Eric Schweig in "For Love and Glory" (1993)

By reading various interviews and articles about Eric Schweig, published since the early 1990s, and by combining information gleaned here and there, a fascinating journey takes shape before our eyes. Without ever really reveal details of his private life, Eric Schweig has generously shared with the public his thoughts and feelings about some key moments of his obstacle course.

This moving testimony shows the pursuit of a resilient spirit in search of its identity, and in search of some meaning to traumatic events of the past. This journey (which the artist puts forth as much as his achievements), thus acquires a very special resonance. Embedded in success and popularity, the life and works of Eric Schweig highlight some crucial issues about First Nations and youth in Canada: adoption, uprooting, double standard justice, assimilation, violence against children, homeless, drug and alcohol abuse, condescension and indifference about First Nations cultures and values.

For me, this life of an artist creates the same effect as a work of art: it is a very personal and individual experience that carries a universal message. Other exemples of artists’ lives so closely related to their arts with the same kind of resonance for me? The life and films of Russian director Andreï Tarkovsky, the life and paintings of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the lives and books of English writers Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë. Their arts, and their lives, were all haunted by a violent rupture in childhood, just like Eric Schweig’s masks, acting and life.

In one of her book, Allison Lurie explain how this haunting occurs:  when a childhood ends too soon and abruptly (violence, incest, adoption, death of a parent, foster care, war, etc.), a portion of itself did not leave the child gently and naturally, but instead is violently pushed to hide inside. This part of childhood is thereby forever preserved unchanged. It can stay there forever. But in the case of artists, this hidden inner child is always looking to express himself through artworks. We then see appears, in these creations and artists’lives, a characteristic combination of innocence, magnetic personality, fragility, idealism, deep sensitivity, depth, sadness, mystery, rebellion, love and fierce independence of mind. In light of the information currently available about Eric Schweig, I think it’s safe to say that these qualities describe him particularly well.

I also think that Frida Kahlo would have certainly loved Eric Schweig passionately, that Tarkovsky would certainly have hired him to play the lead role in his legendary film Stalker, that the Bronte sisters would have definitely adopted him as a brother… and that Vincent van Gogh would surely have wanted to share his studio with him. Well, if Vincent would not be interested, I am.

Eric Schweig in “The Broken Chain” (1993)

The Broken Chain is an American historical drama, produced in 1993 for television by Lamont Johnson. In this film, Eric Schweig took the leading role for the first time in his career, playing the famous Iroquois Chief Joseph Brandt / Thayendanegea. At his side, we find Pierce Brosnan (Sir William Johnson, New York’s agent to the Iroquois for the British Empire), Wes Studi (Seth, Chief and Speaker for the Tribes), Buffy Sainte-Marie (Gesina, Seth’s Wife and Head of the Mother’s Council), JC White Shirt (Lohaheo, Thayendanegea’s friend and brother in battle), Elaine Bilstad (Catherine, Gesina’s granddaughter and Thayendanegea’s first love), Graham Greene (two brief and silent appearances as the spirit of The Peace Maker). The story is set in the 18th century. While the Revolutionary War rages, two Iroquois brothers battle with settlers moving into new territory. Joseph Brant / Thayendanegea, a young Mohawk warrior, fought valiantly to drive the French out of America. He is thus noticed by Sir William Johnson, who sent him in an English school. But Joseph’s new allegiance to the British Empire will pose serious problems on his return to his tribe.

Eric Schweig starts the film with a voiceover narration, describing a brief history of the Six Nations of the Iroquois League and their “Great Peace” (which inspired the political model of the United States). Nathan Lee embodies Joseph Brant for these first chapters showing the teenage years of the future Iroquois leader. Eric Schweig appears later in the film, at the Battle of Fort Carillon.

Pierce Brosnan and Eric Schweig in “The Broken Chain” (1993)

This role as a warrior was perfectly fits for Eric Schweig’s stature, but it did not offer him many opportunities to develop his character. Therefore, Eric Schweig keeps his famous fierce and impenetrable facial expression almost throughout the entire film. There are other problems regarding direction of actors in this movie: Pierce Brosnan and Buffy Sainte-Marie accentuates their acting sometimes way too much.

Eric Schweig in “The Broken Chain” (1993)

Still, Eric Schweig has some intimate moments in The Broken Chain where he can play in a more nuanced way. I’m thinking especially of the two dialogues with Buffy Sainte-Marie, the one where Joseph asks for Catherine’s hand, and the one where, after suffering Catherine’s refusal, he decides to leave the village, with obvious emotional pain.

It is also interesting to compare some of Eric Schweig’s lines of dialogue in The Broken Chain with some of his lines in his recent role as Bug in “Kissed by Lightning” (2009) by Mohawk artist and filmmaker Shelley Niro. In The Broken Chain, after destroying the village of a Delaware tribe, Joseph Brant brought back a captive, Peggy (Grace Renn) and he falls in love with her. In his declaration of love in the canoe that brings them back to his village, when he said “I want you to be happy, I want to make you happy,” I heard in my head the same sentence said by Eric Schweig in Niro’s film. The comparison shows the enormous progress made by the actor since his beginning.

The unusual element of the film is the prosthesis on Eric Schweig’s forehead during the second part of The Broken Chain. Iroquois men were accustomed to shave their heads, but it was of course out of the question that Eric Schweig cuts his beautiful long hair for the role of Joseph Brant. The movie team therefore applied a prosthetic front on his head to give the impression that he had shaved half of his skull. The result was a disaster. Joseph Brant looks more like a Klingon from Star Trek than an Iroquois, but Eric Schweig keeps the dignity of his character in spite of this strange thing on his forehead, and even managed to move us in his speech at the end of the film, when Brandt admits his mistake in giving his trust to the English who have betrayed and abandoned his people.

