Review of Open Range (2003) by Mark K — 23 Aug 2010
This western is a realistic, small scale range war story told through the eyes of a couple of veteran cowboys. Well cast (one of Costner's best roles), and well directed by him, it belongs to a new genre of realistic westerns. It's an under-appreciated film, with great scenic beauty that really captures the feel of the undeveloped west.
Annette Bening is also excellent (bravely playing her age); and she makes a nice counterpoint to Costner. Robert Duvall also gives another distinctive performance, and nicely balances Costner as well. It's action sequences are brutal and realistic. Truth: You can't hit a damn thing with those Colts past a few yards! While the story is Shane-like, it avoids the cliches of most westerns about gunslingers searching for a more peaceful existence. It's not grand or epic, but you really grow to like the characters and the dialogue is well done, with Costner and Duvall totally believable. Only moderately paced, it is an explosion of action at times, with tension spaced out through the film. It's not melodramatic, either, so the believability factor that a small scale conflict like this probably could have occurred is reinforced.
An enjoyable film all around, even if you're not a western fan.
Recommended.
This review of Open Range (2003) was written by Mark K on 23 Aug 2010.
Open Range has generally received very positive reviews.
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