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Kevin Costner’s passion project, Horizon, an American Saga, which he began writing in 1988, finally premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Kevin Costner, celebrated for his contributions to the Western genre, has embarked on a bold venture with his self-funded epic, Horizon, an American Saga. Despite his immense success with Westerns such as the Oscar-winning Dances with Wolves, Open Range, and television’s Yellowstone, Kevin Costner faced substantial challenges securing studio backing for his script. Consequently, he decided to finance the project himself.
The warm reception at Cannes was particularly gratifying for Kevin Costner. He received an official Medal of Honor for the Arts (Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) from the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, before the premiere. “I dreamed of coming here and bringing my own movie. I’m so glad Cannes has held on to its traditions, and I’m getting a chance to be a part of it,” he expressed.
Kevin Costner’s dedication to this project is evident. “I loved it, and so I decided I would write four, which is very American of me, insane,” he remarked. The first film in the saga premiered at Cannes in a special screening outside the main Palme d’Or competition. A second film has already been completed, with both slated for a global theatrical release this summer. Horizon delves into the violent frontier as Europeans establish settlements on Native American lands, following multiple characters and intertwining storylines. Kevin Costner stars alongside Sienna Miller and Sam Worthington.
At 69, the star reflects on his position in Hollywood, describing himself as an “outsider.” This perceived status compelled him to stake millions of his own money on Horizon. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Costner revealed that he mortgaged his property to finance not one but four epic movies, with the first installment alone spanning three hours. “It’s been a real journey, like the movie itself. People told me, ‘Nobody does even two movies, Kevin; why are you doing four?’” he shared.
Costner has taken comprehensive control over the project, serving as writer, director, and star. He often lived on set and personally scouted locations. “I’m a bit of an outsider in Hollywood, and I don’t exactly know why. Probably because I don’t want people to manipulate the story I want to tell, and I’m willing to stand up to people,” he explained. “There can be no excuses. These are all my decisions. So if you don’t like it, you can complain to me.”
Horizon is not the only self-funded mega-project to premiere at Cannes this week. Kevin Costner remains unconcerned about potential financial losses. “What’s the fear? If they take it away from me, I still have my movie. I still have my integrity. I still listened to my heart,” he stated.
Horizon revisits the theme of Native American genocide, which Costner previously explored in Dances with Wolves. Kevin Costner sees parallels between the violence of that era and the current global state. “Women should be running more countries, and I’m not just saying that. We men have had our chance, and for some reason, we’re still at war. We’re like red ants. Why is the world on the brink? Who are these people who think that they can put other lives at risk over borders? It’s shameful.” Horizon, an American Saga is set to captivate global audiences this summer, showcasing Kevin Costner’s unwavering commitment to his vision and storytelling prowess.
With AFP
