Before Yellowstone: Kevin Costner Redefined the Western With This 79% RT Classic
Kevin Costner’s Forgotten Masterpiece: The Western That Paved the Way for Yellowstone
In 2018, Kevin Costner experienced a major career resurgence when he stepped into the role of John Dutton in Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone. The neo-Western hit became a cultural juggernaut, re-establishing Costner as one of the genre’s most enduring icons. But decades before Yellowstone, Costner had already proven his deep connection to the Old West with films like Dances with Wolves and Silverado. Among those efforts lies a hidden gem—one of his most underrated films to date: 2003’s Open Range.
Costner’s Rise and Western Roots
Costner’s career began gaining momentum in the 1980s with critically acclaimed films like The Untouchables, Field of Dreams, and JFK. By the early ’90s, he was one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, a position that allowed him to take creative control as both a director and producer.
His 1990 directorial debut, Dances with Wolves, earned massive acclaim and box office success, taking home seven Academy Awards and grossing over $400 million worldwide. It established Costner not just as a leading man, but as a serious filmmaker—especially in the Western space. His follow-up Western, Wyatt Earp, failed to find the same success, suffering in the shadow of Tombstone, but Costner’s commitment to the genre never wavered.
Open Range – The Western That Should Have Been a Classic
In 2003, Costner returned to the director’s chair and starred alongside Robert Duvall in Open Range, a grounded and powerful Western that’s often overlooked despite being one of the best of its era.
The story follows four cattlemen—Boss Spearman (Duvall), Charley Waite (Costner), the young Button, and Mose—who traverse the Montana frontier driving their herd. When they arrive near the small town of Harmonville, things take a dark turn. After Mose is jailed and later killed by the local lawman and his employer, the corrupt rancher Denton Baxter, Charley and Boss are forced into a deadly conflict. What begins as a cattle run becomes a personal quest for justice and survival.
Costner infuses the film with a quiet intensity, building toward one of the most memorable shootouts in modern Westerns. But it’s not just about bullets—the emotional depth, camaraderie, and subtle romance between Charley and Sue Barlow (Annette Bening) bring warmth to the narrative.
A Cowboy Film That Honors the Genre’s Heart
What sets Open Range apart from many modern Westerns is its authenticity. Rather than focusing on bounty hunters or lawmen, the story centers around real cowboys—cattle drivers who are often forgotten in favor of more action-heavy roles. These men aren’t drawn to violence, but when pushed, they defend their own with resolve and honor.
The shootout in Open Range is also notable for its realism. Characters miss shots, reload under pressure, and take damage. Costner combines wide angles, shaky cam, and slow-motion moments to deliver a visceral yet grounded battle scene—one that stands among the best in Western cinema.
Romantic and Revisionist – A Rare Balance
While Open Range uses revisionist elements, it also evokes the spirit of classic romantic Westerns, inspired by the novels of Lauran Paine. It’s not just about revenge; it’s about finding purpose and peace in a harsh world. As Charley Waite finds love, and both he and Boss Spearman glimpse the possibility of a life beyond conflict, the film transcends the gritty tropes of its contemporaries.
In an era dominated by hyper-violent Westerns like Tombstone or bleak revisionist tales like 3:10 to Yuma, Open Range offers something different—a hopeful vision of the West. Costner captures the beauty of the landscape, the power of friendship, and the humanity behind the gunslingers.
Carrying the Torch of the American West
Since Open Range, Costner has continued to champion Western storytelling. From his Emmy-winning turn in Hatfields & McCoys to producing and narrating the documentary Kevin Costner’s The West, his passion is unwavering. Most recently, he embarked on Horizon: An American Saga, an ambitious multi-part Western saga aiming to revive the grandeur of classic epics.
While debates about the Western genre’s relevance continue, there’s no question that filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino (The Hateful Eight), James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma), and Sheridan (Yellowstone) have kept it alive in new forms. Yet it’s Open Range that quietly stands as one of the 21st century’s most definitive cowboy tales.
Costner may have found new fans through Yellowstone, but for those who want to see the heart of his Western legacy, Open Range is the film to revisit.
