Hollywood Legend Kevin Costner Advocates for More Women in Western Movies

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I had the privilege of witnessing a significant victory for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival during its 40th anniversary, as we screened the U.S. premiere of “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” on February 7. This was a momentous occasion for me and especially for Kevin Costner, who unveiled his ambitious four-part Western in Venice last September for the first time.

Following the captivating film screening, I had the privilege of moderating an enlightening discussion with Kevin Costner, Lisa Lovaas (our talented costume designer), and the gifted composer John Debney. We delved into the creative process behind this cinematic masterpiece.

Costner discussed the factors that motivated him to tell this tale, emphasizing the legends and brutal truths behind western migration. He stated, “Many thought that if they could merely cross that sea, they’d discover paradise. However, those strong enough could simply seize it.

He didn’t hesitate to confront the grim aspects of that history, stating, ‘For the Native Americans who have inhabited this land for 15,000 years, that dream was a nightmare. This territory was contested from one shore to another, and we don’t discuss it often enough.’

However, Costner found that conventional Westerns lacked a crucial element: strong female characters. Despite their attempts to exclude them, he and co-writer Jon Baird soon recognized that the narrative wouldn’t be complete without women’s presence.

He emphasized that the belief that a woman couldn’t be oppressed or dominated in public settings is false; such actions continue to occur globally today. He also made it unequivocally clear that women are not mere props in society; they are its architects. In his view, women infuse humanity into our world. Without them, the narrative simply falls apart.

Durling commended the series ‘Horizon’ for its skillful integration of business and brutality into the storyline, a subject matter that Westerns frequently neglect. Costner concurred, remarking, “There have always been salespeople, there have always been deceivers, and there have always been heroes and cowards. We are not far removed from them.

He indicated Sienna Miller’s character as a representation of resilience, detailing how she managed to create a feeling of belonging, even amidst hardship and grime. ‘Someone constructed a sanctuary for this woman. It wasn’t simple. This certainly wasn’t a fairy tale. Raising children during that era was nothing short of heroic.’

Speaking about the project, Costner expressed that it wasn’t a simple task to adapt it for the screen, and it had been a long-awaited endeavor. He started working on it back in 1988 but couldn’t find backing at the time, as people weren’t keen. So, he decided to create four more scripts instead, he said. Despite the rollercoaster ride that is Hollywood, Costner remains enamored with its charm and magic. “I’ve got a soft spot for this business,” he declared. “I trust in what we’re creating.

For quite some time, Santa Barbara has been Costner’s residence, and he was sure to express his gratitude towards Durling for backing his endeavor. He acknowledged, “Two years ago, you promised aid, and you delivered. You bring movies from various corners of the world to this city, and tonight, you made me feel like a colossus.

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2025-02-08 20:44