Overall, Open Range is a well made western. All the elements of film come together successfully enough to create an interesting story about settlers of the West vs. the nomads of the West. But, this does not save it from critical story problems. First and foremost, the relationship between Sue and Charlie is
forced. The odd conversation ending in Charlie's line "I meant everything I said to you" (or roughly that) seems to suggest a scene that the whole
audience slept through.
The dog is a good idea to create a "softer" character for Charlie...sadly, Costner and the dog share so little screen time together the connection is failed and the shots of the dog in the "rolling, flowing, fields" seems redundant and awkward. (The cinematography seemed to be lacking in this and other scenes.)
Robert Duvall does a good job, but nothing Oscar worthy (unless it is a
REALLY light year.) Costner, Gambon, and others are acceptable. . . though
the parts are flat and the dialogue is not inspiring. Bening seems out of place, and I would almost think that she would agree. A disappointing performance
out of a good Actress.
In summation, with obvious story/screenplay problems aside, it is an
acceptable enough film....but I would be surprised if it faired well during the Awards season.
forced. The odd conversation ending in Charlie's line "I meant everything I said to you" (or roughly that) seems to suggest a scene that the whole
audience slept through.
The dog is a good idea to create a "softer" character for Charlie...sadly, Costner and the dog share so little screen time together the connection is failed and the shots of the dog in the "rolling, flowing, fields" seems redundant and awkward. (The cinematography seemed to be lacking in this and other scenes.)
Robert Duvall does a good job, but nothing Oscar worthy (unless it is a
REALLY light year.) Costner, Gambon, and others are acceptable. . . though
the parts are flat and the dialogue is not inspiring. Bening seems out of place, and I would almost think that she would agree. A disappointing performance
out of a good Actress.
In summation, with obvious story/screenplay problems aside, it is an
acceptable enough film....but I would be surprised if it faired well during the Awards season.