Kevin Costner's Best 2000s Western Was a Hit Unlike Horizon's Disappointing Flop

Kevin Costner’s project titled “Horizon: An American Saga” is a grand endeavor for the actor-director, as it seems his finest film of the 2000s was laying the groundwork for the kind of narrative he intended to explore. Throughout his career, Costner has been strongly associated with the Western genre. His breakthrough role was in “Silverado,” he earned Oscars for directing his first film “Dances with Wolves,” portrayed Old West legend Wyatt Earp, and even starred in the modern Western television series “Yellowstone.

An American Saga,” Costner had previously achieved a similar narrative feat decades ago.

Open Range Was Kevin Costner’s Best Movie Of The 2000s

Costner Directed And Starred In The 2003 Western

2003 saw the release of “Open Range,” a Western film that found Kevin Costner, whose career was experiencing a lull at the time, delivering his finest work from the 2000s. Not only did Costner serve as the director, but he also starred in the movie, portraying Boss Spearman, a cattle herder, and Charley, his former gunslinger partner. In this film, they find themselves embroiled in a conflict with a merciless landowner (played by Michael Gambon) over grazing rights.

During the release of the film, Costner was still recognized as a significant figure in Hollywood, but a string of less successful movies had caused him to lose some ground in his A-list position. Particularly, his previous directorial project, the dystopian adventure film The Postman, was met with negative reviews and failed at the box office. However, Open Range proved to be a sort of resurgence for Costner, as the movie grossed approximately $70 million globally on a production budget of around $20 million (according to Box Office Mojo), and it also garnered a Rotten Tomatoes score of 79%.

The film served to highlight both Costner’s enduring appeal as an actor and his exceptional directing skills, even though Duvall was given more prominent roles. It offered a captivating portrayal of the frontier, complete with breathtaking landscapes and intense gunfights. Not only does it rank among Costner’s top films of the 2000s, but also stands out as his finest Western directorial effort.

Open Range Feels Like A Spiritual Predecessor To Horizon: An American Saga

Costner’s Movies Deal With The Same Perspective Of This Time In American History

Even though Open Range was made over 20 years ago, it can be seen as a forerunner to Costner’s subsequent directorial work, Horizon: An American Saga. Both films are set in a comparable time period of the American West, with around three decades separating their primary narratives. While Horizon follows various storylines in different regions, Arizona being the main one, it also features stories set in Montana, similar to Open Range.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but notice the striking similarity between Kevin Costner’s directorial masterpieces, “Open Range” and “Horizon: An American Saga”. This visual harmony is a testament to Costner’s unique eye as a filmmaker. His deep-rooted love for the untamed American frontier is beautifully reflected in the cinematography, where breathtaking shots capture the vast, unending expanse of land – a sight that would soon be conquered and transformed forever. The tranquility that pervades these scenes effortlessly encapsulates the Western ethos that binds these two films together.

Costner’s approach to these films involves narrating tales that depict a harmonious equilibrium between the alluring expanse of the American wilderness and the harsh, violent nature of life during this era. The movies illustrate how violence serves as a means to establish dominance or seek vengeance. For instance, in ‘Open Range’, Michael Gambon’s ruthless land baron uses murderous tactics, while in ‘Horizon: An American Saga’, the Sykes brothers embark on a quest for revenge.

Similarly, Costner’s hero character in both films underscores the importance of being prepared for violence in a perilous world, as Charley Waite from “Open Range” and Hayes Ellison from “Horizon” are men who aren’t seeking conflict but are always ready to defend themselves.

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Couldn’t Match Open Range’s Success

Costner’s Ambitious Western Was A Box Office And Critical Disappointment

Despite Kevin Costner anticipating that “Horizon: An American Saga” would mirror the success of his earlier film, “Open Range,” in the 2000s, the movie unfortunately shared more similarities with his prior disappointment, “The Postman.” Financed largely by Costner himself, the film’s worldwide box office earnings of less than $40 million were a significant setback for the actor (as reported by Box Office Mojo). The critical response to the film only heightened the disillusionment, as “Horizon” garnered just 51% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Although both projects share some commonalities, it’s clear that Open Range has proven to be the more successful one. Here are a few factors contributing to this: While Costner’s directorial skills in Horizon were commended, the storyline was often criticized for having too many interwoven plots and an inconclusive ending, making it challenging for viewers to fully engage with. Although Costner seemed to have grander ideas for these narratives, some critics felt that the movie came off as more of a precursor to a television series rather than a standalone film.

In my opinion, “Open Range” offers a more intimate take on the classic Western genre. Instead of an epic saga with numerous protagonists, it centers around a select few characters, providing ample opportunity for viewers to engage deeply with them without feeling overloaded by too many personalities.

Additionally, this compact narrative delivers a straightforward plotline that avoids unnecessary complexity. This simplicity allows the story to be effectively resolved in a way that leaves audiences content and fulfilled.

It’s tough not to consider the stories connected with these two films. When “Open Range” premiered, there were doubts about whether Costner could still excel as a director. However, once the reviews rolled in and the film enjoyed a successful box office debut, the discussion about the movie shifted to how “Open Range” represented a triumphant return for Costner on the big screen.

Initially, Costner’s participation in “Horizon: An American Saga” was met with controversy. Some people viewed his decision to finance the film himself as risky and potentially disastrous, sparking interest among spectators hoping for its downfall. Furthermore, Costner’s departure from “Yellowstone” to work on “Horizon” caused upset among some fans who felt he had abandoned the cherished series. Consequently, the film received mixed reviews and a weak box office debut, leading many to brand “Horizon: An American Saga” as a flop.

2025-05-18 23:04

Kevin Costner’s Best 2000s Western Was a Hit Unlike Horizon’s Disappointing Flop