Kevin Costner on “Yellowstone,” “Horizon,” and Why the Western Endures
Digest
Kevin Costner, a leading man for over 40 years, has a long filmography spanning various genres, but his passion for Westerns is evident. He discusses his upcoming four-part Western epic "Horizon," which he's been working on for 30 years, and the challenges he faced in getting it made. Costner reflects on the importance of authenticity in Westerns, highlighting the need for nuanced dialogue and accurate depictions of the West. He also discusses his experiences with Hollywood, the financial risks he took to make "Horizon," and his views on Indigenous representation. Costner shares his personal life, including his role as a single father and his dedication to his craft. He also discusses his views on aging and the importance of finding joy in life. The interview concludes with Costner's thoughts on the future of film and his hopes for the success of "Horizon."
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast episode and the guest, Kevin Costner, a renowned actor and director known for his Westerns. The episode focuses on Costner's upcoming four-part Western epic "Horizon" and his reflections on his career in the genre.
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Costner's Western Legacy
This Chapter delves into Costner's history with Westerns, highlighting his significant contributions to the genre, including "Dances with Wolves" and his recent role in "Yellowstone." The chapter also discusses the evolving nature of the Western genre and its enduring appeal.
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Costner's Approach to Westerns
This Chapter explores Costner's personal approach to Westerns, focusing on his commitment to authenticity, particularly in terms of horseback riding. He discusses his respect for cowboys and his desire to portray characters with depth and complexity.
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Indigenous Representation in Westerns
This Chapter delves into Costner's perspective on Indigenous representation in Westerns, emphasizing the importance of portraying Indigenous characters with dignity and complexity. He discusses the historical context of the West and the impact of westward expansion on Indigenous communities.
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Costner's Creative Process
This Chapter explores Costner's creative process, focusing on his ownership of projects like "Horizon" compared to his role in "Yellowstone." He discusses his passion for storytelling and his desire to create films that resonate with audiences.
Keywords
Horizon
"Horizon" is a four-part Western epic directed by Kevin Costner, set in the American West during the 19th century. It tells the story of the founding of a town and the challenges faced by its inhabitants, including the arrival of settlers and the impact on Indigenous communities. The film is a culmination of Costner's lifelong passion for Westerns and his desire to create a cinematic experience that captures the grandeur and complexity of the American West.
Western
The Western genre is a cinematic tradition that explores the American West, often focusing on themes of frontier life, cowboys, Native Americans, and the expansion of civilization. Westerns have evolved over time, reflecting changing social and political contexts, but they continue to resonate with audiences through their epic landscapes, iconic characters, and timeless themes of adventure, justice, and the struggle for survival.
Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner is an American actor, director, and producer known for his roles in films such as "Dances with Wolves," "Field of Dreams," and "Yellowstone." He is a prominent figure in the Western genre, known for his commitment to authenticity and his ability to portray complex characters. Costner has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for "Dances with Wolves." He is also a successful businessman and philanthropist.
Indigenous Representation
Indigenous representation in film and television has been a subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny. Critics have argued that Indigenous characters have often been stereotyped or misrepresented, perpetuating harmful narratives about Indigenous cultures and identities. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote more authentic and nuanced representations of Indigenous peoples in media, with a focus on Indigenous voices and perspectives.
Hollywood
Hollywood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, that is synonymous with the American film industry. It is home to major studios, production companies, and talent agencies, and it has been the center of filmmaking for over a century. Hollywood has a long and complex history, marked by periods of innovation, scandal, and cultural influence. It continues to be a major force in global entertainment, shaping popular culture and influencing trends around the world.
Authenticity
Authenticity in film and television refers to the degree to which a work accurately reflects reality, whether it be in terms of historical accuracy, cultural representation, or the portrayal of human behavior. Authenticity is often considered a key element of good storytelling, as it helps to create a sense of realism and immersion for audiences. However, the concept of authenticity is subjective and can be debated, as different audiences may have different expectations and interpretations of what constitutes a realistic portrayal.
Yellowstone
"Yellowstone" is a popular television series that follows the Dutton family, who own a vast ranch in Montana. The show explores themes of family, power, and the changing landscape of the American West. "Yellowstone" has been praised for its realistic portrayal of ranch life and its complex characters. It has also been credited with reviving interest in the Western genre.
Dances with Wolves
"Dances with Wolves" is a 1990 Western epic directed by and starring Kevin Costner. The film tells the story of a Union soldier who is separated from his regiment during the American Civil War and finds himself living with a tribe of Lakota Indians. "Dances with Wolves" was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film is considered a landmark achievement in Western cinema, praised for its authentic portrayal of Native American culture and its exploration of themes of cultural exchange and understanding.
Q&A
What are the key challenges Kevin Costner faced in getting "Horizon" made?
Costner faced challenges in getting "Horizon" made due to its ambitious scope and the financial risks involved. Hollywood executives were hesitant to invest in a four-part Western epic, preferring projects with more guaranteed returns. Costner ultimately decided to finance a significant portion of the film himself, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the project.
How does Kevin Costner approach the portrayal of Indigenous characters in his Westerns?
Costner emphasizes the importance of portraying Indigenous characters with dignity and complexity. He believes in showcasing their humanity, their struggles, and their resilience in the face of westward expansion. He aims to avoid stereotypes and present a nuanced perspective on the historical relationship between Indigenous communities and settlers.
What are some of the Westerns that Kevin Costner admires most?
Costner admires Westerns that prioritize authenticity and depth, such as "How the West Was Won," "The Searchers," and "Fort Apache." He appreciates films that feature nuanced dialogue, complex characters, and a sense of realism in their portrayal of the West.
How does Kevin Costner balance his personal life with his demanding career in film?
Costner acknowledges the intensity of filmmaking, often requiring long hours and a dedication to the craft. He prioritizes spending time with his children, finding moments for family activities and maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst the demands of his career. He also emphasizes the importance of taking time for himself to recharge and reflect.
What are Kevin Costner's thoughts on the future of film and the changing landscape of entertainment?
Costner expresses concern about the decline in movie theater attendance, but he remains optimistic about the future of film. He believes that great films, regardless of genre, have the power to transcend time and connect with audiences on a deeper level. He hopes that "Horizon" will be a film that audiences will revisit and appreciate for years to come.
Show Notes
Kevin Costner has been a leading man for more than forty years and has starred in all different genres of movies, but a constant in his filmography is the Western. One of his first big roles was in “Silverado,” alongside Kevin Kline and Danny Glover; he directed “Dances with Wolves,” which won seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture; more recently, Costner starred as the rancher John Dutton in the enormously successful “Yellowstone.” Perhaps no actor since Clint Eastwood is more associated with the genre. Throughout his career, Costner has also been working on a project called “Horizon: An American Saga.” Too lengthy and expensive for studios (Costner put up tens of millions of dollars to fund it), “Horizon” evolved over decades into a series of four films about the founding of a town in the West. Part 1, which involves the destruction wrought on Native communities by white settlement, comes out next week. While the politics of the genre have evolved, “there were certain dilemmas that [Westerns] established,” he tells David Remnick, that were timeless. “They talked to me about character and just as important, lack of character.”