45 Things We Learned from Kevin Costner’s ‘Open Range’ Commentary

I believe that if I were to never make another movie, I would be content with this being my final one. Welcome to Commentary Commentary, where we listen to filmmakers discuss their work and share the most intriguing parts. In this edition, Rob Hunter revisits Kevin Costner’s exceptional western film, Open Range, through the filmmaker’s commentary. If you are a movie enthusiast, especially a fan of western films, the recent trailer debut of Kevin Costner’s upcoming two-part western epic, Horizon: An American Saga, has likely left you very excited. Costner’s directorial debut was the Academy Award-winning Dances with Wolves (1990), followed by the underrated The Postman (1997) seven years later. However, his best film to date, and his most recent until now, is the 2003 masterpiece Open Range. A gripping story of friendship, honor, and justice in the Wild West, Open Range is a standout in the genre. Costner and the legendary Robert Duvall portray cattlemen entangled in a conflict with the corrupt men controlling a small town. Everything from the cast and dialogue to the cinematography and score shines, leading up to one of the best shootouts in cinema history. The film is always worth a rewatch, especially with Costner’s director commentary playing in the background. Here are some highlights from the commentary of Open Range (2003) by Kevin Costner (director): 1. Costner reflects on the importance of music in western films, citing classics like The Big Country and Magnificent Seven. 2. He mentions scouting the film’s opening valley from the air and the challenging filming conditions. 3. Costner wanted to capture the small details that interest him, such as setting up a camp. 4. The opening storm sets a tone that continues throughout the film, with certain sounds playing a key role. 5. He praises cinematographer James Muro and recalls their collaboration since Dances with Wolves. 6. Costner discusses the film’s themes of trust and integrity, as seen in the dialogue between characters. 7. He points out his favorite shot in the film, highlighting the attention to detail. 8. Costner explains his intention to allow audiences to immerse themselves in the film’s setting and pacing. 9. He mentions a shot that he struggled to capture due to the unpredictability of working with horses. 10. Costner reflects on a pivotal moment in the film and the impact of the score. 11. He recounts a change made to a character’s dialogue to suit the film’s tone. 12. The dog’s name in the film holds personal significance for Costner, as it relates to his family history. 13. He shares a fond memory of riding a horse that has appeared in previous films. 14. Costner acknowledges the challenges of filmmaking and the importance of making decisions under pressure. 15. He discusses the spontaneous nature of a shot featuring Robert Duvall’s character. 16. Costner explains his decision to exclude Native American characters from the film based on historical context. 17. He praises the late Michael Jeter’s performance and compares him to classic supporting actors. 18. Costner expresses admiration for Annette Bening’s performance and her place among great actresses. 19. He commends the production designer for her work on a limited budget. 20. Costner reflects on the impact of European settlers on the land and its transformation over time. 21. He discusses the use of geographical markers in the film to help orient the audience. 22. Costner reflects on the film’s pacing and compares it to the initial chapters of a novel. 23. He acknowledges the challenging nature of certain scenes and the evolution of the story at a crucial point.



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