Kevin Costner made a memorable entrance at the Cannes Film Festival with his new project, Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1. The director-star, who invested $20 million of his own money into the film, received an extended standing ovation, marking a significant moment in his career.
A Passion Project Realized
Costner, known for his iconic roles in westerns, directed, produced, co-wrote, and starred in Horizon. The film is the first part of a planned four-part saga, with a budget exceeding $90 million. Costner has been dedicated to this project for over 30 years, finally bringing it to life by partially self-financing it, including taking out a loan against his Santa Barbara home.
Emotional Premiere
At the premiere inside the Grand Lumiere Theatre, Costner was met with prolonged applause, some from guests wearing cowboy hats, before the film’s first public screening. After the three-hour screening, the audience stood for a roughly ten-minute ovation. Overcome with emotion, Costner addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude and humility. “I’m sorry you had to clap so long for me to speak,” he said, acknowledging the film now belongs to the audience. He emphasized the enduring nature of movies beyond their opening weekends and hoped viewers would share Horizon with loved ones.
Critical Reception and Future Plans
Despite the warm reception at Cannes, the film received mixed reviews. The Hollywood Reporter’s chief film critic, David Rooney, criticized Horizon, describing it as “a clumsy slog” that felt more like a limited series hastily converted into a film. This critique underscores the challenges Costner faces in ensuring the project’s success.
Costner is optimistic about the future installments, having already completed Chapter 2 and begun shooting Chapter 3. However, he requires additional funding to complete the saga. He plans to release the first two parts in quick succession, with Chapter 1 debuting in North America on June 28 and Chapter 2 following in August. Warner Bros. is handling domestic distribution but has not invested financially.
Star-Studded Support
Costner was accompanied at Cannes by stars Sienna Miller, Jena Malone, Isabelle Fuhrman, Ella Hunt, Georgia MacPhail, Abbey Lee, and Wasé Chief. He also received support from industry figures like Oliver Stone, Julianne Moore, Michelle Yeoh, and Isabelle Huppert.
Costner’s Legacy in Westerns
Costner’s association with the western genre began with his best picture-winning Dances with Wolves. He continued to champion the genre with projects like the miniseries Hatfields & McCoys and the TV series Yellowstone. His dedication to Horizon reflects his commitment to westerns, despite the challenges in financing and production.
Wrapping Up
Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 is a testament to his passion and perseverance in the western genre. As he embarks on this ambitious project, Costner hopes to capture the hearts of audiences and continue his legacy in cinema. For more updates on this film and others, visit Hitplay.
