Lang Howard boldly tried to use the Apache language in the film. For this reason, Tommy Lee Jones and all actors who play Apaches must learn Chiricahua, and two of them are responsible for teaching the language. Elder Apache and a university professor who specializes in Native American languages. The actors studied for 11 weeks before the start of the film and continued to improve during filming.
Before filming the film, photographer Salvatore Todino only shot two films, "Line Change" and "Challenge Sunday", but director Howard is very optimistic about his photography style. In addition to strictly complying with Howard's requirements, photographer Todino also tried innovative viewing angles. He hopes to deal with this Western movie in a more disturbing and unconventional way. The movement and angle of the camera will make the audience feel the same, so he stays away from the standard viewing range and does not rely on the over-the-shoulder lens. He believes that the shooting style should effectively contrast the character's emotions and storyline. With the help of a camera stabilizer and a handheld camera, Todino was able to freely capture the subtle changes in the actor's performance, and Howard gave him enough room to play. When Todino had a sudden inspiration to recompose the picture, Howard would continue the scene and let him shoot.
During the filming of the film, the crew suffered from the changeable and extreme weather in New Mexico. Valles Caldera was once an important location for the film. During the two-week shooting, although it was early spring, the usual ice storms and snowstorms suddenly disappeared. Instead, the abnormal temperature rebounded and the road suddenly became muddy. Sometimes in one afternoon, the weather will change from snowy, cloudy to hail, and eventually even clear sky. During the filming of Zia Pueblo, gusts of over 65 miles per hour came unexpectedly, and the cast and crew were caught off guard.
