- A determined, solitary cowboy features in Kevin Costner's latest Western film.
Persistence is Key. For around three decades, Costner has been yearning to create a Western, yet no financiers were interested. The project, a four-part series titled "Horizon," totals 12 hours and Costner is now producing it himself. He's taken a significant financial risk, probably even relinquishing his prominent role in the popular Western series "Yellowstone" to make this happen.
"Wanna know if I'm persistent?"
Why would a renowned actor risk his personal fortune on a project that no investor believed in, and potentially abandon his cherished "Yellowstone" role? During an interview with dpa, Costner poses a question in return. "Wanna know if I'm persistent?" And without a doubt, Costner is persistent. Moreover, he's deeply invested in his vision.
"I don't lose hope in what I feel is a sound idea," he explains. "So, if I come across or develop something I think is good, I never give up on it, even if it's not fashionable, even if it's not the most popular form of film."
"Horizon's" Concept
So, what inspires "Horizon"? The film is structured as a historical depiction of the American West. Costner aims to depict the array of individuals who shaped the USA as we know it today. "That's the American story, encapsulated in an entertaining film," is his description.
The first part, set during the beginning of the Civil War in 1861 in New Mexico, narrates the narrative of white settlers moving onto Apache land as they voyage west. The Apaches resist this intrusion. Various storylines and a large ensemble of characters are presented.
Kevin Costner as the Silent Outlaw
Costner plays the solitary cowboy Hayes Ellison. He's a reclusive loner seeking solitude, but keeps being drawn into conflicts. Coincidentally, Costner has had this role in his dreams for so long that he even named his now 15-year-old son Hayes Costner after it.
Sienna Miller also stars in a prominent role. She portrays a nurturing pioneer who follows her husband to the "Horizon settlement" and raises her children alone after a brutal attack by the natives.
Regarding the indigenous population in the first part of "Horizon," several critics have criticized their portrayal as mainly aggressors. There's some truth to this, especially considering Costner's efforts to avoid stereotypes about natives in his 1990 directorial debut "Dances with Wolves."
Therefore, it's likely that the role of the indigenous population, including actors Owen Crow Shoe and Tatanka Means, will evolve in the subsequent three parts of "Horizon."
"Horizon" vs. "Dances with Wolves"
"Dances with Wolves" garnered seven Oscars in 1991. It's natural to compare it to "Horizon," but the similarities are hard to find. While "Horizon" shares the same epoch and showcases stunning, expansive landscapes, it's not about a single protagonist's personal drama. Instead, it seems like Costner is revisiting vintage Western storytelling themes and characters in "Horizon." Settler groups, natives, soldiers, cowboys, outlaws, and prostitutes all feature. The first duel isn't far off.
It's premature to pass judgment based on the first part of "Horizon." Many ideas are hinted at but not fully explored. It's almost as if the film is merely a preface to what's still to come.
Visually, "Horizon" is already appealing. The narrative is accompanied by breathtaking images: table mountains, red rocks, rivers, and endless fields are beautifully captured in panoramic shots.
It's evident from the outset: Costner adores the Western genre. Before "Horizon," he last directed the Western "Open Range" (2003). And of course, "Yellowstone": Since 2018, Costner has portrayed a leading role in the critically acclaimed Western series by director Taylor Sheridan. After a few smaller films, the project aided Costner's comeback. Fans adored his portrayal of the seemingly toxic yet somehow lovable family patriarch.
Saying Goodbye to "Yellowstone"
But he's now bidding farewell to his "Yellowstone" role as ranch owner John Dutton. In a June Instagram video, Costner announced that he wouldn't be returning to "Yellowstone," also promoting his new film. Certainly, the massive success of "Yellowstone" aids Costner in marketing his own Western project.
"I felt like this belongs in a theater," Costner says in an interview, expressing his ardor for his passion project. "That's why I was determined to create it. I believe it's highly original and emotionally compelling."
It seems like Costner is indifferent to "Horizon's" reception. After his remarkable success with "Dances with Wolves" and legendary roles in "The Untouchables," "The Bodyguard," or recently "Yellowstone," the Oscar winner has little left to prove. He's simply following his heart.
"Despite facing numerous challenges in securing funding for his vision, Costner remained determined to bring 'Horizon' to life in the United States of America."
"Set in the American West, 'Horizon' aims to tell the story of various individuals who played a significant role in shaping the USA as we know it today."