Eric Schweig as Joseph Brant in “Canada: A People’s History” television serie (2000)

In conclusion, The Broken Chain is not a bad film, even if not the best of Eric Schweig’s movies. The sets and costumes are correct, editing and cinematography are classic and well done, the story is well told and puts forward the views and values of First Nations (especially the Iroquois matriarchy), so, for these reasons, the film deserves to be watched with attention. Interestingly, Eric Schweig again embodied Joseph Brant on the screen seven years later (although very briefly), this time in the television series Canada: A People’s History (2000).

“The Broken Chain” (1993)

“The Broken Chain” (1993) – Behind the scene (Eric Schweig and Buffy Sainte-Marie)

Eric Schweig in “The Broken Chain” (1993)

Eric Schweig in “The Broken Chain” (1993)

Eric Schweig in “The Broken Chain” (1993)

Eric Schweig- interview “The Broken Chain” (1993)

The Broken Chain

1993

Director: Lamont Johnson

Writer: Earl W. Wallace

Actors: Eric Schweig, Pierce Brosnan, Wes Studi, Buffy Sainte-Marie, J.C. White Shirt, Elaine Bilstad, Graham Greene.

Eric Schweig presenting one of his adoption masks at the 1999 Great Mohican Gathering © SusanH1042 (Photographer) June 1999

I think it is particularly interesting that Eric Schweig, an actor, is also involved in the creation of masks. Since the dawn of time, the mask is a strange and remarkable object of metamorphosis, both related to shamanism and acting. Whether in ancient rituals or theatrical catharsis, the mask, in its strange fixity of expression, is a medium of an unexpected truth dramatically revealed. It is the perfect vehicle for identity’s alteration.

As an Inuit child adopted by a Caucasian family, Eric Schweig has been in search of his identity for a long time. In a white family, he was confronted very early to his difference. Therefore, I am not surprised that he later sought his inner landmarks in the incarnation of different characters in movies, and in the creation of masks.

Yup'ik mask ceremonial, Nunivak 1929

Eric Schweig masks show the influence of traditional Inuit Spirit Masks, with an exuberant aesthetic, great audacity and beauty. They are all absolutely fascinating. Made of carved wood or bone, sometimes painted and assembled, these Inuit masks, often decorated with feathers or fur, tells a particular story, a transcendental journey unique and specific. With their expressive originality, these masks reflect the idea of ​​perpetual transformation, a concept central to Inuit cosmology.

Left: Eric Schweig Spirit Mask / Right: Alaska Sugpiaq mask, 19th century.

In the light of all statements made by Eric Schweig during his career, I also observe the expression of a great emotional pain in some of his masks called «Adoption masks» or «Inuit Man Screaming » which are inspired by Indonesian masks. I also see in these particular works a clear affiliation with the renowned painting by Edvard Munch “The Scream”.

Left: "The Scream" by Edvard Munch / Right: "Inuit Man Screaming" mask by Eric Schweig.

In the painting of Edvard Munch and some «adoption masks» made by Eric Schweig, the opposition of warm colours (red, orange) and cold colours (blue or black) can be highly symbolic. Warm colours evoke fire, blood and life, cold colours symbolize death, emptiness and anguish. In both works, the curves are strongly drawn around the mouth as a network of energy. The scream distorts the outlines of each artwork and becomes almost audible to the viewer. The two artworks show the tremendous force of an inner turmoil, like the physical embodiment of an existential crisis.

Left: Eric Schweig around 20 / Right: Inuit Mask, Point Hope Alaska, early 19th century © Studio R. Asselberghs and Frédéric Dehaen Brussels.

It seems also interesting to note that this actor and creator of masks was first noticed for his unique beautiful face, showing features like if they have been cut with a knife. And the fierce fixity of Eric Schweig expression in his early films was not without causing the same fascination than a mask. Later, the actor seems to have felt more comfortable to play with different expressions, but each time, the power of his facial architecture has always made me think of Inuit masks. The actor and the mask become united…

Left: Eric Schweig in Arbor Live / Right: Inuit Mask, Yukon, 19th century.

About Eric Schweig masks:

http://www.mohicanpress.com/eric_schweig_gallery.html

About Inuit masks:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masks_among_Eskimo_peoples

http://zigs-zarts.blogspot.com/2010/09/les-masques-inuit.html

About “The Scream” by Edvard Munch (in French):

http://histoiredesartsrombas.blogspot.com/2008/11/le-cri-edvard-munch.html

http://fr.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061208111712AAcE2Gk

Eric Schweig and Jennifer Nichole Porter in "Mr. Barrington" (2003)

Mr. Barrington is a dramatic thriller directed by Dana Packard, starring Jennifer Nichole Porter, Brian McCardie and Eric Schweig. The film centers around the lives of Lila, an acutely agoraphobic poet going through a bout of writer’s block, and her husband, Samuel, who is only vaguely aware of his wife’s psychological troubles. When Lila hears a noise coming from her front porch one morning, her subsequent investigation reveals Mr. Barrington, a charming and oddly familiar man atop an old-fashioned bicycle. Lila becomes obsessed with Mr. Barrington’s increasingly surreal visits, and her mental health deteriorates even further. Unable to continue ignoring Lila’s problems, Samuel pays a visit to the dreary orphanage where Lila was raised as a child. Once there, the convent director reluctantly reveals a shocking piece of history.

Eric Schweig in "Mr. Barrington" (2003)

Mr. Barrington is a strange, touching and very personal film that I found very interesting. The three main actors are truly excellent. My only downside about this is that Jennifer Nichole Porter is playing so well the child inside of her character that it removes almost completely the real woman on the screen. She speaks, moves and reacts just like a frightened child of 10 years.

