"Open Range" is a film that is to be a monument to the true talents and abilities of Hollywood to get something right. Kevin Costner stars in, and also directs, the film, but the real performance comes from Robert Duvall, who portrays the leader, or boss, of a small cattle drive.
Duvall, playing Boss Spearman, is a man that has refused to change with the times around him, he has his own ways of doing things, and they have worked for many years. He's a good man, even though stubborn, has a sense of decency and fair play about him, and refuses to compromise, or bend his principles. Costner plays his partner, Charlie, a former gunman who has made it a quest to put the past behind him, and make a go of life with Boss as his guide.
The cattle herd is driven on open range, and allowed to graze freely by Boss and Charlie. However, there is a rancher, Denton Baxter, played by Michael Gambon, who feels that "free-grazers" are a blight upon his range and should be exterminated like the varmits they are. One of the four cattle drivers, Mose, is sent to town to get some supplies, does not return, and when Boss and Charlie go searching for him, they find that Baxter's paid for sheriff has him locked up, and has also been part of a group that beat him up. Upon paying some fines, and told by Baxter to leave the area promptly, Boss and Charlie decide to make a stand and oppose the lawless elements in the town, including Baxter. The occurring gunfight is more realistic than many others that have been staged in previous westerns, but it is well worth the wait.
"Open Range" features powerful characterizations, some tragic scenes, and some parts that simply lift the viewer's spirits to a high level. The cast members, besides those already mentioned, include Annette Bening, whom Charlie falls for, and Michael Jeter, in sadly, his last performance. There are also touches of humor; one classic case comes before the final confrontation, Boss wants some candy and some fine cigars. He asks the local storekeeper for the finest chocolate in the store, two bars of bittersweet chocolate are produced, came all the way from Switzerland, Europe, and according to the storekeeper, "will melt in your mouth." Boss asks how he knows that, has he tried it himself, and when he learns that the storekeeper has not, can't afford it, Boss gives him a piece of his just purchased candy.
This film is simply a fine addition to the DVD collection of western fans, and it shows true acting genius, combined with a great story, and epic action on screen. 10/10, but wish I could go higher.
Duvall, playing Boss Spearman, is a man that has refused to change with the times around him, he has his own ways of doing things, and they have worked for many years. He's a good man, even though stubborn, has a sense of decency and fair play about him, and refuses to compromise, or bend his principles. Costner plays his partner, Charlie, a former gunman who has made it a quest to put the past behind him, and make a go of life with Boss as his guide.
The cattle herd is driven on open range, and allowed to graze freely by Boss and Charlie. However, there is a rancher, Denton Baxter, played by Michael Gambon, who feels that "free-grazers" are a blight upon his range and should be exterminated like the varmits they are. One of the four cattle drivers, Mose, is sent to town to get some supplies, does not return, and when Boss and Charlie go searching for him, they find that Baxter's paid for sheriff has him locked up, and has also been part of a group that beat him up. Upon paying some fines, and told by Baxter to leave the area promptly, Boss and Charlie decide to make a stand and oppose the lawless elements in the town, including Baxter. The occurring gunfight is more realistic than many others that have been staged in previous westerns, but it is well worth the wait.
"Open Range" features powerful characterizations, some tragic scenes, and some parts that simply lift the viewer's spirits to a high level. The cast members, besides those already mentioned, include Annette Bening, whom Charlie falls for, and Michael Jeter, in sadly, his last performance. There are also touches of humor; one classic case comes before the final confrontation, Boss wants some candy and some fine cigars. He asks the local storekeeper for the finest chocolate in the store, two bars of bittersweet chocolate are produced, came all the way from Switzerland, Europe, and according to the storekeeper, "will melt in your mouth." Boss asks how he knows that, has he tried it himself, and when he learns that the storekeeper has not, can't afford it, Boss gives him a piece of his just purchased candy.
This film is simply a fine addition to the DVD collection of western fans, and it shows true acting genius, combined with a great story, and epic action on screen. 10/10, but wish I could go higher.