I realize I'm a few weeks behind, but Open Range is probably the most interesting film to be released in theaters in the past month or two. You have to appreciate any film that purposely slows things down a bit and tries to carry itself in an old-fashioned manner, coming on the heels of a blow 'em up sequel summer. It also aspires for greatness, sometimes succeeding in doing so while in other moments undermining what makes the majority of the film a treat.

Without question, this is Kevin Costner's best work in years. Even better is the always excellent Robert Duvall, who plays the older, wiser partner and friend of Costner. A large portion of the film involves the two of them merely talking - from discussions about being the last of the free grazers to opening up to one another about their elusive pasts - both of which played a role in their cowboy/drifter style of living.


What makes Open Range truly worth watching, and not nearly as slow as you might expect, is how authentic it feels. It's mostly driven by the two lead characters and the decisions they must make after one of their team is assaulted in a small town, culminating in a big showdown, and the steps along the way seem very realistic and non-cinematic (in a good way). Robert Duvall's character brings the story down to earth whenever it wanders, such as a scene in which he delivers a very movie-like speech about a man having a right to protect his property and his life, only to follow it up by asking his friend what he thought about his speech.

Best of all is the amazing gun fight that we all know is coming but are surprised by its intensity none-the-less. It feels so realistic from beginning to end and goes down the way I would picture a shoot-out in real life. There are pauses in the action and the bullets have real consequences. It also benefits from having a strong sense of geography, as we get a sense of where the key players are in relation to their enemies.

Unfortunately, the film falters towards the end, tying up a few too many subplots and saying a lot of things that would've been better left unsaid (yet still understood). Costner's character suffers from an unpleasant past, but unlike in Unforgiven where the past is only vaguely referred to, here it's laid out on the table. At the end of the day, I'd say Open Range is worth seeing despite the late contrivances and will be appreciated by those who found themselves praying for more mature films all summer long. So far the film has made over 50 million and should definitely put Kevin Costner back on the map as both an actor and a director.

Posted September 8, 2003 | link