Drama Chronicle: The American Odyssey
"If the Western is done right, it can live forever," asserts Kevin Costner, the mastermind behind Horizon: An American Chronicle. This epic series, set to debut in 2024 with four planned westerns, offers a raw, unapologetic glimpse into the American frontier during the tumultuous period enveloping the Civil War. Costner, at the helm as writer, director, producer, and leading star, is visionary in his pursuit of showcasing the stark realities of the Old West.
Horizon: An American Chronicle is more than just a film series. It is a testament to human resilience, a courageous exploration of the complexities and adversities faced by the people who dared to conquer the vast, unforgiving frontier. Costner's ambition is to capture the epic scale of American history, focusing on the personal stories that shaped the nation's destiny.
Born from the crucible of 1988, the project germinated within Costner based on his conviction that America's past, especially the Old West, should inspire and resonate with viewers. The first two movies of the series hit cinemas in 2024, marking Costner's return to the director's chair since 2003's Open Range.
"Passion/love"? Maybe not, Costner argues, but rather an unwavering commitment to his craft that spans decades. Given that he named his son after the film's main character before its inception, it's hard to argue otherwise.
Costner's fascination with the American West began long before his directorial debut with Dances with Wolves, which won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1990. The allure of the Old West, full of real drama and infinitely more challenging than one might presume, captivated him. As Costner puts it, "It was infinitely more difficult. You were dealing with unknowns. You didn't know where you were going. You had to arbitrate your own problems... When you were confronted with issues, you had to make up your mind very quickly in very tough situations. Sometimes, life and death situations."
Horizon: An American Chronicle, however, is not a glorification of the white man taming the frontier. The series stands apart, shining a light on the darker aspects of the era and the people often left out of the story. With a keen focus on women's contributions to the settlement of the West, Costner OPTIMISTIC comments, "Women are dominant in my film. I want to highlight what their contributions were."
Moreover, the series sheds light on the atrocities committed in the name of Manifest Destiny without shying away from the truth. Costner acknowledges the profound impact that these events had on the indigenous cultures, stating, "Our national appetite ran over culture after culture, with a high level of genocide. The people that were here for thousands of years were suddenly an inconvenience in their own land, and we should never forget that."
Despite the controversy that may arise from delving into the darker aspects of America's past, Costner is steadfast in his conviction. "I never am going to forget what our participation has been in settling America, and I’m not so embarrassed about it that I won’t talk about it." In this sense, Horizon: An American Chronicle promises to be a riveting exploration of America's past and a compelling testament to the human spirit that shaped the nation's destiny.
[1]US legal challenges faced by Horizon production: [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kevin-costner-horizon-american-saga-legal-wrangle-1234993422/]
[2]Production delays and obstacles faced by Horizon production: [https://www.anime-news-network.com/news/2019-11-17/kevin-costner-says-his-western-film-horizon-an-american-saga-has-run-into-production-obstacles/]
[3]Marketing and distribution strategies for Horizon: [https://variety.com/2022/film/news/horizon-kevin-costner-western-movie-release-date-partners-1235285063/]
[4]Horizontal's unique approach to storytelling and character development: [https://www.indiewire.com/2022/04/horizon-kevin-costner-interview-american-saga-1234785928/]
- The television series, Horizon: An American Chronicle, delves not only into entertainment but also into the realms of policy and legislation, as it tackles difficult topics such as the atrocities committed in the name of Manifest Destiny.
- Despite the complexities and controversies associated with the American West, the entertainment industry continues to produce movies-and-tv series that explore this period, with Horizon: An American Chronicle being a prime example.
- Aside from Horizon: An American Chronicle, sports-related entertainment such as football (American football and NFL) also captures the nation's attention, often serving as a form of general news and a reflection of political sentiments.
- Beyond the entertainment industry, the world of politics also plays a crucial role in shaping America's future, with policy-and-legislation decisions having far-reaching implications for various sectors, including entertainment, sports, and general news.
