Geography
World Regional Geography
This document was last updated on 08 May 2000. (Ver. 1.3)
Lesson Plan concept © Greg Nelson
Geography Lesson Plans
Geography in Films : Milagro Bean Film War
Based on the film The Milagro Bean Field War © 1988. Director : Robert Redford.
Location
The story, based on John Nichols' novel, takes place in and around Milagro, New Mexico. Some parts of the story take place in the state capital, Santa Fe. These are examples of absolute location because they can be found on a map (have latitude and longitude). The relative location is the southwestern part of the United States. Milagro and Santa Fe are relative to each other in direction and distance. The exact words needed to describe these two places are difficult to list as Milagro is a fictitious place. However, some of the filming took place in and around the community of Truchas, which is, in fact, approximately 25 miles (40 km) north northeast of Santa Fe.
The characters came from a number of places. Many of the locals are lifetime residents of Milagro. Other places where characters originate include : Governor Clark -> Santa Fe, Charlie Bloom (newspaper editor / owner) -> San Juan, Herbie Platt (graduate school field researcher) -> NYU Department of Sociology; Ladd Devine (land developer) -> an undisclosed city.
Of course, the filming and production of the movie could also be mentioned here as integral to the story. See the description of the movie for discussion of the theme: Why?
Place
Features relate to physical place geography. This place is hot and dusty. There is insufficient rainfall (Koppen B climate zone). The issue of agriculture water rights vs urbanization is primary to the story as examples of human place. The population is low density. There are many older people in Milagro, but not many children are seen. The town is dying. Physical and cultural characteristics are further demonstrated in ways the characters handle themselves in a crisis situation. See the Main Plot for this. Special features of place are illustrated in visual and aural ways : the stark beauty of the land, the dust, brilliant sun, and the plaintive accordion music all contribute to the sense of place.
HEI
Without human intervention, cultivation and harvesting of crops in this area would be severely curtailed. Irrigation literally brings life to Milagro through its bean fields. As is the case for so many rural communities, farming and livestock form the economic backbone of the community. There are few economic options until the land developers arrive. With the development of Devine's Miracle Valley Recreation Area, the land, vegetation and life in the area change dramatically. Jobs are more readily available. However, huge amounts of water are diverted from the fields to supply water for the golf course, the nearby condos, hotel and casino. The landscape is changing forever. This is a real issue in parts of the desert southwest. Harm de Blij warns us of impending water wars in our own country if we don't plan well and learn to share. Robert Redford chose this topic carefully. Characters adapt to the dry environment by conserving water for humans, animals and crops. The point is obvious that the new residents of Devine's complex will enjoy an entirely different life style. We must consider the question 'whose life style best fits the local environment?' That is already a critical issue throughout the nation and around the world. The local residents are very reluctant to change their values and lifestyle because it is comfortable (or at least, familiar). A minority of Milagro residents support Devine's development because they will have a steady income. Economics drives much rural development in marginal communities. This is as true in New Mexico as in Nebraska or Israel. Without water, old Milagro will cease to exist. It is a well known fact that 'water flows uphill to money.' Whether this is the time or place for Milagro's residents is the fundamental question.
Movement
Without movement, this story goes no where. There are abundant examples of movement : physical process, people, products and ideas. Examples include wind and water erosion as seen in the harsh southwestern environment, plus the villagers moving around and exchanging ideas, the Devine development organization introducing new ideas and jobs, the local farmers and livestock people in transition, the eastern sociology student with his tape recorder, and the newspaper owner who publishes local news. Those who have lived outside of the Milagro area bring alternate ideas, some of which are not well received by the locals. Cultural infusion (introducing exotic ideas) is an important part of the story.
Regions
Events such as marginal farming (beans) and ranching (goats and cattle), land development (changing the regional landscape) all contribute to a region's identity. The physical region includes rocky hills with sandy valleys and vegetation biomes. The human region includes economic activities such as dryland and irrigated farming and grazing. Devine's regional dreams include his multimillion dollar resort area, which will contribute to the economy, including his own. The characters show their connection with each other in various ways. See the Main Plot description below. Some connections are more logical, more compatible than others. Factors which determine action include economic and political decisions affecting the land. Language is influenced by non-locals who introduce new speech patterns. Religious beliefs are determined by cultural diffusion and by geographic isolation. Both physical and human characteristics of the region are in flux during the film. There is tension on the landscape. How that tension is resolved (if that really happened here) makes for a most interesting story, one from which we many learn a great deal.
Setting
The story takes place in the U.S. southwest. During the story, we learn that the name of the village is Milagro and it is located in the state of New Mexico.
