As a movie buff with a penchant for classics and a deep appreciation for stories that resonate across generations, I find myself drawn to the timeless wisdom of Kevin Costner. His life experiences, particularly his childhood encounters with movies like “How the West Was Won” and “Giant,” have undeniably shaped not only his career but also his approach to filmmaking.
The director doesn’t create short films, and it’s likely he understands the cause behind this choice. At a History Channel’s History Talks event, the director shared one of the earliest films he can recall watching – a Western epic – when he was approximately 7 years old. This movie also sparked his enduring fascination with the American West, which is reflected in many of his subsequent productions.
Right now, Costner is working on an expensive and passionate venture named “Horizon,” which he envisions as a four-part series. The first chapter was shown in cinemas earlier this summer, but didn’t perform well at the box office due to low audience interest and mixed reviews from critics. As a result, Warner Bros., who are handling distribution but not financing, have delayed the release of Chapter 2 from its original August date to later in the year. Interestingly, both Horizon chapters surpass three hours, much like his 1991 Oscar-winning film “Dances With Wolves.
Discussing his experience with lengthy films in the past, Costner playfully suggested that the time he was brought to watch ‘How the West Was Won’ at the Cinerama Dome for a friend’s birthday might have played a significant role in shaping his future.
It was a 4-hour movie. So it’s no surprise, mine are three.
Despite Kevin Costner’s timing possibly being off, the real running time of “How the West Was Won,” which is just under three hours, would feel like an eternity to a young child. The allure of Hollywood magic was what captivated the director about the movie, and this quickly turned into something he aspired to be involved in.
As everyone rose for the intermission, I chose to stay put in my coveted cinema spot. Unwilling to part with this magical vantage point, I eagerly anticipated the resumption of the film. When the final credits rolled, that movie left an indelible mark on me.
Movies from the ‘50s and ‘60s Heavily Influenced Costner’s Career
Many artists, filmmakers, writers, and performers often draw inspiration from their childhood experiences, shaping their artistic styles and perspectives as they grow. This rule doesn’t exclude Costner either. Notably, another movie that left an impression on him was the 1956 film “Giant,” which featured Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. Running for a lengthy 3 hours and 21 minutes, this movie is also part of his creative foundation.
Remembering the crucial scene from the film where Hudson’s character was brutally attacked for defending his convictions, only to be told by his wife that he “stood taller” in that moment, Costner mused about how this incident truly ignited a powerful spark within him.
At age 12, a film I saw has shaped my aspirations. Movies may seem artificial, but they offer valuable insights into our personal goals. Regardless of when a movie is made, it endures, making the choices about its content crucial. If those choices are right, the movie remains relevant – and that’s what I strive for in life. Popularity isn’t hard to achieve; being relevant is challenging. I want my life to be meaningful, and I believe you share this ambition too.
Kevin Costner’s pursuit of staying significant will carry on later this year as Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 hits theaters, aiming to surpass the success of its initial part.
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2024-09-22 15:01