Why Kevin Costner Keeps Making Westerns: A More Relatable Reason Than You Might Imagine
Kevin Costner’s latest directorial venture, “Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1,” is an ambitious exploration of 1860s Arizona boomtowns. Spanning 181 minutes, it’s intended to be the first of four interconnected epics featuring a star-studded cast, including Sam Worthington, Sienna Miller, and Michael Rooker, with Costner himself portraying Hays Ellison, a horse trader with a complex past.
Despite its grand vision, critical reception for “Horizon Part 1” has been mixed, with reviewers noting its sprawling nature as a hindrance to a cohesive narrative. While the cinematography is praised for its beauty, the film has been described as slow and meandering. The production of the first two parts cost around $100 million, with Costner investing $39 million of his own funds. However, the film’s domestic box office return of just $29 million led New Line Cinema to remove “Part 2” from its release schedule, and there are currently no plans for its debut.
Costner’s affinity for Westerns is well-established, dating back to his role in “Silverado” in 1985, and extending through his directorial debut, “Dances with Wolves,” in 1990, as well as “Wyatt Earp” in 1994 and “Open Range” in 2003. His involvement in the successful TV series “Yellowstone” further cements his connection to the genre.
In a recent episode of “Popcorn with Peter Travers,” covered by ABC News, Costner shared insights about his career and the appeal of Westerns. He humorously cited his dislike for neckties, explaining that he finds big city roles, which often require formal attire, less engaging and comfortable than those set in the beautiful American landscape.
Travers pointed out that Costner’s career is filled with outdoor filming locations, prompting the actor to reflect on his preference for natural settings. Costner stated, “I don’t like doing movies with ties. I’m just not as comfortable in the city. I realize I have a great job that takes me around the world, but when I’m out in the West, I wake up every morning and that’s my office.”
For Costner, filmmaking is a rewarding experience beyond box office results. He values the joy of creating films and the experiences he gains, regardless of their commercial success. He emphasized, “There are two things for me in this business: the movie I make and the experience I have. I don’t let box office performance diminish my experience.”
Thus, even if “Horizon” didn’t resonate with audiences, Costner likely views it as a worthwhile endeavor, bolstered by the success of “Yellowstone.”