Eric Schweig and Jennifer Nichole Porter in "Mr. Barrington" (2003)

Consequently, even if Eric Schweig is perfect in the role of the tender and loving husband, one really wonders where is this woman he loves so much in the film. All expressions of affection between the spouses are also deliberately deprived of any sensuality during the film, as if the director wanted to make sure that we see the wounded and vulnerable child in Lila’s adult body. The process is so extreme that the marital relationship between Lila and Samuel appeared to me very unlikely. The “woman Lila” appears to us only at the end of the film, when she finally tells Samuel the drama of her childhood.

Eric Schweig in "Mr. Barrington" (2003)

Besides the two main characters (Lila and Mr. Barrington) that are particularly cryptic and intense, the character played by Eric Schweig appears quite realistic. Samuel is a carpenter and worked in a small sawmill, where other workers despise him. Perhaps because of his artistic talent? Samuel has a passion for drawing. During his breaks, he drew Lila’s face endlessly in his sketchbook, as if he was trying to penetrate the secrets of his wife’s thoughts through each pencil stroke. Poor Samuel, he is very lonely between his wife who is lost in her imaginary world, and his colleagues who ostracize him.

Eric Schweig and Jennifer Nichole Porter in "Mr. Barrington" (2003)

Eric Schweig in "Mr. Barrington" (2003)

Samuel is a sweet and gentle giant, full of compassion, carefully holding a wounded bird in his hand (by the way, the credits of the film begins on an old engraving of St. Francis of Assisi surrounded by birds…). Samuel tries to understand the mental trouble of his wife with all his love, without ever losing contact with reality, but also without escaping a deep sadness in front of the growing pain of Lila. The kind of deep sadness Eric Schweig excels particularly well to express in his films. But rest assured, Samuel’s steadfast love for Lila overcomes Mr. Barrington…

Eric Schweig and Jennifer Nichole Porter in "Mr. Barrington" (2003)

Mr. Barrington

2003

Director: Dana Packard

Writer: Jennifer Nichole Porter

Stars: Jennifer Nichole Porter, Eric Schweig and Brian McCardie

Interview with Dana Packard and Jennifer Nichole Porter :

http://newenglandfilm.com/news/archives/03july/barrington.htm

© Beth Allan - www.flickr.com/photos/_eurotrash

An article published in April 1993 in the newspaper Inuvik Drum reports the testimony of Eric Schweig about one of his dreams:

« Schweig said he had a strange feeling that he might never meet his mother after a dream he had when he was 18. In the dream he was walking towards a house where he could see a woman that he knew was his mother, but when he was 5 feet from the open door it slammed shut. “I was crying when I woke up…it was so vivid”, Schweig said. » This dream always comes back to my mind when I think of Eric Schweig, and is one of his revelations that touched me the most.

Dreams are an important part of my life, I make so much of them that it is as if I had a parallel life each night. However, none of my dreams has this premonitory power manifested in the dream of the Inuit actor. Indeed, the article in Inuvik Drum also reported this event:« One day in Vancouver, where [Eric Schweig] now lives, he met Willie Thrasher on the street. The two got talking and before long Schweig realized he must be related to Thrasher. He said Thrasher hooked him up with his Aunt Agnes in Williams Lake, B.C. in the hopes of finding his mother. But three days later, his birth mother died and he was too late. »

If this article is true, this is a very sad tragedy. Just as in his dream, Eric Schweig was so close to find his biological mother, but death locked her insurmountable door on Margaret Thrasher only a few days before Eric Schweig had the opportunity to see her.

Dreams have always played an important part in the lives of Inuit. I hope that Eric Schweig has made happier dreams about his mother after that event. And I wonder if our loved ones can visit us in our dreams. Maybe. I once dreamed of my brother who died before my birth. I miss him all my life, but this very special dream where I met him was so full of love and happiness, I woke up with tears…of joy. It was really as intense as if I had met him in person, in real life. I wish Eric Schweig, and all those who have lost someone dear to their heart, to dream often of their loved one, and to be filled with infinite love and consolation.

Inuvik Drum web site :

http://www.nnsl.com/inuvik/inuvik.html

ICE magazine, Autumn Vol. 3, No. 4, 1995

I am looking for a much larger picture of this ICE cover with Eric Schweig! If you have one, please send it to fannypage@hotmail.ca. Thank you for helping me improve this fanpage dedicated to Eric Schweig !

Urban NDN, January 2009 © Aaron Pierre - www.aaronpierre.com

Eric Schweig and Roseanne Supernault – “Maïna”  (2013) © Caperaa Obscura Production.

In the province of Quebec, during Fall 2011 and Spring 2012, Eric Schweig plays one of the main characters for the new movie Maïna, a sensual story of a spiritual journey a young woman undertakes in the Great North 3,500 years ago. The script is directly inspired by Dominique Demers novel Maïna.

Roseanne Supernault, Ipellie Ootoova, Uapshkuss Thernish and Eric Schweig – “Maïna”  (2013) © Caperaa Obscura Production.

Maïna is the daughter of the Innu leader Mishtenapuu, who attends a bloody confrontation between his clan and the clan of “Men of the Land of Ice.” Following this confrontation, Maïna chooses a mission that will change her life. To fulfill the promise that she has made to her friend Matsii on her deathbed, she embarked on the trail of their enemies to deliver Nipki, a 11 year old boy that the Inuit have captured. But she was also taken as prisoner by Natak, the leader of the Inuit group, and forcibly taken to the Land of Ice.

Eric Schweig – “Maina” (2013) © Caperaa Obscura Production

The big-screen Quebec film Maïna moved into production in Kuujjuaq in May 2012. “Planning the film’s segments in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, on Quebec’s north shore, and in Kuujjuaq, proved to be a cross-cultural experience that everyone involved in the film embraced”, says producer Yves Fortin.

Behind the scene at Chute Manitou – “Maïna” (2013)  © Caperaa Obscura Production.

