But one can never fault “Horizon” for its ambition. Costner has long been drawn to Westerns, especially lengthy ones that dissect the history of the Old West. Starting in 1985, Costner appeared in Silverado,” followed by his directorial debut “Dances with Wolves” in 1990. In 1994, Costner produced and played the title role in “Wyatt Earp” and one could even interpret his 1997 sci-fi film “The Postman” as a Western. In 2003, he directed “Open Range,” and prior to “Horizon,” Costner also starred in the hit TV series “Yellowstone.” Westerns are in his blood.
On a recent episode of “Popcorn with Peter Travers,” covered by ABC News, Costner spoke a little about “Yellowstone,” but also revealed why he makes so many Westerns. The reason is remarkably simple: he doesn’t like neckties.
Kevin Costner is more at ease on the range than in the city
Okay, it’s not just that Costner hates neckties, but he did say that the “big city” roles that require him to wear suits are less interesting, and certainly less comfortable, than the roles where he gets to take in the gorgeousness of the American frontier.
Travers noted that Costner’s career has involved a lot of outdoor location shoots, almost more than it does indoor sets. The critic asked Costner if location shooting and set shooting require different kinds of performances. Costner said that it didn’t, but that he would always prefer to work outdoors in the natural world. Westerns allow him to do that. Costner said:
Costner also sees filmmaking as doubly rewarding; he has fun making a film, and then, as a bonus, maybe it also makes a bunch of money. If Costner makes a film he adores, and has a great time making it, then a box office failure doesn’t phase him. He pointedly continued:
So even if audiences weren’t keen on “Horizon,” Costner still likely considers it an overall positive experience. Regardless, he has the outsize success of “Yellowstone” to fall back on.
