Dull, Dark, and Dreary

Rating: 5/10 (25 May 2016)

I am giving this movie a "5" because I recognize that some serious movie-making was involved, and I want to recognize it. However, I am also giving this movie a "5" because I did not like it.
The opening scenes are exciting, but disjointed. Who are these people? Where are they? What are they doing there? Why do the Native Americans care? The bear attack is genuinely exciting and, for me, the highlight of the film. The problems is that there are two hours to go.
The film is dark. The sun surely shines under the Wyoming/Montana/Dakota sky, but rarely in this film. A lot of "squinting" is necessary.
The dream sequences are unnecessary and poorly edited.
There is some character development, but not much. Glass is obviously respected, but it isn't clear why. Fitzgerald's character seems to morph by the minute. The other characters simply pass through the scenes. And everyone looks like everyone else! It isn't clear why the Arikaras are so intent on capturing Glass. It isn't clear who, exactly, got back to Fort Kiowa. The intervention of the Pawnee who comes to Glass' aid strikes a positive note, but what does his brief involvement add to the film? And, who exactly were the Voyageurs and what were they doing there? And what did the sexual assault add to the movie? My biggest gripe is also my highest praise: The cinematography is magnificent but, oh so, languid! By the end of this long movie, I was numb. And bored.
Leonardo won the Oscar for his portrayal of Glass, but he has been better in a number of other films. But, there is no denying that he got into his role.
I bought the BluRay. I will watch it three or four more times, at full volume and with closed captions, to see if I can better understand it and appreciate it. I think, however, that it will take a "director's cut" to bring clarity to this film, if that is even possible, and it will take the patience of Job to sit through it.