Director Michel Poulette from Productions Nuit Blanche, and Danny Bergeron from the Canadian production company Wizzfilms, argue that this production is a first film collaboration between white, Innu and Inuit. The Innu, through their leader Jean-Charles Piétacho and Innu Council of Ekuanitshit (Mingan), as well as the Inuit, through the leader Pita Aatami, President of Makivik Corporation, decided to support the project to the point of becoming co-producers.

Scheduled for release in 2013, most likely in the spring, the French subtitled version of Maïna will be distributed by Equinoxe in Quebec and possibly in France, and its English subtitled version will be distributed by Union Picture in Canada and, if all goes well, in the United States as well.

Behind the scene in Kuujjuak with Eric Schweig  – “Maïna” © Caperaa Obscura Production.

Cast: Roseanne Supernault (Maïna), Tantoo Cardinal, Graham Greene, Eric Schweig, Ipellie Ootoova and Uapshkuss Thernish.

More photos on Flickr

Source : La Presse, Nunatsiaq Online

Eric Schweig – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

The 1994 Disney movie Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale, starring native actors Adam Beach and Eric Schweig, tells the 17^th Century story of a high-born Indian warrior from a tribe on the Atlantic coast of North America, who has been taken to England against his will. He finally gets back; only to find his people decimated by a plague and English people living in what was once his home. He’s faced with the choice of joining another tribe in their attack on the Pilgrims or trying to make peace between the two sides.

In this film, Eric Schweig plays the secondary role of Epenow, the unfortunate companion of Squanto. If the main character played by Adam Beach is a likeable young man, impulsive and naive, Schweig’s Epenow is more mature and cunning; he carefully observes his enemy and constantly thinking of ways to take revenge on them.

Epenow appears after the first fifteen minutes of the film, when he finds himself tied up with Squanto to the bottom of a ship’s hold of the English, who kidnapped them from their villages. If the first words exchanged between the two protagonists suggest they are from rival tribes, they rapidly became accomplices against their captors.

Michael Gambon, Eric Schweig and Adam Beach  – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Arrived in Plymouth in England, the two prisoners find suddenly themselves in a theatre. Squanto is thrown into the arena with a bear to entertain the crowd, but he managed to make a diversion and escapes with Epenow. In the wild ride that follows through the streets of Plymouth, Epenow injured his leg and ordered Squanto to flee without him.

After this separation, the experiences of the two protagonists with the English prove diametrically opposed. Squanto was rescued, cared for, housed and integrated into a community of peaceful monks, while Epenow is again captured by the English soldiers, who treat him like a zoo animal. Epenow does not yet let down. He watches and listens and he finally learns the language of his jailers. Seeing how they are greedy, treacherous and contemptuous, he tells them that there’s gold – lots of gold – in his village in America. This is obviously a lie, but Epenow thus succeeded in convincing them to take him home.

Eric Schweig – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Learning the departure of a boat to New England, the monks develop a plan to enable Squanto to stow away and thus regain his native village. Epenow and Squanto then find themselves on the same ship that brings them back to North America, but Squanto has changed: he learned to forgive from the monks, while Epenow is still burning to avenge the evil that the English have done to his people.

Adam Beach, Nathaniel Parker and Eric Schweig – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

The boat finally arrives on the shores of America, near the village of Epenow. During the celebration that follows the reunion of the warrior with his village, the tension is high and one feels that something is up. During the night, Squanto wakes with a start: he discovers that the tribe of Epenow set fire to the boat while the English crew was asleep inside. Disgusted by this horrible revenge, Squanto confronts Epenow. Unabated, the latter invited him to go to his own village to see what the English have done. So Squanto hand for his village. Upon arrival, he discovers a scene of desolation: everything is destroyed, there is no one left. Epenow was right and Squanto, now frantic with grief, decides to turn for revenge.

It will be the nearby colony, being built by new English settlers that will untie the story. Lurking in the woods, Squanto discovers Epenow and his warriors hiding in front of the colony. The attack is imminent, but Squanto takes a new decision. He gets up and walks disarmed between the settlers and Epenow’s warriors, pleading for peace once and for all. Unfortunately, the young son of Epenow charge anyway, and a colon fires on him. It is now the doctor of the colony who walks disarmed between the settlers and the warriors, to offer assistance and treat the wounded. Epenow, consumed by anger and fear of losing his son, launches this threat to the doctor: if his son dies, all the settlers would be killed.

Adam Beach and Eric Schweig – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Fortunately, thanks to the good care of the doctor, the good care of the medicine-man of the tribe, the prayers of the colonists and the songs of Epenow’s people, the young man healed, and peace between the English and the Indians is finally concluded.

Eric Schweig, Leroy Peltier and Adam Beach – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

If the story is improbable, costumes and native music are just as unlikely. What are these rags?? What are these songs??? To play his character, Eric Schweig is often decked with feathers and flashy trinkets that seem to make him really uncomfortable. Moreover, in this Manichean opposition of good and evil / forgiveness and revenge, the characters are so pushed to caricature that they become ludicrous at times.

Eric Schweig – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Eric Schweig’s  good interpretation of his character is all in the suppressed anger, from the beginning to the end, except for a rare and touching moment of tenderness when Epenow finds that his injured son is finally out of danger and he kisses him on the forehead. But every time I see the movie, I cannot conclude with certainty whether Eric-Epenow’s rage is for his enemies the English, or for his strange feather ornaments

Eric Schweig and Adam Beach – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale

1994

Director: Xavier Koller

Writer: Darlene Craviotto

Stars: Adam Beach, Eric Schweig, Mandy Patinkin, Michael Gimbon,  Nathaniel Parker.

Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale  in Black and White

Eric Schweig – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Eric Schweig and Adam Beach – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Adam Beach and Eric Schweig – “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” (1994)

Eric Schweig’s definition of success is dealing with immediate issues, i.e. “if someone is hungry – feed them; if someone is homeless – find them housing.”

