- He ventured his wealth on producing the film.
In his first entry of the Western series "Horizon," cinematographic icon Kevin Costner (69) realizes a cherished endeavor he's been nurturing since the late '80s. Mainstream American studios declined to sponsor his Western vision, so Costner personally sunk at least $38 million into the project.
In "Horizon," Costner takes on leading roles, directing, producing, and co-writing the script. The narrative centers on pioneering white settlers venturing westwards in 1861, intruding upon Apache territory and encountering fierce resistance. Meanwhile, a lonesome cowboy portrayed by Costner clashes with a rogue gang and must traverse the wilderness alongside an enigmatic woman and a helpless child, while survivors of a vicious Apache massacre plot their revenge, triggering an unending cycle of violence.
During an interview with news outlet Spot on News, Costner explains why he risked his own resources on "Horizon" and addresses the criticism directed at his production. The esteemed Western actor also ponders how he would have navigated those times.
The adage in moviemaking is 'Never invest your own funds into a project.' Evidently, you ignored that counsel. Why did you ignore it?
Costner: Conventional wisdom suggests not to invest in films. That's a time-honored tenet, I presume. Yet, what if everyone's incorrect? To me, that's a simple response.
Nowadays, films rely heavily on computer-generated imagery for effects like animals and flames. You forewent that technique in "Horizon." Instead, the cast physically navigated the terrain showed in the film.
Costner: Indeed, they were there.
Why did you opt out of using CGI in place of those scenarios?
Costner: It felt right because those landscapes remain intact. We know in our hearts that those places remain unchanged. Where we filmed, it's not a theme park. Those events truly unfolded. The land dictated our movements and determined the suitable times. The land served as both an ally and a dangerous obstacle.
The reception for "Horizon" has been mixed, containing both positive and negative criticism. Have you encountered this adverse publicity and do you scrutinize such reviews?
Costner: I usually don't read them. I recognize that some viewers may have been confused by the film, as I've tried to explain that it forms part of a four-part series and that the first installment sets the stage for the latter three. But my clarifications may only go so far.
I don't anticipate the film's success to determine its completion square. I am committed to finishing the project once the fourth film is produced, and each film's tension persists while also preparing for the following installment. The complete narrative will make more sense when viewed as a set. I have faith in the whole narrative and invest ample time in crafting each chapter.
Beyond guiding "Horizon," you also star as one of the prominent characters. Who is Hayes?
Costner: Hayes is a typical cowboy from the Old West, making a living from his horse. His only belongings consist of a saddle, blankets, saddlebags, and his attire. Some may see him as romantic, but he was merely a worker. He earned his living by tending to horses, rounding up cattle, and could be hired for various tasks.
However, Hayes also harbors a violent past. The hardships of living in the West could encourage the worst in some individuals.
What Western abilities do you possess, what cowboy skills can you claim?
Costner: I could excel as a professional cowboy, but not a rodeo cowboy. I fall short compared to the professionals. Some individuals perceive me as an exceptional rider, and I'll accept the compliment. Nonetheless, I don't consider myself a remarkable rider in the presence of a gifted horseman.
Costner, in response to the criticism about investing his own funds into "Horizon", explains, "What if everyone's incorrect? To me, that's a simple response."
Regarding the use of computer-generated imagery in "Horizon", Costner states, "It felt right because those landscapes remain intact. We know in our hearts that those places remain unchanged."
