In the 1990s, Kevin Costner's filmography served as a textbook example of a grand Hollywood star and accomplished director whose career was nearly wrecked by an excess of ego and megalomania, culminating in the disastrous The Postman. However, this humbling experience proved to be a valuable lesson, allowing Costner to return six years later as the director, producer, and star of "Open Range," a film that, in many ways, marked a return to his roots and is widely considered one of the finest westerns of the 21st century.
Open Range is based on the 1990 novel Open Range Men by Lauran Paine. The film follows the story of a group of free grazers, led by Boss Spearman (played by Robert Duvall) and his longtime friend Charley Waite (played by Kevin Costner), who are, while coming to a small town for supplies, confronted by a ruthless cattle baron, Denton Baxter (played by Michael Gambon), and his henchmen. As the conflict escalates, Charley and Boss must defend their way of life and protect their friends from Baxter's violent attempts to drive them off the open range.
The phrase "old school" best describes Open Range. Costner pays homage to the grand westerns of the past, exploring universal themes of good versus evil and the taming of the Wild West through the inevitable progress of civilization, embodied by the film's villain. However, the film also delves into the internal struggles of the protagonists, portraying them as people who dislike killing but are willing to do so when circumstances demand it.
Shot in the Canadian wilderness, Open Range strives for realism in its depiction of the Old West. Cinematographer J. Michael Muro, a long-term collaborator of James Cameron, makes his debut and successfully reconstructs the era, with the protagonists looking like people who haven't had a proper bath or shave in months, just as cattle drovers of the period would have appeared. The final shootout scene is a prime example of Costner's commitment to realism. Directing in wide shots, he allows the audience to clearly understand the events unfolding on screen. This scene received high praise not only from film scholars and critics but also from firearms enthusiasts for its authenticity and effectiveness.
Costner's humility is evident in his decision to give Robert Duvall top billing, despite being the film's star. Duvall, a celebrated veteran of Hollywood, delivers a performance reminiscent of his acclaimed role in the TV miniseries Lonesome Dove. Costner also shines in his complex portrayal of Charley Waite, a man haunted by his past. The romantic subplot introduces a middle-aged but still attractive spinster, played by Annette Benning, as Charley's love interest, adding a touch of realism to the film's relationships. Michael Gambon, on the other hand, portrays a rather uninteresting villain, a role he has played numerous times throughout his long career. The film's musical score, composed by Michael Kamen, is adequate but forgettable.
Open Range received mostly positive reviews and turned a profit at the box office, thanks largely to the North American audience. However, the film struggled to repeat the same success among global audience, illustrating the challenges westerns face in the 21st century in terms of international appeal."
Open Range is a well-made, high-quality film that should be recommended to all western enthusiasts. It marks a triumphant return for Kevin Costner, who has learned from his past mistakes and delivered a film that pays homage to the genre while offering a fresh perspective on the struggles of those who tamed the Wild West.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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