MovieChat Forums > Under the Banner of Heaven (2022) Discussion > Thoughts on Jeb Pyre?

Thoughts on Jeb Pyre?

posted 2 years ago by MNRebecca (769)
8 replies | jump to latest

The creators of this miniseries chose to present the material in Jon Krakauer‘s nonfiction book through the fictional narrative of a law enforcement investigator, Detective Pyre. Thoughts? I lived in Provo from 1985 to 1989 as a gentile attending BYU. I went there already knowing much of what Jeb discovers during the course of his investigation (in part from my study of the work of the Tanners). The brightest Mormons seemed not to believe much of their church’s history or doctrine. They saw Mormonism as an admirable culture or lifestyle in which to live and raise a family.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

he seemed brainwashed.

[–] MNRebecca (769) 2 years ago

I would say under-informed. My question is, is he a typical representation of 1985 Mormons? How informed are the LDS now (hello, Internet!)? Does it make a difference? Being informed?

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

for a cop seemed blissfully unaware of the flds and their treatment of women. the native american cop was fully aware.

[–] MNRebecca (769) 2 years ago

Do you think the creators of the mini series did that on purpose? Made Jeb seem ineffective as a shot at Mormons?

[–] Checkman (29) 2 years ago

I think they wanted him to seem like a small-town naive officer who had never worked a murder much less one that called his faith into question. I am not Mormon, but I grew up in Eastern Idaho in the Eighties. The Mormons were the clear majority then and everyday life was dominated by the church. I was 16 when the murders occurred, and I recall many of my Mormon friends having a hard time with the killers being not only family members to the victims but Mormons. They couldn't believe that Mormons were capable of such things. I believe that is what the writers were showing.

[–] roreyking (592) 2 years ago

Jeb makes the Mormons look bad - are you kidding? He represents the decent Mormons - a loving family man and a sane contrast to the violent Laffertys. Casting the sympathetic Andrew Garfield in the part was a smart move.

[–] MNRebecca (769) 2 years ago

I’m not sure I’m following you, Roreyking. Are you saying most Mormons would identify with Jeb and assert that he is an accurate representation of what they were like in 1985?

[–] roreyking (592) 2 years ago