:: Saturday, February 21, 2004 ::

I just rented "Open Range", as it has been "rented out" at Hollywood Video. This is one I will eventually own. I watched the "shootout scene" in toto twice over the past two days. This is a magnificent film, and a great western, with nods to everyone from Sergio Leone, to Clint Eastwood, to John Sturges, to John Ford, to Sam Peckinpah. Kevin Costner is fantastic, and he did win an Oscar, it might be remembered, for "Dances with Wolves". Kevin, as Charlie Waite, Robert Duvall as "Boss" Spearman, Annette Bening as Sue Barlow, Michael Gambon, Michael Jeter. The cast is magnificent. The scenery, shot by James Muro, who steadicamed on "Titanic", and "X2" among other films, is lush and painterly. The production design, by Gae Buckley, always lets the viewer know exactly where he is in regards to location in the town. It seems somewhat futile to mention this, but why didn't "Open Range" get nominated for any Oscars. Kevin is a past winner. The film is much more than the "standard oater". I am always looking for good westerns, and this shall be a classic. I can't get enough of "Open Range." My roommate even liked it, and he doesn't like anything.
:: Michael Nyiri 8:26 AM Leave a Comment on this Post ::
...