Time period
This takes place during modern times (late 1980s). Notice that when a movie is made can influence the ways in which the story is told. Knowing what was going on during the time of the filming may help the viewer understand the movie maker's perspective. There is a reference to the 1960s, when people were more militant, more involved. According to one character, nowadays people don't care so much about others as then. Social and psychological issues are evident here. Is there any connection with the story and when the film was made?
Main plot
The antagonists are the land developers (Ladd Devine, the Governor and their cronies) and the poor indigenous citizens of Milagro. Devine wants to develop a world class golf course, condominium complex, and airport in the region around Milagro. The locals just want to be left alone. The old man, Amarante Cordoba, talks with the angels. His best friend is Joe Mondragon's dead father. Joe is angry at the unfair developers, kicks the irrigation gate and water starts to flow into his field. He decides not to stop the water. Later he plants and cares for his beans. The locals warn him of dire consequences but Joe persists. The Milagro locals are certainly not united. Joe's wife, Nancy, is frightened that Ladd Devine will find out that someone stole his water. Bernie Montoya, the Sheriff, is worried about how people will react. He is the peacemaker. Governor Terry Clark is mixed up in this because he is incompetent and follows the directions of Devine. Ladd's wife, Flossy Devine, is initially supportive of her husband's schemes but later says, 'Does the world need another golf course?' A young sociologist from NYU, Herbie Platt, walks into the hornet's nest and records community reactions to these events. Charlie Bloom, an ex-political activist, wants to stay out of the controversy and protect his newspaper's reputation and future. However, Ruby Archeletta gets involved and drags Charlie into supporting the local anti-developer position at a town meeting. Devine's hatchet man, Cyrill Montana, makes life unpleasant for Joe and his supporters. Montana tries to kill Joe after Amarante Cordoba is accidently shot by Joe as the old man's pig is seen in Joe's bean field. Amarante clings to life in the hospital as Montana seeks Joe, who flees into the hills. Joe is nearly shot by Montana but in a surprising turn of events, Shorty, one of Devine's employees, prevents Montana from killing Joe. Joe returns home. There is a confrontation between Montana, his deputies and the local villagers. The Governor finally intercedes and prevents bloodshed by backing down. The beans are finally harvested. Peace, at least for a while, returns to Milagro.
Major Players, their viewpoints and how they resolve problems (See above).
Evaluation of the movie
This Robert Redford movie is jam packed with examples of the five geographic themes. Besides that, it is a gorgeous little film. It has the right amount of conflict and resolution, but doesn't end with the typical Hollywood 'They all lived happily ever after' ending. The music, scenery and small rural community life are skillfully knit together by Robert Redford. This is a Must See movie.
The cast
Mario Arrambide - Carl Ruben Blades - Sheriff Bernabe Montoya Richard Bradford - Ladd Devine, Jr.
Sonia Braga - Ruby Archuleta Julie Carmen - Nancy Mondragon Robert Carricart - Coyote Angel
Freddy Fender - Mayor Sammy Canta James Gammon - Horsethief Shorty Tony Genaro - Nick Rael
Melanie Griffith - Flossie Devine Jerry Hardin - Emerson Capps John Heard - Charlie Bloom
Ronald G. Joseph - Jerry G Carlos Riquelme - Amarante Cordova Trinidad Silva - Townsperson of Milagro
Daniel Stern - Herbie Platt Chick Vennera - Joe Mondragon Christopher Walken - Kyril Montana
M. Emmet Walsh - Governor
Ruben Blades - Emmy award winning actor, narrator of NPR's Rabbit Ears Radio version of the Bible story, 'Joseph and his coat of Many Colors'. Sr. Blades was also a Presidential candidate in his native Panama.
Some parting Thoughts
As educators, we need to consider the implications of curriculum and instruction upon our students. Whether we teach elementary, high school or community college level students, the goal of providing quality instruction must be paramount among our actions. To move students to appreciate their personal and national history, we should keep two elements in mind:
Learning and reflecting upon our history can enhance one's sense of identity, of place, helping to place oneself within the context of human existance.
We should stress history's value towards citizen education. Knowing of local - national decision-making situations which repeat themselves show their value to the human condition. Equipped with the knowledge of compromise in our actions, we all become better prepared to make wise personal, social and civic decisions. (Brophy and VanSledright , pg. 261-262).
What we learn from The Milagro Bean Field War includes not only the clear fact that our physical and human resources are finite but also that thoughtful decisions must be made in allocating those resources for the greater good for the majority of citizens. Learning our geography and history brings us closer to this goal.
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