Kevin Costner's highly anticipated historical Western "Horizon: An American Saga" has premiered, showcasing the familiar themes and motifs that defined his iconic 1990 film "Dances with Wolves." However, upon closer examination, "Horizon" reveals lingering discomfort and unresolved issues that continue to haunt Costner's cinematic legacy.
Thirty-four years after the release of "Dances with Wolves," a film that catapulted Kevin Costner to stardom and won seven Academy Awards, the actor-director returns to the Old West with "Horizon: An American Saga." A sprawling epic that spans three generations, "Horizon" echoes many of the same themes and motifs that made "Dances with Wolves" a box office and critical success.
At the heart of both films lies a white protagonist who encounters and interacts with Native American culture. In "Horizon," Costner plays Jacob Dutton, the patriarch of a family of ranchers who arrive in Wyoming in the late 1800s. Like Lieutenant John Dunbar in "Dances with Wolves," Dutton forms a deep connection with the local Native American tribe, the Lakota.
However, despite these similarities, "Horizon" also reveals lingering discomfort and unresolved issues that continue to haunt Costner's cinematic legacy. As in "Dances with Wolves," Costner presents a somewhat romanticized and sanitized view of Native American life, glossing over the complex realities and challenges faced by indigenous peoples.
Critics have also pointed out that the film's focus on white characters and experiences perpetuates a long-standing Hollywood tradition of marginalizing Native American voices. While "Dances with Wolves" was praised for its portrayal of Native American culture, it was also criticized for its portrayal of the Lakota as idealized and noble savages.
"Horizon" faces similar accusations, with some critics arguing that it depicts Native Americans as passive and subservient, rather than the complex and multifaceted peoples they were in reality. Additionally, the film's portrayal of the westward expansion as a heroic endeavor has been criticized as simplistic and inaccurate.
Despite these criticisms, "Horizon" has also been met with some praise for its sweeping cinematography, authentic performances, and Costner's passionate and heartfelt directorial approach. However, the film's inability to fully confront and address the unresolved issues of its predecessor raises questions about Costner's ability to create a truly inclusive and representative Western.
Ultimately, "Horizon: An American Saga" is a complex and flawed work that both echoes and confronts the legacy of "Dances with Wolves." While it showcases Costner's continued love for the Western genre, it also reveals lingering discomfort and unresolved issues that suggest that Hollywood's relationship with Native American history and culture is still a work in progress.
