-poster.jpg "open range 2003")
It's a story of vindication that's as old as the hills - or least movie Westerns - and thus we know what to expect (a big shoot-out at the end). They then want revenge once things turn ugly, nasty and lethal. Simply put, the plot concerns some "free-range" cattlemen - played by Costner, Robert Duvall ("Gods and Generals," "Assassination Tango"), Diego Luna ("Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Frida") and Abraham Benrubi ("George of the Jungle," "Twister") - who run into problems with some locals headed by Michael Gambon ("Charlotte Gray," "Gosford Park") and James Russo ("The Ninth Gate," "The Postman"). No matter what few bits of plot and character exposition or exploration are present, there simply isn't enough story in novice writer's Craig Storper's screenplay to warrant or support the film's running length of nearly 140 minutes. Unfortunately, and despite Costner's obvious efforts to the contrary, the film comes up short in such regards.
I have no problem with slow moving films if they have some substance or depth to keep one interested (and I actually prefer some such films to those that promote MTV style editing and rapid pacing). Perhaps it was a combination of that or any number of other facts, but whatever the case, the film is for the most part butt-numbingly pace-impaired. Duthe ("3000 Miles to Graceland," "Stigmata") and Miklos Wright ("3000 Miles to Graceland") were afraid to make or at least propose trimming suggestions or whether Costner refused to listen and/or heed the advice. It's hard to say whether editors Michael J. The chief problem is the film's excessive length and slow pace. Yet, it also has its problems, many of which are likely to cast some doubt about whether it will resurrect the once popular but recently dormant Western genre. To be fair, the film is far from being a disaster, as there are various things that are good about it. Such is the case with "Open Range," the latest film not only directed by Kevin Costner ("The Postman," "Dances With Wolves"), but also one in which he stars and produces.
All of which means the likelihood of disaster is ever greater if one doesn't get, listen to and/or follow some outside opinions. After all, a great deal more blood, sweat and tears - not to mention time, money and outside pressure - is involved. Without time and space away from any project, as well as the related inability to examine something with pure objectivity, one is prone to make mistakes and not perform enough editing or truncating (that last sentence is proof positive of that).Īccordingly, I can only imagine how much that problem is magnified for filmmakers, particularly if they're wearing more than one positional hat on the set. Music Video: Broken Wagon (4+ minute montage of scenes set to a song).ĬOMMENTS: As a reviewer who edits his own writing, I can attest to how difficult it is to police one's own work.Storyboarding: Open Range - 6+ minute segment about that aspect of the filmmaking process.12 Deleted Scenes with optional video introductions by Kevin Costner.America's Open Range - 12+ minute featurette about the open range of the 1800s, narrated by Kevin Costner.Beyond Open Range - 65+ minute look at the film and its production, including clips from it, behind the scenes footage and various interviews.
Sneak Peeks for "Hidalgo," "Veronica Guerin," "Cold Creek Manor," "The Haunted Mansion," ESPN and "Alias.".Running audio commentary by director/actor Kevin Costner.As far as the audio is concerned, the tracks feature a sweeping, genre appropriate score, decent ambient effects (thunder and rain, etc.) and an aurally impressive shootout sequence (with plenty of bang and echo). Consistently sharp and featuring plenty of detail as well as rich-looking colors, the picture is outstanding whether capturing the far-reaching vistas or more intimate elements. (2003) (Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner) (R)ĪUDIO/VIDEO ELEMENTS: Simply put, the film looks terrific in the DVD format.
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