Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, Costner’s ambitious cinematic adventure will take audiences on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 sets out to revive the grandeur of classic Westerns, embarking on a storytelling journey spread across four lengthy chapters. With the first chapter clocking in at three hours, this ambitious film by Kevin Costner aims to immerse viewers in a vast historical landscape. However, the film’s expansive scope and extended runtime are both its strength and its weakness.
The title, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, hints at the grand scale of the narrative. Much like Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, which stretches over three and a half hours, this first chapter alone spans three hours. This indicates a determined effort to create a meticulously crafted cowboy epic. The film aims to resurrect the essence of traditional Westerns with extensive world-building and classic shootout scenes, all while providing a nuanced portrayal of historical events.
The narrative endeavours to offer a balanced perspective, depicting both the European settlers and the Native Americans without fully aligning with either side. However, the primary focus remains on the white characters, with Native American characters relegated to secondary roles, often depicted as second-class citizens. This choice may seem regressive, especially in a modern context where there's a push for more inclusive and accurate representations.
The film's pacing is deliberate and, at times, ponderous. Significant time is spent on character development and environmental setup, which, while enriching the backdrop, does little to propel the narrative forward. This results in a viewing experience that can feel laborious, potentially testing the patience of the audience. The decision to span the story over four chapters may have been better suited for a television series format, allowing viewers to digest the content in more manageable segments.
Chapter 1 excels in its visual and technical execution. The film employs natural lighting and a variety of camera formats, offering different resolutions that contribute to an authentic, old-school cinematic feel. The use of practical effects over green screen technology enhances the realism, with scenes where horses react genuinely to gunshots, adding to the film's immersive quality.
Costner’s film skillfully injects tension, drawing clear lines between morally good and questionable characters. Much like the character of King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, the antagonists in this saga evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. Their despicable actions stir a sense of anger and a desire for retribution, while the protagonists' perilous situations evoke some sympathy and concern. However, the predictability of certain characters surviving against all odds can diminish the suspense, making their fates less gripping.
The first chapter concludes with a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come, attempting to hook the audience for the subsequent instalments. However, this raises the question of whether the time and effort invested in watching this film will ultimately yield a satisfying payoff. The sprawling nature of the story and the long intervals between releases could potentially deter viewers, despite the promise of an interconnected narrative that will unfold over time.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is an ambitious project that seeks to revive the traditional Western with a modern twist. Its expansive storytelling, while immersive, can feel overly drawn out, making the three-hour runtime a daunting experience for some viewers. The film's strength lies in its technical execution and ability to evoke strong emotional responses through its characters. However, the lack of substantial focus on Native American characters and the predictability of certain plot points are areas where it falls short.
Whether Kevin Costner has bitten off more than he can chew with this epic saga remains to be seen. The first chapter lays a foundation, but only time will tell if the subsequent instalments will deliver a cohesive and satisfying conclusion to this ambitious narrative.
Horizon: An American Saga is in NZ Cinemas on July 18, 2024