Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” at Cannes: A Neo-Classical Western Attempt
Arriving amidst the art smorgasbord of the Cannes Film Festival, a three-hour Western directed by Kevin Costner seemed like ideal counterprogramming. Known for his grandly scaled Hollywood pieces like “Dances with Wolves” and “Open Range,” Costner’s latest film, “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,” aimed to deliver a traditional yet fresh take on the genre.
Setting and Atmosphere
Set in 1859, the movie spans territories from Wyoming to Kansas, with breathtaking mesa backdrops reminiscent of Monument Valley. The score by John Debney evokes 1950s Western sentimentality, even during intense moments. The film delves into the violent interactions between settlers and Indigenous tribes, addressing themes historically marred by racism in American Westerns. However, “Horizon” strives to avoid this pitfall, albeit with some challenges in handling Native issues.
Narrative Structure
Unlike the mythic, rounded storytelling of classic Westerns, “Horizon” unfolds as a series of anecdotes, cross-cutting among characters and situations. This skittery overview requires the audience to piece together backstories, leading to a fragmented narrative.
Character Dynamics
Costner himself doesn’t appear until an hour into the film, playing Hayes Ellison, a gruff horse trader. His presence offers some grounding in an otherwise directionless plot. The film’s ensemble cast includes Sienna Miller as Frances Kittredge and Isabelle Fuhrman as her daughter, Diamond, who face an Apache raid early on, adding tension but lacking context for their plight.
Depiction of Native Characters
The Native characters are portrayed with nuance, avoiding simplistic enemy stereotypes. However, two key speeches by an Apache war chief and a U.S. cavalry officer highlight the inevitability of settler dominance, reflecting a deterministic view that feels prematurely conclusive for 1859.
Supporting Cast and Subplots
The film features various subplots, including Abbey Lee as Marigold, a prostitute caring for the illegitimate son of Lucy (Jena Malone), and the Proctors, an English couple on a wagon trail. These characters, while intriguing, feel underdeveloped and disconnected.
Future of the Saga (Cannes)
“Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” feels more like a setup for a TV series than a standalone film. Its shapeless script, written by Costner and Jon Baird, stacks stories without weaving them into a cohesive narrative. Future chapters are planned, but whether they can redeem the fragmented start remains uncertain.
Conclusion
“Horizon” attempts to nudge the Western genre away from outdated clichés, but its execution leaves much to be desired. The film’s ambitious yet convoluted narrative and lack of impactful storytelling make it feel like a prelude rather than a complete work. As the saga unfolds in subsequent chapters, audiences can only hope for a more cohesive and engaging continuation.
Key Points:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | 1859, Wyoming to Kansas |
| Music | 1950s-style score by John Debney |
| Themes | Settler-Indigenous violence, nuanced portrayal of Native characters |
| Main Cast | Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Isabelle Fuhrman, Abbey Lee, Jena Malone |
| Narrative Style | Anecdotal, fragmented, setup for future chapters |
| Challenges | Shapeless script, underdeveloped characters, lack of cohesive storytelling |
Kevin Costner’s latest directorial effort premiered at Cannes with high expectations, but “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” leaves audiences waiting for a more impactful and complete narrative in its forthcoming chapters.
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