Why You Should Ditch ‘Horizon’ for the Timeless Classic ‘How the West Was Won’

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In 2025, the second installment of Kevin Costner’s personally directed, produced, and starred Western film series is set to premiere. However, for those seeking the thrill and action typical of Westerns, it might be more rewarding to explore other options. The initial chapter of the saga titled “Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1” didn’t fare well during its theater run, as both viewers and critics found concerns with the storyline, pace, and length of this first part of a planned four-part series. While later chapters of Costner’s project aim to connect these narratives, those searching for a comparable Western epic that delivers on its promises (in one viewing) might want to revisit the past, specifically 1962, where they can find an enduring classic.

Enter: ‘How the West Was Won‘

The iconic 1962 film How the West Was Won has earned a prestigious spot within Western cinema’s pantheon. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast of Hollywood stars like John Wayne, Debbie Reynolds, James Stewart, Eli Wallach, Henry Fonda, Karl Malden, Gregory Peck, Carroll Baker, Lee J. Cobb, Richard Widmark, Walter Brennan, Agnes Moorehead, and Russ Tamblyn, it was a grand production for its era. Moreover, it was among the pioneering films to utilize advanced Cinerama technology, synchronizing three 35mm projectors to deliver a breathtaking super-widescreen image. The film’s action scenes and captivating depiction of the American plains and deserts effectively evoke the spirit of Western expansion in a vivid and compelling manner.

The narrative unfolds around the Prescott family, embarking on a cross-country trek through the Western United States, seeking to establish themselves in the unexplored territories. The tale is primarily centered on Eve and Lilith, the young daughters of Mr. Prescott, offering a perspective that keeps viewers engaged throughout their distinct paths within the movie. How the West Was Won delves into various key figures of the Old West, spanning six decades, encompassing railroad magnates, ambitious gold diggers, and those fleeing the Civil War chaos.

‘How the West Was Won’ Handles Its Characters Better Than ‘Horizon’

In a more casual and understandable manner, “Horizon” stumbles in its storytelling similar to how “How the West Was Won” tells its tale smoothly. Like the 1962 movies, “Horizon” is divided into separate scenes from the story of the American West. Unlike most Westerns, this film hops around in its narrative with minimal context, making it hard for viewers to understand where and when they are in the story. Although many audiences don’t like having a storyline explained too much, it can be challenging for viewers to follow along without clear markers of time and location. The story starts in 1859 but quickly shifts to 1863, and from there, the continuity becomes unclear. The rest of “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” takes place in 1863, but this is where the chronology stops being clear.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that both “How the West Was Won” and “Horizon” are packed with a variety of characters. In “How the West Was Won”, the storytelling is so crisp and clear, I always know who these characters are, what they’re up to, why they’re doing it, and where their journeys take place. On the other hand, “Horizon” seems to struggle a bit with its narrative puzzle pieces. Costner’s film tries to weave together multiple tales from the American West, introducing new characters as the story unfolds. It appears these new characters are meant for further exploration in future instalments. Unfortunately, the epic fails to resonate deeply because none of the characters receive enough screen time for viewers to truly connect with them. In contrast, “How the West Was Won” strikes the perfect balance, dedicating just the right amount of time and focus to each character, making it easier for me to empathize with them.

Well Acted and Well Ahead of Its Time

How the West Was Won excels with its clever banter and top-notch performances. Despite being divided into multiple segments, it’s simple to follow along, making for an entertaining Western viewing experience. A key element is the reliable narrator who escorts viewers on their adventure across the American frontier. Each cast member contributes significantly at every stage of the narrative, and viewers are treated to Reynolds’ musical abilities in various scenes.

Although it had challenges with representation and indigenous depictions, How the West Was Won was significantly more progressive than its peers at the time. The narrative included recognition of the native inhabitants’ land rights and their motives behind attacking settlers. It even touched upon the environmental destruction caused by the buffalo hunters’ rampage. Remarkably, not a single horse was harmed or killed during the filming process, despite the large number of animals utilized.

Despite its nearly three-hour running time, “How the West Was Won” effectively condenses all five of its segments into a single film. Titled “The Rivers,” “The Plains,” “The Civil War,” “The Railroad,” and “The Outlaws,” each part is distinctly defined. In contrast, the initial chapter of Costner’s “Horizon” takes up nearly three hours alone, with additional chapters yet to come in that American epic tale. Given this, it might be more time-efficient to watch “How the West Was Won” instead, especially since you can easily rent or purchase it on digital platforms like Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video via the link provided below.

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2025-04-07 03:32