导演采用平实的艺术策略。影像修复技术让历史更加可感，全彩处理增强细节表现，画面技术提升观看体验。技术使用保持克制，整体色调追求历史真实。整体场面注重精神传达。色彩运用体现严谨态度，声音设计追求内敛风格。BeginningjustafterthebloodySiouxvictoryoverGeneralCusteratLittleBigHorn,BuryMyHeartatWoundedKneeintertwinestheperspectivesofthreecharactersCharlesEastman(Beach),néOhiyesa,ayoung,Dartmouth-educated,Siouxdoctorheldupaslivingproofoftheallegedsuccessofassimilation;SittingBull(Schellenberg),theproudLakotachiefwhorefusestosubmittoU.S.governmentpoliciesdesignedtostriphispeopleoftheiridentity,theirdignityandtheirsacredland–thegold-ladenBlackHillsoftheDakotas;andSenatorHenryDawes(Quinn),whowasoneofthearchitectsofthegovernmentpolicyonIndianaffairs.WhileEastmanandpatricianschoolteacherElaineGoodale(Paquin)worktoimprovelifefortheIndiansonthereservation,SenatorDaweslobbiesPresidentGrant(Thompson)formorehumanetreatment,opposingthebellicosestanceofGeneralWilliamTecumsehSherman(Feore).HoperisesfortheIndiansintheformoftheprophetWovoka(Studi)andtheGhostDance–amessianicmovementthatpromisesanendoftheirsufferingunderthewhiteman.ThishopeisobliteratedaftertheassassinationofSittingBullandthemassacreofhundredsofIndianmen,womenandchildrenbythe7thCavalryatWoundedKneeCreekonDec.29,1890.WrittenbyHBOFilms