MovieChat Forums > Open Range (2003) Discussion > Admit it. This movie was horrendous

Admit it. This movie was horrendous

posted 13 years ago by stuert2343
46 replies | jump to latest

A spittable, a forgettable, an embarrassment to the Western genre. Did i accidentally watch BrokeBack Mountain(but the somewhat less gay version) instead?

Robert Duvall did not fit in this movie at all. He's usually decent in thrillers'/mafia/father type roles, but he was just a decoy, a wooden broken down old fart trying to make a buck.

Kostner was fine, but the lack of story telling/everything just being poured out/lack of direction/sub-par cinematography/average acting/careless and dull story progression/no moral/no nothing/lifeless characters/ a forgettable script that a 14 year old can come up with and receiving it an undeserving 7.6 is just beyond me.

But really... few guys wearing KuKluxKlan masks are stealing some cows and Boss and Kostner take revenge and then everything becomes happy go lucky? Is this really what i watched for 135 minutes? They should rename this movie to Oh Boss, What Shalth Approach Us and put it somewhere in the emo genre.

Aside from the semi-entertaining shooting in the near ending, this movie was just abysmal. And i loved how it tries so hard with the "lightning storms" to copy Unforgiven's style. Don't even get me started when that 40'ish year old broad gave the necklace to Kostner, i almost cracked my LCD monitor. Really wish i could have 2 hours of my life back.

[–] DocCasualty 13 years ago

I take it you didn't like it much then? Hmmm, well we all have different tastes in movies.

Robert Duvall did not fit in this movie at all. He's usually decent in thrillers'/mafia/father type roles, but he was just a decoy, a wooden broken down old fart trying to make a buck.

Have you ever seen Lonesome Dove? I'd suggest watching this first, though it is a bit long, originally made as a mini-series. You might gain a better sense of Duvall in a Western, though I can't figure out why he didn't work for you in Open Range.

He considered Lonesome Dove, Open Range and Broken Trail his Western trilogy, though they are unrelated films. It took me a couple of viewings of Broken Trail to appreciate it for the film it is, so I wouldn't jump and watch that one next, based on what you've shared here.

"Dave, this conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye." 2001: A Space Odyssey

[–] montrossboc-1 12 years ago

I really disliked Lonesome Dove. Thought Broken Trail was better, but still just fair.

I thought Open Range was a great film, and have watched at least 4 times now.

[–] keeperspencer 10 years ago

let's not forget a little movie called True Grit where he plays the antagonist ned pepper. ( I think thats the name) Seriously this dude was playing in western tv shows as one episode extras all the time when he was first starting out. He also starred in Lawman. And all of this before he stared in MASH which this person has probably never seen ( I didnt really like the movie much too much on the Dry humor side for me, plus a little to hippie for me, I liked the show though). It seems the only thing this Person has seen him in is The godfather. Must not have even watched second hand lions. I know its not a western, but his character could easily fit in one.

[–] timo-koch1 13 years ago

@ one189teen50five

You should not visit Discussion Boards any longer if you are unable to accept another opinion!

[–] one189teen50five 13 years ago

What do you think I'm doing, timo...I AM voicing my opinion and I say that OP is a moron. Accept that because I am here to stay.

[–] ta2me92704 12 years ago

It's a great western.

The thorn defends the rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict.

[–] enived-1 11 years ago

It is a great western and movie for that matter!...

OP the more you sound like a child the less people take you seriously, might want to keep that in mind :)

"Can you fly Bobby?"

[–] Homer900 12 years ago

stuert2343, I gather you didn't like an intelligently acted, serious adult western. It worked for me and I've been a western fan for over 50 years. Ah, but each to his own.

[–] Remnant_Of_The_Abyss 12 years ago

I couldn't disagree with the OP more. This is a great film. Great casting, great directing, great acting, amazing scenery, awesome cinematography, great dialogue (with many take away 'one-liners') and well written.

And the shootout at the end is one of the better ones I've seen. Reminded me of the OK Corral. It was fantastically realistic, not "Hollywood" at all IMO.

I've been a Western fan for many years and this one is right up there as being a great one.

ROTA Top Foreign Language Films List: http://www.imdb.com/list/qQvbXmXhhCU/

[–] rikfontana 12 years ago

Remnant, I would be willing to bet that OP is under age 35. I just saw the film for 2nd time, and while I like it a lot, I can see where one would have the opinions he expresses.

I watch television and am amazed at how quickly almost Everything cuts, from shot to shot to shot, with each often a second or two. Watch a program or most commercials with the sound down, and say "cut" at the end of each shot. My son has grown up with no tolerance and little understanding of a slower pace; of really analyzing what's on the screen. OPEN RANGE has been made with a slow, deliberate pace that in my mind nicely captures the slower pace of life in the 1870's. Stuart liked the shoot-out... of course he did, because that fight is in stark contrast to most of the rest of the film! Instead of mind-numbing, constant action,(like many summer block-busters) the build-up to the showdown results in a very powerful denouement.

Finally, one189... you may 'think' you're voicing an opinion. But No, you are pretty much just Name Calling. Re-read your post! Make your point, like correcting a Spelling mistake, and then take a deep breath, relax, and try to make more lucid, logical points disputing the OP's opinion (which I agree, is too harsh for this well-made film)

[–] one189teen50five 12 years ago

Sorry...but I get so sick and tired of the Costner bashing. Like they never let up. AND his name is spelled with a C not K...COSTNER. What's wrong with setting somebody right?

