith, the guys who did The Slaughter Rule.

RACEBENDING.COM:  Sounds like a lot on your plate this year.

CHASKE SPENCER:  Yeah, (laughter) yeah and then my production company gets started on The Block after that. I guess I do four movies back to back, to back, to back.

RACEBENDING.COM:  Can you tell us more about your production company and it’s new project The Block?

CHASKE SPENCER:  The Block is about a writer who has a block, and the only way he can cure the circumstances he’s in is by killing people. He finds that the more people he kills, the more he has to write about, and it becomes an addiction. It’s very dark and it’s not like any character I’ve ever played. I really like the script. Ted Kurdyla, one of my production partners brought the script to me. He had done Tigerland, Phone Booth, Once Upon A Time in America so he’ s a pretty heavy hitter. We had a few meetings, ate dinner and lunch together, and I guess he was really feeling me out and fortunately we hit it off and he brought me the part.

The thing that I’m really excited about for it is that it’s my first production for my production company, Urban Dream. So a first for Josselyne [Herman], Ted, and me working together.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Doors Open for New Moon's Indians and Chaske Spencer in Rehab.

Below:  Chaske Spencer in Shouting Secrets.