In our view, 'Dead Man' focuses on surreal, character-driven storytelling rather than checking identity boxes or elevating characters based on social categories. No evidence of narrative being sacrificed for forced representation or thematic identity pushes, even as it features an outsider as protagonist and a Native American character played with some nuance for the era.

The film depicts a bleak, poetic vision of the American frontier but does not overtly attack or satirize traditional values. While Western myths are deconstructed, it’s rooted in existential themes rather than aiming to undermine faith, family, or masculinity.

Alternative worldviews are present, note the complex spiritual journey, clashing cultures, and multifaceted characters. There’s no obvious ideological preaching or one-note villainization of traditional perspectives. The story is ambiguous and allows for debate rather than moralizing.