Eric points out that we are all humans and our natural instincts are to help others. His message is: “We are all connected so do whatever you can do.” ((Eric Schweig, SAY, 2012)

The film Big Eden (2000) by Thomas Bezucha is a wonderful film, which address the themes of love and homosexuality through tolerance, acceptance, kindness, friendship, humor and tenderness. Big Eden was a breakthrough film that finally depicted gay men of all shapes, sizes, and ages navigating the treacherous waters of love just like regular folks, with no over-the-top drama or any other stereotypically “gay” details thrown in just for laughs. It won awards in several gay and lesbian film festivals, and was nominated for best limited release film at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2002.

The film stars Arye Gross as Henry Hart, a successful, but lonely gay artist from New York City, who returns to his rural hometown in Montana, to care for his ailing grandfather, Sam Hart (George Coe). Henry is welcomed back by the townsfolk, all of whom are aware of his sexuality and are highly accepting and even supportive towards him (the film’s plot and dialogue is notably devoid of homophobic content). While at home, Henry is forced to confront his unresolved feelings for high school friend Dean Stewart (Tim DeKay), while simultaneously beginning to fall in love with Pike Dexter (Eric Schweig), the shy Native American owner of the Big Eden’s general store.

Eric Schweig won the Grand Jury Award Outfest as Outstanding Actor for his role as Pike Dexter in Big Eden. He appears on the screen fifteen minutes after the beginning of the film, when Henry, accompanied by his aunt, the angelic Grace Cornwell (Louise Fletcher) goes to the general store. Grace wishes to consult Pike for finding a solution regarding Sam’s meals, who returns from the hospital following a heart attack, and Henry’s meals, who do not cook at all. Pike proposes to ask the old widow Thayer (Nan Martin) to cook for them, but Grace insists that Pike should deliver the meals every day. Pike is a gentle being, a quiet and lonely man, which feels much better at home with his dog instead of being in the midst of the mob. He is also obviously very troubled by the presence of Henry, but he accepts to help Grace.

O’Neil Compton and Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

As the meals prepared by the widow Thayer are hardly appetizing, Pike decides to secretly cook better meals for Henry and his grandfather, and began to study some cookbooks with great application. At each delivery, Pike surreptitiously replaces the meals cooked by the widow Thayer for his own meals, much to the delight of Henry and Sam. Through his visits, Pike becomes more and more in love with Henry, but he seems so tormented by his feelings that the villagers give him support: the widow Thayer, who discovered his shenanigans and was touched by his dedication to Henry, as well as the old bunch of cowboys who used to hang out at the general store, come to help Pike to cook his sophisticated and elaborate recipes for Henry.

Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

Nan Martin and Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

Because of his shyness and feelings, Pike always refuses Henry’s invitations to stay for dinner when delivering the meals at their home. But one day, while Sam is in bed, Henry really begs Pike to stay with him and keep him company. During dessert, Pike discovers one of the paintings of Henry in the next room. The work represents the stars of the Pleiades and Pike suddenly unravels; he starts telling an Onondaga myth associated with this constellation. This myth is about children exiled in heaven and transformed into stars, children which still remember their hometown and the unconditional love of their parents. So, they sometimes return to earth to see them again, as shooting stars. Henry is deeply touched by this story, which resembles his own exile in New York as well as the unconditional acceptance of his homosexuality expressed by his grandfather and all the other folks of Big Eden. Henry seems then to discover his emerging feelings for Pike, and the two heroes will open themselves gradually to love, but not without struggling first with their own fears.

Eric Schweig and Arye Gross – Big Eden (2000)

Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

The love and support that every inhabitant of Big Eden are sharing with other community members remind us that family ties, friendship, love, and especially the acceptance of others, transcend the barriers of generations, cultures and sexual inclinations. These unilateral tolerance and benevolence unfortunately do not exist in reality, but making them as credible and beautiful on the screen, Thomas Bezucha really makes us wish to become better human beings.

Arye Gross and Eric Schweig – Big Eden (2000)

Dialogues, photography, screenplay, editing, casting and actor’s performances in this film are really great, but Eric Schweig steals the movie. His shyness and yearning for Henry is so heartfelt that we sincerely hoped to see him capture Henry’s affection.

Big Eden

2000

Director:  Thomas Bezucha

Writer: Thomas Bezucha

Stars:  Arye Gross, Eric Schweig, Tim DeKay, Louise Fletcher, George Coe

Awards

-2001 Cleveland International Film Festival Best Film and Best American Independent Feature Film (Bezucha)

-2001 Florida Film Festival Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature (Bezucha)

-2000 L.A. Outfest Audience Award for Outstanding Narrative Feature (Bezucha) and Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film (Schweig)

-2001 Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Jury Award for Best Fiction Feature (Bezucha)

-2000 San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Audience Award for Best Feature (Bezucha)

-2000 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Audience Award for Favorite Narrative Feature (Bezucha)

-2001 Toronto Inside Out Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival for Best Feature Film or Video (Bezucha)

Big Eden Official web site

Cooking with the Movies

‘If I had any advice for young people, it would be to find out whatever it is you love to do, and do it, and don’t let anybody derail you from what you want to do. Just look inside your hearth, and find out what it is, and go after it. And do it until your dead.’ ((Eric Schweig, Blackstone Cycle, 2011)

‘I was homeless when I was a kid. I walked the streets with holes in my shoes and I stood in line at soup kitchens. I lived in hostels and I was an alcoholic until 14 years ago. I never met my biological mother. I was adopted at six months of age. My mother died of alcoholism and she was homeless as well. I also am an adult survivor of abuse by my adoptive parents.

