Tony Hillerman’s evocative storytelling, steeped in the rich cultural tapestry of the Navajo Nation and the stark beauty of the American Southwest, has captivated readers for decades. His mysteries, featuring the astute and thoughtful Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and the younger, more idealistic Officer Jim Chee, are more than just whodunits; they are explorations of tradition, modernity, and the complex relationship between the Navajo people and the wider world. On November 16th, PBS stations across the nation will bring one of Hillerman’s most compelling novels to life: Tony Hillerman’s Coyote Waits: An American Mystery!
This special presentation marks the second film adaptation in the Mystery! series dedicated to Hillerman’s work, following the success of Skinwalkers. The anticipation surrounding Coyote Waits culminated in an exclusive, invitation-only screening held at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe. The event drew a distinguished crowd, including the cast and crew of the film, notable figures from the film industry, and, most importantly, the author himself, Tony Hillerman.
A Stellar Cast and Crew Bring Hillerman’s Vision to Life
The film boasts a talented cast, headlined by Wes Studi, a Santa Fe-based actor renowned for his powerful and nuanced performances. Studi embodies the character of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn with a quiet dignity and keen intellect, capturing the essence of the seasoned Navajo Tribal Police officer. Adam Beach takes on the role of Officer Jim Chee, portraying the younger officer’s internal conflicts and his deep connection to Navajo traditions.
The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, with Keith Carradine lending his gravitas to the role of an enigmatic and perhaps untrustworthy trading post owner. Graham Greene, a celebrated actor with a long history of portraying Native American characters with depth and sensitivity, appears as a born-again reservation revivalist, adding another layer of complexity to the story’s exploration of faith and identity.
Behind the camera, Jan Egleson, a director with a diverse filmography that includes Lemon Sky, A Shock to the System, and Blue Diner, helms the production. Egleson’s experience in crafting character-driven narratives and her understanding of the nuances of suspense make her an ideal choice to adapt Hillerman’s intricate plot and compelling characters for the screen.
The Allure of the Southwest: Filming in New Mexico
One of the defining characteristics of Hillerman’s novels is his vivid portrayal of the Southwestern landscape. The vast deserts, towering mesas, and ancient ruins become almost characters in themselves, shaping the lives and experiences of the people who inhabit them. In a departure from the first film in the series, Skinwalkers, which was filmed near Phoenix, Coyote Waits was shot on location in New Mexico, adding an authenticity and visual richness to the adaptation.
This decision to film in New Mexico was influenced by a combination of factors. The state’s tax incentives for filmmakers provided a significant financial benefit, while the proactive efforts of local authorities further encouraged the production to set up shop within the state. The decision also paved the way for the subsequent adaptation of Thief of Time, another of Hillerman’s beloved novels, to be filmed in New Mexico as well.
The Enduring Appeal of Hillerman’s Mysteries
The success of Skinwalkers, which became PBS’s highest-rated program in 2002, demonstrated the broad appeal of Hillerman’s work and prompted network executives to continue the series. Rebecca Eaton, the executive producer of Mystery!, articulated the reasons behind the enduring popularity of Hillerman’s novels.
"I think the appeal is that they were enormously popular and quintessentially American mysteries with two strong central characters and a magnificent sense of place – the Southwest," Eaton explained. She further emphasized the captivating nature of the mysteries themselves: "The mysteries themselves are the kind that we’ve always done – good, complicated, cerebral puzzles. But Mystery! the series has always made a point of doing mysteries that are character-driven, so Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are what we could call detectives with legs, or policemen with legs, meaning they are the kind of characters that you want to stay with for a long time."
Beyond the intricate plots and compelling characters, Hillerman’s novels also offer a unique glimpse into the world of the Navajo Nation. Eaton acknowledged the enduring fascination with Native American culture, stating, "In this country, I think our awareness of this culture is getting more sophisticated, with more of an interest in the history, the anthropology, and the mysticism."
A Story of Justice and Tradition: The Heart of Coyote Waits
In Coyote Waits, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn finds himself grappling with a particularly challenging case. A Navajo man, charged with murder, seems determined to accept his fate, even when evidence suggests his innocence. The investigation draws Leaphorn into the world of Navajo spirituality and tradition, forcing him to confront his own beliefs and question the nature of justice itself.
Meanwhile, Officer Jim Chee is caught between his duty as a law enforcement officer and his loyalty to his people. He must navigate the complex web of tribal customs and beliefs while trying to uncover the truth behind the murder. As Leaphorn and Chee delve deeper into the case, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of the Navajo community.
Hillerman’s Blessing: A Collaborative Adaptation
The adaptation of a beloved novel for the screen is always a delicate process, requiring a balance between staying true to the source material and making necessary changes to fit the cinematic medium. In the case of Coyote Waits, the production team was fortunate to have the support and enthusiasm of Tony Hillerman himself.
Eaton expressed her appreciation for Hillerman’s involvement, stating, "He’s been terrific. He has been generous and flexible with our creative process. He wrote the books and he’s been really generous, understanding how things might be changed. And there are changes." This collaborative spirit ensured that the adaptation of Tony Hillerman’s Coyote Waits: An American Mystery! would honor the spirit and integrity of the original novel.
A Cultural and Cinematic Journey Awaits
Tony Hillerman’s Coyote Waits: An American Mystery! promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking television event. With its stellar cast, stunning Southwestern scenery, and intricate plot, the film offers a compelling blend of mystery, suspense, and cultural exploration. As viewers tune in on November 16th, they will be transported to the heart of the Navajo Nation, where they will join Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee on a quest for justice and truth. This adaptation of Tony Hillerman’s Coyote Waits: An American Mystery! is more than just a whodunit; it is a journey into the soul of the American Southwest and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Prepare to be captivated by the landscape, the culture, and the complex characters that make Tony Hillerman’s mysteries so unforgettable.