[–] fnj2002 11 years ago

I would be willing to bet that OP is under age 35

I rather figured OP was under age 12.

[–] tobymay 11 years ago

Agreed.

OP no older than 14.

"Open Range" is by far the best Western of the 21st century; anyone unable to see that has likely been inundated with far too many comic book blockbusters and Fast & Furious sequels.

IMHO there's nothing wrong w/ those other films i named but "Open Range" is a masterpiece of storytelling, character depth, realistic pace and human compassion in the face morally corrupt and hateful bullying on the opposite side.

This is a movie that requires intelligence, knowledge, maturity, patience and an understanding of the nuances of the human condition to truly appreciate.

It is the absence of these traits that outs the OP as an inexperienced child.

Maybe someday you'll learn to be a man (or woman) and appreciate this film...

And that's MY opinion.

[–] checkerouterofthings 11 years ago

"Open Range" is by far the best Western of the 21st century

That distinction goes to The Proposition. Open Range, I felt, was good. Simpler themes and story, but not bad all things considered. I've always found Costner to be a bit bland, and this is no exception. Duvall fits better but not one of his best roles imo. Still, serviceable performances from both.

[–] dio52 11 years ago

Don't be ageist. I was in my early 20s when this came out. I liked it then and still like it every time I see it. It's nothing to do with age.

Life is not the opposite of Death, Death is the opposite of Birth. Life is eternal.
-Anathema

[–] Let_it_Be-1 12 years ago

I totally agree. Well written, well acted ,well directed, loved it. Brave men standing their ground with a sweet love story tucked inside for good measure. And Robert Duvall is AWESOME in this role, absolutely loved him this is my favorite role of his distinguished career, what depth he gave his character......Bluebonnet.......what a guy.

"That Barney Rubble, what an actor!!" -Night Shift

[–] firstborn1492 12 years ago

Horrendously AWESOME!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I think you need to live life a little and come back for a second viewing.

This movie has one of the best on screen relationships ever between Boss and Charley. The dialogue is so natural and true to the time, unlike others that end things with one liners that appeal to modern audiences. I don't think there's a more manly western out there, in terms of two men that don't talk about their feelings much. When they do, it's fumbling, awkward and usually results in one or both losing their temper in frustration.

There's not many movies that I can watch, sit back and just enjoy it unravel at it's own pace.

With this film Costner proves he was just hitting his stride and most of what he's done after this is some pretty quality work (Mr. Brooks, The New Daughter).

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] one189teen50five 12 years ago

And all of John Wayne's movies ended with the grim reaper toe tagging those getting covered over at Boot Hill...come on, nothing cheesy about the ending. It had a happily to be ever after. Wayne westerns end happily too. OR is a very classy movie. It's well done, well acted, and beautiful to look at.

[–] nelliewilson 12 years ago

When this movie was released it didn't gather my interest. It wasn't until three or four years after it's release that I happen to catch the last half hour of it when it was being played on Showtime or HBO. The end gunfight was badass and that's what got me interested. I have since watched the entire film and am impressed with how some of it was directed. The use of fades used between scenes was well done. Costner tends to take part in movies that glamorize his character and that sickens me. Open Range is more of a toned down Costner which is much more realistic and respectable. Duvall steals the film in a role he excels at playing, the simple and honest horseman. Lonesome Dove is another great example of his work. Annette Bening plays her part well and is exactly like I imagine a women is way back in 1880.

Although I disagree I can understand why some people such as the OP dislike the movie. It moves along at a slow pace and most of what happens is understated. It's not for everybody. But that's what stands out to me. I haven't always been a fan of westerns. As I get older I can appreciate the genre much more.

" The rug really tied the room together, did it not? "

[–] dmurrell 12 years ago

At least Stuert2343 is not like the usual badmouthing trolls -- he at least can formulate an argument and write in normal paragraphs -- an improvement over the typical 14-year-old 85-IQ types who badmouth moviews for the sake of being mean.

I am not a Cosner fan, nor am I much of a Western fan. But I really enjoyed this movie. As the better reviewers have mentioned, the movie is slow-paced, unlike the stereotypical fast-flicking movies of today. The acting, direction and cinematography are superb. Note the numerous awards the film earned. And a "7.5" rating on this site is fairly good, given the scourge of 85-IQ trolls this site suffers from.

A point about Robert Duvall: Suert2343, in a stupid remark, manages to criticize Duvall's acting. To my mind, Duvall's acting defined this movie, in the sense that Duvall was superb. No serious commentator would demean Duvall, especially in this movie. Duvall, in this movie, simply WAS an elderly cowboy, down to the core. Today Duvall is considered to be one of the finest actors in American cinema. Nobody can argue otherwise.

Hollywood movie-making has degenerated into cliches, to attract 14-year-old boys who do poorly in school. This type of film is a statement against the Hollywood staleness today.
-- David Murrell dmurrell#unb.ca

[–] Burning_Sosobra 12 years ago

I am a Western fan, and I am under 30, so this movie appeals to the young and the older. I'm very knowledgeable about the American West, having studied it quite extensively, and I found this movie to be quite realistic in its depiction. There were many feuds fought between free grazing cattlemen, sheepherders, etc. And this film captures that period of time very well. Great movie. But if it's not your cup of tea, then don't watch it.

"I'm talking about God, the Devil, Hell, Heaven! Do you understand?! Finally?!"

[–] risingapple 7 years ago

I'm very knowledgeable

When people say that about themselves I can't take them seriously anymore