Now I am an outreach worker. I am a resource assistant for youth, I work in the street. I started volunteering with Resource Assistance for Youth—RaY Inc., and they hired me to work with them. I now work with homeless people in Winnipeg, Manitoba—we feed them and clothe them. I work with sex trade workers and I try to hook them up with agencies that can help them. I don’t just talk about it, I do it.’ (Eric Schweig, Indian Country, 2012)

Nathaniel Arcand and Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2011)

I do not like violence, or corruption, or abuse of power, or sexual exploitation of women. Unfortunately, the excellent TV series Blackstone is filled by them wall to wall, showing with lots of drama the darker side of a First Nations reserve. For that reason, I was unable to remain faithful to the show until the end of the second season. Blackstone season 3, which is going to be the most provocative yet, will be released in Fall 2013 on the Canadian television network APTN.

Eric Schweig in Blackstone First Season (2011)

Eric Schweig and Michelle Trush – Blackstone (2011)

Intense, compelling and confrontational, Blackstone is an unmuted exploration of power, politics and relationships on the fictional Blackstone First Nation. This original TV series is unlike any other show on the air today. Entertaining and informative, Blackstone is a story of hope and reconciliation in its portrayal of Native people fighting for better lives – on and off the reserve. To date, Blackstone has won 20 awards and received 49 award nominations, including three nominations at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards.

Eric Schweig in Blackstone First Season (2011)

Blackstone tackles very crudely current problems experienced on a reserve, with a cast of native actors perfectly talented and effective: Carmen Moore, Eric Schweig, Michelle Thrush, Nathaniel Arcand, Steven Cree Molison, Andrea Menard, Ray G. Thunderchild, Justin Rain, Ashley Callingbull, Tantoo Cardinal, Roseanne Supernault, Bernard Starlight, Georgina Lightning, Michelle Latimer, Garry Farmer. Eric Schweig plays the role of a villain, Andy Fraser, Chief of Blackstone. The Fraser family has controlled Blackstone for decades and Andy is the latest Chief in this legacy of nepotism and corruption. Savvy and manipulative, he extorts the members of the Nation and funnels reserve money into his own projects. When Chief Fraser isn’t able to charm a situation in his favor, he quickly turns to intimidation and threats.

Eric Schweig as Andy Fraser – Blackstone (2011)

Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2012)

The first Season of Blackstone won two Gemini Awards, and garnered two wins at the 2011 Leo Awards and three wins at the 2011 Alberta Film and Television Awards. Unfolding over nine one-hour episodes, the first Season presents Blackstone First Nation suffering disintegration by its own hand – the result of the corruption of its Chief and Council. From within the community, a new generation of leaders rise up and fight hard to create lasting and substantial change.

Eric Schweig and Carmen Moore – Blackstone (2011)

Eric Schweig and Justin Rain – Blackstone (2011)

If the second season of Blackstone were to be summarized in one sentence, it would be this: The stories could have been ripped right from real-life news headlines. Story lines in Season 2 include mismanagement of band funding, missing Aboriginal women, foster care, and toxic water on the reserve – all of which parallel real-life social issues facing many First Nations today. The second season of Blackstone has made a tremendous impact among television audiences with its intense, compelling and confrontational content. It has also generated significant acclaim among media from coast to coast.

Michelle Thrush and Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2011)

The character played by Eric Schweig in Blackstone, Andy Fraser, shows a selfish, contradictory and dangerous mind. He cheats on his wife (Andrea Menard), he murders his mistress, he corrupts democracy, he takes care of his father (Ray G. Thunderchild), which has diabetes, but at the same time he hates him. This dysfunctional father-son relationship is at the heart of Andy’s behavior, which degenerates slowly into a true psychopath, haunted by the ghost of his deceased father. In fact, the spirits of the deads occur regularly in Blackstone, to confront the protagonists to their worst inner demons.

Ray G. Thunderchild and Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2012)

Ray G. Thunderchild and Eric Shweig – Blackstone (2012)

Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2012)

Eric Schweig -Blackstone (2012)

Eric Schweig gives a perfectly convincing interpretation of Andy Fraser, a negative leader that we love to hate. For this role, he was nominated for Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series at the Leo Awards in 2011.

Much of the action of Blackstone is shot on hand-held cameras. Although this choice helps accentuate the nervous style of acting, it is unfortunately the main fault of the show. In fact, ALL scenes are filmed in hand-held camera with continuous zoom-in zoom-out, mostly unjustified. These random maneuvers come to dilute the intensity of the interpretation of the actors rather than magnify them. Despite this problem, since Blackstone series first hit the airwaves in January 2011, it has consistently ranked as one of APTN’s top-rated and most popular programs.  Here is what some of them have to say about Blackstone:

“Addiction, foster care, missing women – dire subjects all, and all equally ignored in Canadian drama programming. Thankfully there is at least one homemade drama that’s willing to tackle the issues facing aboriginal Canadians, as Blackstone returns for its second season.” – National Post.

“Blackstone is a portrayal of struggle — the struggle between life and the reality of circumstance. The drama, set upon the fictional Blackstone Nation, is particularly relevant in a time when images of the Attawapiskat and Hobbema reserves are difficult to escape.” – Vancouver Observer

“Blackstone is an important and timely series that tackles real-life issues relevant to First Nations today – topics like water problems, foster care, missing women, and addiction.” – Channel Canada

“With a raw, unflinching look at life on a Native Canadian reserve, Blackstone boasts performances and characters usually reserved for networks like FX and HBO and series like Rescue Me and The Shield.” – TVguide.ca

“It’s pretty raw at times… It’s like the Canadian and the First Nations version of The Wire in a sense that it’s painting a really raw image of what life could be like.” – George Stroumbouloulos Tonight

Blackstone

2011-2013

Director:  Ron E. Scott

Writer: Ron E. Scott

Stars:  Carmen Moore, Eric Schweig, Michelle Thrush, Nathaniel Arcand, Steven Cree Molison, Andrea Menard, Ray G. Thunderchild.

http://www.blackstonetheseries.com
http://www.blackstonefirstnation.com

Blackstone in Black and White

Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2011)

Justin Rain and Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2011)

Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2011)

