Kevin Costner’s latest film, Horizon: An American Saga, represents an ambitious chapter in his career, encapsulating the themes and narratives he’s explored throughout his extensive engagements in the Western genre. With standout performances in classics like Silverado, his Oscar-winning Dances with Wolves, and the acclaimed series Yellowstone, Costner’s identity as an actor has long been intertwined with this cinematic tradition.
Horizon: An American Saga attempts to weave a grand narrative tapestry of life on the American frontier, showcasing various characters and their tribulations. Positioned as the first entry in a planned four-part series, the film faced mixed responses at the box office and from critics, raising doubts about the future installments. Yet, this wasn’t the first time Costner faced such a scenario; he enjoyed remarkable success with a similar storyline in the past.
Open Range: A Highlight of Costner’s Career in the 2000s
Costner’s Role as Director and Actor in the 2003 Classic
Released in 2003, Open Range emerged during a period when Costner’s star power appeared to be waning. However, it stands out as his most significant film of that decade. In the movie, Costner takes on the dual role of director and lead actor, portraying Charley, a former gunslinger alongside cattle herder Boss Spearman, played by Robert Duvall. Their struggle against a menacing landowner, portrayed by Michael Gambon, sets the stage for a gripping narrative.
The film not only reinstated Costner’s status in Hollywood but also achieved considerable financial success, grossing nearly $70 million worldwide against a modest budget of just over $20 million, as reported by Box Office Mojo. It received a commendable score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, further validating its quality and appeal.
Open Range is a testament to Costner’s cinematic prowess, reminding audiences of his enduring charm as a star. His decision to position Duvall in a prominent role did not overshadow his own directorial skills, as he successfully highlighted the breathtaking landscapes of the frontier while delivering intense shootouts, making it his finest Western film to date.
A Spiritual Connection Between Open Range and Horizon: An American Saga
Shared Themes Across Costner’s Cinematic Works
Although produced over two decades apart, Open Range can be regarded as a spiritual antecedent to Horizon: An American Saga. Both films delve into the trials faced during the American West era, despite having their storylines set thirty years apart. The multifaceted narratives in Horizon, especially notable for its focus on Arizona and Montana, reflect the same thematic essence found in Open Range.
Costner’s visual storytelling style reinforces this connection, as he showcases the stark beauty of the American frontier. His films invariably capture mesmerizing landscapes as they depict the transformation faced by this untouched land. The tranquil imagery cleverly juxtaposes the harsh realities inherent in both films, echoing the timeless themes of violence and power dynamics.
Both narratives reveal how violence serves as a vehicle for asserting dominance or seeking vengeance. This is evident in the malevolent actions of Gambon’s character in Open Range and the revenge-driven motivations of the Sykes brothers in Horizon. Moreover, the protagonists, Charley and Hayes Ellison, are portrayed not as aggressors but as men who are reluctantly thrust into conflict, underscoring the necessity of violence in their perilous environments.
Challenges Faced by Horizon: An American Saga
Box Office Struggles and Mixed Reviews
While expectations rode high for Horizon: An American Saga, hoping to replicate the success of Open Range, the film ultimately faltered both at the box office and critically, echoing Costner’s prior missteps with The Postman. With Costner primarily financing the project himself, its disappointing global earnings—falling below $40 million—represented a significant setback, as reported by Box Office Mojo.
The critical consensus mirrored the audience’s lukewarm reception, with Horizon scoring merely 51% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite similar artistic aspirations, Open Range distinguished itself through its coherent storytelling, tightly focusing on a select few characters that audiences could easily connect with. In contrast, Horizon faced criticism for its convoluted narrative threads and open-ended finale, which left some viewers feeling disconnected.
The narrative surrounding the two films also influenced their reception. Upon the release of Open Range, Costner faced skepticism regarding his directorial capabilities, but positive reviews soon transformed it into a narrative of redemption. On the flip side, Horizon: sparks conversation around its controversial production, as Costner’s decision to self-fund the film and turn his back on Yellowstone incited dissatisfaction among fans.
Consequently, when the mixed reviews rolled in, combined with a tepid box office reception, Horizon: An American Saga was swiftly labeled a failure, overshadowing its maker’s aspirations for another iconic Western.