The goal of /r/Movies is to provide an inclusive place for discussions and news about films with major releases. Submissions should be for the purpose of informing or initiating a discussion, not just to entertain readers. Read our extensive list of rules for more information on other types of posts like fan-art and self-promotion, or message the moderators if you have any questions.
Discussion
Let me get this straight: Kevin Costner directed, starred, and co-wrote an original epic two-part Western movie set in the American Civil War, his co-writer being an acclaimed screenwriter, with a budget of 100 million that was split between the two films, using practical locations for all the scenes rather than cheap VFX...
...and it looks good?!!
I just found out about this film while looking at Sam Worthington's filmography page on Wikipedia. As someone who's been a fan of Western films, especially by Sergio Leone and Quentin Tarantino, this film legitimately looks awesome. And it's only coming out in one month. Shut up and take my money.
What do you guys think of it?
Sort by:
Best
Open comment sort options
Best
Top
New
Controversial
Old
Q&A
Doesn't it come out this year in August?
Chapter 1 June, Chapter 2 August.
Did you catch a sneak peak?
I did not.
But you saw chapter 1? And you say it's good?
I am cautiously optimistic.
I wouldn't consider co-writter Jon Baird an acclaimed screenwriter, but none of his credits are an immediate red flag either.
The practical locations are nice, but from the little we've seen in the trailers, some aspects of the production design (costumes and props and such) look cheap. That might be just me, though.
However, my biggest concern is Kevin Costner himself. As a director, Dances with Wolves and Open Range have their merits, but then there's Waterworld and The Postman, both higher budget projects like Horizon. Side note: Personally, I enjoyed Waterworld.
Costner is very Clint Eastwood like as a director. No particular style per se, but technically sound. That's not a knock on either, they're just more straightforward directors.
Also, passion projects are incredibly hit or miss. More often than not, they usually end up either A. Flawed with a massive scope, but can still be appreciated or B. Giant disappointments. You'll get the occasion critical acclaimed ones, but they tend to fall into category A or B.
That being said, Costner is certainly operating in his wheelhouse, which is also a bit it of a concern, but I'm going to stay positive here. And I do love me a good Western.
My verdict: Hoping for the best, expecting at least middle ground.
The biggest issue with Costner is to what extent his narcissism affects what he's making. The Postman was completely consumed by it. Open Range works pretty well because he was able to step aside and let Robert Duvall carry most of the movie, although I would say its weakest aspect is that Costner was supposed to be playing a hardened killer and I simply don't buy him as that type of character.
Agreed. Waterworld was also consumed by it. He may not have received a directing credit but it was his baby and everyone knows he handled a lot of directing especially after the director was fired.
If the first two make money, Costner intends to make this a tetralogy.
He wants to do 4 chapters but only had the budget for 2. I'm just hoping and the end of 2 there is closure to the story in case he can't get 3 & 4 green lit.
Taylor Sheridan is a scumbag. Kevin Costner is a legend. This is going to be incredible.