Steven Cree Molison and Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2011)

Steven Cree Molison and Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2011)

Eric Schweig – Blackstone (2012)

Blackstone behind the scene

Eric Schweig, Ray G. Thunderchild and Steven Cree Molison – Blackstone (2011)

Eric Schweig and Andrea Menard – Blackstone (2012)

Awards

WINNER – GEMINI AWARDS
Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role
Best Achievement in Main Title Design
3 NOMINATIONS

WINNER – LEO AWARDS
Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series
Best Screenwriting in a Drama
5 NOMINATIONS

WINNER – AFTA
Best Actress
Best Screenwriter Drama Over 30
Best Production Reflecting Cultural Diversity
9 NOMINATIONS

WINNER – AFTA
Best Dramatic Production Under 60
Best Director
Best Actress
Best Screenwriter Drama Over 30
Best Production Reflecting Cultural Diversity
9 NOMINATIONS

WINNER – American Indian Film Festival (San Francisco)
Best Supporting Actress
4 NOMINATIONS

Eric Schweig and Zachary Bennett – By Way of the Stars (1992)

By Way of the Stars is an action/adventure television mini-series co-produced in 1992 by Sullivan Entertainment and German Beta-Taurus Kirch Group, that begins in 19th century Prussia, then travels through post-U.S. Civil War Charleston to the ‘Canadas’ and the West. Set in 1865, the story is about a thirteen-year-old boy from Prussia, named Lukas (Zachary Bennett), who moves to America to escape family problems and a dangerous enemy. Along his journey he meets a young girl named Ursula (Gema Zamprogna) and the two children struggle to survive the difficult frontier lifestyle. The six-hour mini-series is based on a popular German children’s novel called “The Long Journey of Lukas B.”

Eric Schweig – By Way of the Stars (1992)

There are many characters in this series, and Eric Schweig plays the role of one of them, Black Thunder, a Native American who comes to the rescue of the young Lukas a few times. He appears at the end of the fifth episode and remains on the screen until the end of the sixth episode. Other excellent actors I greatly appreciate have also a small role in By Way of the Stars: Gordon Tootoosis (Cree Chief), the wonderfull Tantoo Cardinal (Françoise) and Michelle St. John (White Feather).

Eric Schweig – By Way of the Stars (1992)

Eric Schweig – By Way of the Stars (1992)

In 1992, Eric Schweig is 25 and also participates in the filming of The Last of the Mohicans where he plays the role of Uncas, that made him famous. Fortunately, the character of Black Thunder allows him to experience his natural talent as an actor with more dialogues and interactions that the role of Uncas allowed him. Black Thunder is a young warrior in full possession of his faculties, which clearly expresses his contempt for the White People, yet without letting his feelings blind him regarding the very special character of the young Lukas. Indeed this is thanks to the support of Black Thunder that Lukas finally finds his father after his long and perilous journey.

Zachary Bennett, Eric Schweig – By Way of the Stars (1992)

Eric Schweig – By Way of the Stars (1992)

By Way of the Stars

1992

Series Directed by Allan King   (6 episodes)

Stars: Zachary Bennett, Gema Zamprogna, Michael Mahonen, Tantoo Cardinal, Albert Miller, Eric Schweig, Gordon Tootoosis, Michelle St-John, Jan Rubes, Dominique Sanda and many more.

Awards

2 Gemini Nominations – Best Direction in a Series (Allan King), Best Original Music Score for a Series, 1993

Bronze Plaque Award – Columbus International Film Festival, 1993 (U.S.)

© Simon Tookoome

I am skeptical by nature, but I keep an open mind. This is not because something is unlikely that it is impossible. Astrology? Although its relevance seems very unlikely, it is perhaps not impossible. Then, as we have entered lately the sign of Gemini, and since Eric Schweig was born under this sign of the zodiac (June 19), why not investigate?

I have four very good friends for more than twenty years, and two of them are Gemini. Although they are very different personalities, they have rather striking common traits, which I found in the descriptions below. Perhaps these descriptions of Gemini will help us learn more about the famous Inuit actor… or not

Geminis are said to have a dual nature, as symbolized by twins. This duality also represents exchange and interaction. Key traits of Gemini are the following: Communication, Socialization and Adaptability. The sign of Gemini is thought to be very adaptable and flexible, sometimes to the point of “being” two different personalities.

People who are born within 21 May – 20 June have this sign. Some famous Gemini celebrities: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Marilyn Monroe, Paul McCartney, Josephine Baker, Paul Gauguin, Sir Lawrence Oliver, John F. Kennedy, Johnny Depp, Anne Frank, Prince, Dean Martin, Naomi Campbell, Queen Victoria, Judy Garland, Bob Dylan, Boy George, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, M.C. Esher.

Have you ever heard of the phrase, two sides of the same coin? If yes, then it would come in handy while you attempt to understand a Gemini guy, for guys born under this zodiac sign have dual and sometimes even multiple personalities to them. They have a mystic quality to their being which is difficult to trace from far. Only when you get close to a Gemini would you understand his different traits and characteristics. Gemini men love to make friends and get well with almost everyone. But they have a tendency of moving over old friends to make newer ones. This is due to their constant need for discovering new and latest things.

http://www.thefamouspeople.com/gemini-men.php

Gemini’s zodiac symbol is the twins, but maybe a butterfly would be more appropriate. Until they are done living, at least, both Gemini and this beautifully winged insect are impossible to pin down. Gemini gets a thrill out of meeting new people, gathering information about them, and spreading it around. Yes, it’s true this sign has a reputation for being a bit of a two-timer, because Gemini is the very embodiment of duality.

http://www.drlauraberman.com/relationships/mens-horoscopes/gemini-man-horoscope

Gemini, the sign of the Twins, is dual-natured, elusive, complex and contradictory. On the one hand it produces the virtue of versatility, and on the other the vices of two-facedness and flightiness. The sign is linked with Mercury, the planet of childhood and youth, and its subjects tend to have the graces and faults of the young. Like children they are lively, and happy, if circumstances are right for them, or egocentric, imaginative and restless. They take up new activities enthusiastically but lack application, constantly needing new interests, flitting from project to project as apparently purposelessly as a butterfly dancing from flower to flower.

