R A N G E
It seems like there’s been a long absence of classic westerns lately. There’s been a few in the ‘90s such as Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven and Tombstone, but other than that, the list has been low on movies that are so beautifully filmed and acted. Now comes Open Range, possibly the best Kevin Costner film is recent years, and maybe even his comeback.
Now, I have never thought that Costner was a great actor, but in this film proved that there is a small inkling of greatness in him. But when you talk about Robert Duvall, he is hands-down one of the best actors of the past two generations. His performance is humorous and dramatic and absolutely perfect.
As usual, there is a classic gun duel at the end of the film that is excellent. Since I sat in a theatre full of middle-aged and elderly people, I comprehended every gunshot. The theatre was full of gasps and even a couple of screams as an unexpected headshot reams a man to his death. This gunfight is one of best I’ve seen in a western.
With superbly played roles, excellent drama, and even a new-classic gunfight, Open Range is one of the best films so far this year and earns ****.