WOMAN WALKS AHEAD is the story of Catherine Weldon [Jessica Chastain], a Brooklyn debutante/now young widow who, against all odds, leaves New York to travel to the Dakotas in 1890 to paint the portrait of Lakota Chief Sitting Bull [Michael Greyeyes]. Unknowingly, she has arrived right as the US government is attempting to restrict the movement of the tribes by enacting the Allotment Treaty. Catherine is appalled at the living conditions on the reservation and is moved to assist the tribe in opposing the new treaty. –WP
 
Set Decorator Wilhelm Pfau SDSA takes us through a photo tour of key sets for this beautiful, heartrending film, full of strength and spirit.
About the filmmaking experience, he shares...
 
Making WOMAN WALKS AHEAD was a wonderful experience. Every production has its hard days, but we all could feel we were creating something special. We had the full support of everyone. The Director, Susanna White, the cinematographer and the production crew understood how important the art department was in making this period piece. They were gracious, respectful and completely behind us. 
 
Geoffrey Kirkland, the Production Designer, is a master. His credits are immense. They include CHILDREN OF MEN, MISSISSIPPI BURNING, and MIDNIGHT EXPRESS. His experience was invaluable. He gave me full rein, but would come in and make a final few changes, bringing the artistry to its pinnacle. 
 
I must make note of our Draper, Carol Napier. Her work stands out especially in the train scenes. Unfortunately, much of her work ended up on the cutting room floor.
 
Living and working in New Mexico, I have worked on a few Westerns over the years.*
Westerns require a sparing approach with the set dressing to make them believable. It was difficult to ship anything out West in the 19th century; most people of all classes had very few belongings. 
 
Research is one of my favorite aspects of the job. We get to discover so many different elements of daily life.
Each project brings a different perspective.
I have had an interest in Native American spirituality for many years. It was wonderful to delve into the Lakota ways and to bring that culture to life in this film. Hopefully we were true to their world.
 
We made the best of a low budget and a difficult schedule.
Everyone should be very proud.


 
 
 
 
*Editor’s note:
Pfau points out that the first film to be produced in New Mexico, was a Western, shot in 1898...

  The film WOMAN WALKS AHEAD will also be available on DirectTV...

Train to the Dakotas... Newly widowed artist Catherine Weldon [Jessica Chastain] has decided to travel to the Standing Rock Reservation to paint a portrait of the great Lakota chief Sitting Bull. Photo by Richard Foreman ©2017 A24.

Dining Car... Pfau points out, “We were so lucky to find this great period train car right here in Santa Fe. Carol Napier’s amazing drapery made this set shine.” Sam Rockwell, Jessica Chastain. Photo by Richard Foreman ©2017 A24.

Catherine’s Train Compartment... “The art department constructed this cabin on the period train we rented. The beginning of the film shows the opulence of the upper class settlers. Catherine is so enthralled with the landscape and the freedom of the wide open plain.” Jessica Chastain. Image courtesy A24 ©2017.

Catherine’s Train Compartment... “I hardly ever like to make a bed in a film. It feels more correct to me.” Image courtesy A24 ©2017.

Dining Car... Set Decorator Wilhelm Pfau SDSAI, opening the set... Image courtesy A24 ©2017.

Fort Yates, North Dakota... Image courtesy A24 ©2017.

On the outer range of Fort Yates… “Catherine is unwelcome when she arrives in North Dakota and is left to fend for herself...” Jessica Chastain. Photo by Richard Foreman ©2017 A24.

Marshall’s Dry Goods... “Catherine’s courage in defying the settlers in her support of the Lakota was impressive and inspiring. Here, she is purchasing foodstuffs to feed the tribe. Many Westerns have been filmed in New Mexico over the years, resulting in an extensive collection of period dressing. The first film to be produced in New Mexico, a Western, was shot in 1898.” Rachel Singer, Jessica Chastain. Image courtesy A24 ©2017.

Indian Agent James McLaughlin’s office... “In contemporary settings like this, I would dress many layers of personal objects, files and office dressing. We kept his office sparse. We created period correct paperwork and maps. The etching above his desk is a re-creation of Napoleon’s army marching across wide plains.” Ciarán Hinds. Photo by Richard Foreman ©2017 A24.

Indian Agent James McLaughlin’s office... When Colonel Silas Grove [Sam Rockwell] informs McLaughlin [Ciarán Hinds] that the allotments of flour and sugar would be cut in half, “because starvation will help change Sioux minds towards signing the treaty,” the agent introduces him to his wife, Susan [Rulan Tangen], a Lakota Sioux... Photo by Richard Foreman ©2017 A24.

Indian Agent James McLaughlin’s office... Reverse shot of the office... Sam Rockwell, Ciarán Hinds. Photo by Richard Foreman ©2017 A24.

Indian Agent James McLaughlin’s Dining Room... “This scene involves a dinner for General Crook who has come to force the Lakota to relinquish a large portion of their lands. Crook was involved in the Indian Wars and holds a grudge against Sitting Bull,” Pfau notes... “Gold was discovered in the Dakota Black Hills in the late 1880s. The US government then wished to give lands to white settlers for mining. We wanted to show the comparison of the living conditions of the white settlers to the Lakota. The elite of the new settlers were able to ship crystal, china, oil paintings and other valuables on military wagons which very few had access to. Even with this advantage, they still lived a very sparse existence.” Rulan Tangen, Bill Camp. Image courtesy A24 ©2017.