Their good qualities are attractive and come easily to them. They are affectionate, courteous, kind, generous, and thoughtful towards the poor and suffering – provided none of the activities resulting from expressing these traits interferes too greatly with their own lives and comforts.

http://www.astrology-online.com/gemini.htm

If you’re born between the 13th and the 21st of June, the influence of Aquarius and the unpredictable planet Uranus has a sway over your life and your temperament. You are spontaneous in many areas of your life and like to explore the unknown. Your life will swing from the positive to the negative so you must be prepared for some turbulent times in your life. At least you’ll never be bored with the challenges that are presented to you, and as you grow older and develop more wisdom, you’re likely to be regarded as someone with extraordinary knowledge and a capacity to help those around you. Your path is one of compassion and humanitarianism. 

http://www.astrology.com.au/astrology/12-signs-of-the-zodiac/gemini.html

A Gemini male has a dual nature, which can get extended to three-four different personalities too. His typical personality traits include friendliness, love for people and getting along with almost everyone. He can talk on any topic under the sun, is an excellent conversationalist and has a witty nature. More often than not, he becomes the life of a party.

Gemini men have a personal side, which they will never share with anyone, not even with their lover. However, his basic nature includes a sharing attitude, in case of money, knowledge, happiness and almost everything.

A Gemini guy loves an audience, whether it comprises of males or females. Don’t try to bind Gemini men too much and let them have their independence and freedom. In return, they will do the same for you.

http://www.iloveindia.com/astrology/sun-signs/gemini/man.html

Gemini are extremely independent. They will not be pinned down by anyone or any rules. They need to experience the world on their own. Change and freedom are extremely important to Gemini, they will never let anyone dictate them, they are extremely independent and freedom is essential to their mental well being.

Gemini makes very interesting and exciting friends. They like to leave their mark on everyone they meet. They are very flighty and will disappear for a long time as they meet new friends and explore new places. But when they come back, they will have new thoughts, opinions and interesting things to share and ideas to teach. Life is very interesting and fun with a Gemini friend. They are very generous with their friends, they will spend lots of time with you and share everything with you. Even though Gemini is a social butterfly, they always need time for themselves and that should be respected.

http://zodiac-signs-astrology.com/zodiac-signs/gemini.htm

Gemini people have a vivacious, restless and anxious nature. This is the sign of the Twins, and all born in it have two distinct and pronounced natures—one very low and one very high. There is only one thing for a Gemini person to do, and that is to first realize his dual nature and then go to work with a grim determination to kill the lower or base nature. It can be done, and when accomplished, the Gemini man or woman rises to the very highest success and happiness.

You will find you have two minds all the time in intense action; one says do this and the other says do that. You want to travel and you want to stay at home; you want to work like a demon, and you want to be as lazy and indolent as a drone. Always restless, always anxious and apprehensive, and yet at times very calm. This restless, nervous temperament is due to fear and doubt, and must be supplanted by courage and hope and faith. As a matter of fact, there is no person who can do more and achieve greater success than you can if you will only understand how favorably you are born and your great and wonderful forces of the unseen world which are always ready to help you, if you will only give these powers half a chance.

You can amass great wealth, have perfect health, and permanent happiness the very moment you begin to live in your higher nature. Worry, discontent, complaining and murmuring will keep you in darkness and misery.

Above all things be truthful and avoid making extravagant statements or narrating exploits in which you were the central figure; in plain English, don’t be an egotist. In India many of the great seers, sages, Yogis and adepts came out of this sign. The Gemini person is naturally very magnetic and has wonderful hypnotic and clairvoyant powers. Some of the greatest philosophers and prophets of the world were born in this sign.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/astro/hba/hba09.htm

Alien © H. R. Giger

Several years ago, in the days when I was still using the internet social network Myspace, I stumbled upon the personal page of Eric Schweig. There he shared regularly his thoughts and strong opinions with his Myspace friends (over 5000, if my memory is correct), as well as photographs of his activities and interests (This page has been closed since).

What I was most surprised to discover when I found this Myspace page, was the background image chosen by Schweig: a work of the Swiss surrealist painter H.R. Giger representing the predatory beast Alien, the most famous of Giger’s creations. It seems like Schweig have seen “Alien” (1979), the science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, in 9th or 10th grade during the Christmas holidays, and he would have loved very much the highly aggressive extraterrestrial creature born from the hands of Giger.

H. R. Giger most distinctive stylistic innovation as an artist is that of a representation of human bodies and machines in a cold, interconnected relationship, he described as “biomechanical”. Giger suffers from night terrors and his paintings are all to some extent inspired by his experiences with that particular sleep disorder. He studied interior and industrial design at the School of Commercial Art in Zurich (from 1962 to 1965) and made his first paintings as a means of art therapy.

Giger made several conceptual paintings of the adult Alien before crafting the final version for the film. He sculpted the creature’s body using plasticine, incorporating pieces such as vertebrae from snakes and cooling tubes from a Rolls-Royce. His design for Alien earned him an Oscar in 1980. Alien has been referred to as “one of the most iconic movie monsters in film history”. The film has continued to receive critical praise over the years, particularly for its realism and unique environment. Critics have also analyzed Alien‘s strong Freudian sexual overtones. On one level it’s about parasitism and disease, on another level the Alien’s phallic head and method of killing the crew members create a strong sexual imagery. That did not stop Eric Schweig to tattoo a representation of Alien on his right arm, in addition to the beautiful vampire/demon woman on his left arm.

Sources about Alien and Giger : Wikipédia.