Kevin Costner released the first installment of his tetralogy, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, a film set in the American West during the Civil War, which hit theaters on June 28. The premise delves into complex issues such as the representation of Native Americans and the violence of the time, proposing a new vision of the western genre. Horizon has been a huge sacrifice for Costner, and he considers it an enormous source of pride in his legacy as a filmmaker. However, the first installment of the project has not performed as well as expected.
Part of the criticism the film has generated is for its portrayal of Native Americans. It focuses on his perspective from the beginning of the film, with a massacre at the Horizon settlement at the hands of the Apaches, and then delves into the lives of the Native American characters. "I'm tired of everyone trying to be so delicate about things," Costner told Entertainment Weekly magazine, explaining his desire to present a more realistic and complex perspective on Native Americans. To that end, the production enlisted the advice of Native American cultural consultants and Native actors who learned the White Mountain Apache dialect for their roles.
He added, "[The Native Americans] were upset. I don't feel like I have to [hold someone's hand]. 'Oh my God, here we go again. The Indians are the bad guys.' Of course they're not the bad guys. But if you're going to limit yourself, if people aren't willing to watch something unfold, I don't know what to say."
The film saga, whose second installment, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2, will hit thaters on August 16, has generated debates about historical representation and violence in film.
