Open Range Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)August 22nd, 2003
Costner Feels at Home on the "Range"
by Homer Yen
(c) 2003
After walking out of "Open Range," the first feature Western film since "Unforgiven," I had to give two resounding cheers. One cheer is for the beautiful film that has been created. We see dazzling vistas of an untamed country, the beauty of America's nature, the romantic alpenglow at sunset, and the feel of a young nation trying to establish roots. During a movie season inundated by explosions, clutter, and noise, this is a breath of fresh air. The other cheer is for its moving story in which kind-hearted men become trapped by circumstance and then are forced to pick up a weapon and use it with a vengeance.
At its heart are two long-time partners who are part cattle-herder, part nomad. Boss (Robert Duvall) is a grizzled veteran of the plains who is a gentle but strong soul. Fighting for his basic rights, he says pontifically, "this may mean some killing." His partner is Charley (Kevin Costner), a man with a troubled soul who has perhaps allied himself with Boss because he needs to temper his violent past. But, when evil rears its ugly head, Charley is ready to fight, responding, "I got no problem with that." If the virtues of the Wild West were built on the principles of these two cowboys, the world would be a much better place.
Sadly, heartless capitalists like Baxter (Michael Gambon) are taming the Wild West. And when Boss and Charley unknowingly eschew their herd onto land that the villain claims to be his, he decides to mercilessly teach these two a lesson. Boss's measured reaction is that they are now obliged to pay him back. The fuse burns slowly from this point, and "Open Range" adeptly shows how to present a wonderful shoot-em-up flick.
Of note is the time and attention the film gives to the development of the characters. For example, Charley's life as a wanderer and a former soldier, shapes his thoughts and his ability to handle life. In it's most tender moment, Charley is smitten by Sue (Annette Bening), the sister of the town doctor, who they need to see with increasing regularity. When most rough and tumble cowboys meet women, they are at the bordello. So, it is funny to see a man as rugged as Charley melt in the presence of a proper woman.
Its showcase scene is the eventual gunfight that these two want to avoid, but find that they can not. Charley has been an expert killer in the war, and he strategizes about how each one will react, who to shoot at first, what to do if in trouble, and how to improve their chances as they are outnumbered 10-to-1.
It is a thrilling conclusion to a wonderful if imperfect film. Questionable is the use of long narratives, which are as lengthy as the days are long and the prairie expansive. This may test the patience of some, as in an early scene when our main characters are forced to set up a bivouac to wait out a rainstorm. It's as if the film inhales and exhales slowly while in meditation. And the love story that evolves seems a bit out of place and almost imposed upon us. But the overall experience is sublime, powerful, and affecting. It's good to see Kevin Costner riding tall again. It's good to see him at home on the "Open Range."
Grade: B+
S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 3 out of 3
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