‘Geronimo: An American Legend’

Walter Hill’s 1993 film chooses the path of classicism to set the record straight about the implacable war leader of the Chiricahua Apache. One of the last Native American commanders to be restricted to a reservation, he escaped its confines in 1886. A handsome and respectful Western that wants simultaneously to echo and modernize the myths of the past, it is an impressive piece of work. And because “Geronimo” was more interested in demanding respect than gaining sympathy, the movie ends up being more than a little cold around the heart. Wes Studi stars in the title role with Jason Patric as Lt. U.S. Cavalry Lt. Charles Gatewood. Robert Duvall and Gene Hackman, pictured from left, round out the cast (HBO Monday at 7 a.m.).