In a recent interview, Hollywood actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner opened up about his highly anticipated new project, Horizon: An American Saga.
The two-part Western epic, which Costner co-wrote, produced, directed, and stars in, is set to hit theaters in June and August of this year. Despite some potential backlash, Costner remains unashamed of his decision to focus the film on the historical conflicts between white settlers and Native Americans.
Costner explained that he wanted to accurately depict the struggles of the white settlers as they attempted to strike out on their own in the American frontier, following the Civil War. He acknowledged that this would require the depiction of the very real conflicts that occurred between the settlers and the Native American people who already occupied the land. However, he believes that it is important to show the truth of what really happened during this period of American history.
While some may criticize Costner’s decision to center the settlers as the protagonists, he argues that it would be a mistake to judge the actions of people in a different time and place by today’s standards. He emphasized that they were coming out of a devastating Civil War and that many were either hopeful or trying to escape their past.
The concept of the “stranger” was seen as a threat, and people often had to rely on themselves for justice. Costner believes that this created a dramatic and unpredictable environment in which some people were lucky, while others were not.
He also debunked the idea that Horizon would glorify or romanticize the settling of the West. Instead, he hopes to portray the reality of the struggles and conflicts that occurred during this time. He wants viewers to understand that while the settlers may have been brave in their journey, it does not minimize the great injustice that was done to the Native American people. He acknowledged that the West was ultimately won at the expense of the Native Americans, who had little chance against the overwhelming force of the settlers.
Horizon: An American Saga is scheduled to be released in two parts, with the first installment coming out on June 28th and the second on August 16th. In the trailer, viewers catch a glimpse of the intense and often violent clashes between the settlers and Native Americans. Costner hopes that by accurately portraying these conflicts, audiences will better understand the complex history of the West and the struggles faced by both sides.
While some may question the timing of a film centered on settler-Native American conflicts, Costner maintains that it is important to show the true history of this period. He believes that acknowledging and reflecting on the past is crucial in moving forward as a society. He also hopes that the film will spark conversations and discussions about the issues of colonization, manifest destiny, and historical trauma.
In the end, Costner’s goal with Horizon is to create a historically accurate and thought-provoking film that reflects the realities of the American West. He believes that the film industry should not shy away from difficult and controversial topics, but rather tackle them head-on. Whether Horizon will be met with praise or criticism, Costner stands by his decision to portray a part of American history that has often been overlooked or romanticized.
