Kevin Costner: “The Script Will Guide Us”
Kevin Costner on His Love for Westerns and Directing Again
Kevin Costner: “I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the Western genre. It’s distinctly American, and I’ve never been mistaken for anything other than that. My worldview is shaped by my American identity. Influences like John Ford’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and The Searchers, as well as George Stevens, have had a significant impact on me as a filmmaker. I also owe a lot to Jim Harrison for his incredible stories and to Lawrence Kasdan, whose work was pivotal in my early career. If I ever seemed to mirror him, it was only to celebrate his craft.”
Interviewer: You also do much of your own riding, right?
Costner: (Laughs) “Absolutely! Sometimes I direct right from the saddle. It saves me from walking back and forth when I need to communicate something. I consider myself an average rider—not quite a cowboy—but I’m not afraid to get out there.”
Interviewer: Your own Westerns have had mixed receptions. After winning two Oscars for Dances with Wolves, you took a long break from directing. How does it feel to be back with Horizon?
Costner: “Honestly, I’ve often thought others could direct better than I can. But with Horizon, there was skepticism from everyone, even other directors. I first began developing this story in 1988, hoping to film it in 2003, but faced obstacles. I refused to give up. I started considering the backstory of Western towns: the indigenous people who lived there for thousands of years and the conflicts that arose in building those towns. That’s the exploration I wanted to pursue.”
Interviewer: It sounds ambitious, especially since Horizon will be a four-part saga.
Costner: “Right! I thought, ‘If they didn’t like the first one, what will they think of four?’ (Laughs) There was doubt about my ability to pull it off, but I believe the story demands it. I’ve completed the second installment and started filming the third, and now I’m figuring out the finances to finish.”
Interviewer: Investing your own money must provide creative freedom.
Costner: “It does come with some freedom, but I still have investors to consider. My responsibility is to them, and I want to ensure they see a return. I do get the final cut, which allows me to make decisions on what stays and what goes. Collaboration is key; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, even if I don’t end up using them.”
Interviewer: Taika Waititi talks about the importance of openness in creativity, even if not every idea makes it to the final cut.
Costner: “Exactly! Not every good idea fits the film. I’m not a great artist—I struggle to draw. When I try, my lines get thicker in an attempt to improve, and soon I have to scrap the whole thing. That’s how I feel about scripts; they’re our guiding principle. I work hard on them, aiming for a solid foundation before filming begins. But I also try to remain flexible, ready to explore new opportunities as they arise.”
Interviewer: It seems like a genuine approach. Is it important for you to set a good example for your kids, who are starting to work with you?
Costner: “Yes, my son is in my latest film, but I’m careful not to cast them in roles that serious actors want. Those opportunities are valuable. I want them around, though, as I miss them, so this gives us time together. My responsibility to them is lifelong, and I hope they learn from my professional conduct. They see my passion for work, and I want them to find something they love as well. Watching your child succeed is incomparable.”
