Kevin Costner, Director

As we prepare for Horizon, I went back and rewatched Kevin Costner's first three films as a director. Some themes emerged, which I wrote about here.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Madame Web, Bob Marley, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

There's a wide range of characters in the three films we discuss on this week's podcast. You've got a reluctant superhero, a troubled reggae star, a conflicted sheriff and a brash outlaw. (Also, Bob Dylan.) Check out the full episode down below.

'The English' Review

For Chron, I took a look at Emily Blunt's new Western series for Amazon. I seem to be in the minority, but I didn't really love The English.

Toronto 2022: 'Butcher's Crossing' Review

It is, perhaps, an indication of the merits of Butcher's Crossing that it's a Nicolas Cage movie that nobody is talking about. This western stars the Oscar-winner as a buffalo hunter who leads an expedition, leading to disastrous results. My review of this existential drama is here.

'The Power of the Dog' and the Myth of the Macho Cowboy

I'm slightly lower on Jane Campion's latest than most are, but I still think it's a fine Western that explores masculinity from several interesting angles. My thoughts are over at MEL.

'The Harder They Fall' Doesn't Ride Off Into the Sunset

Here's an interesting idea: Take several prominent real-life Black cowboys, put them together in a fictionalized drama, and let them shoot it out. Sadly, I wasn't much of a fan of The Harder They Fall.