Italian
Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two” to premiere at Venice Film Festival
A new chapter in the Western epic
Kevin Costner’s ambitious Western epic, “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two”, is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival this September. This announcement comes after the film’s U.S. release was unexpectedly pulled from its original August 16th date. The decision to delay the release follows the underwhelming box office performance of the first installment, which, despite its hefty $100 million budget, garnered only $11 million during its opening weekend.
A cinematic journey continues
Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, alongside a stellar cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, and Danny Huston, “Chapter Two” will be showcased out-of-competition on September 7th. The premiere will be a double feature event, starting with a screening of the first “Horizon” movie earlier in the day. This initial film had its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation.
For those interested in revisiting the first chapter, you can watch the trailer here.
A critical perspective
The first installment of “Horizon” received mixed reviews. One prominent film critic noted that instead of presenting a cohesive Western saga, Costner delivered a three-hour collection of anecdotes. The narrative frequently shifted between various groups of characters, often leaving situations unresolved and asking the audience to piece together the backstory. This approach, while ambitious, left some viewers feeling disconnected from the overarching story.
The vision behind the saga
“Horizon: An American Saga” is a multi-layered depiction of the Civil War era and the subsequent settlement of the American West. Costner, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Baird, also produced the film through his company, Territory Pictures. The project aims to delve deep into the complexities and contradictions of this pivotal period in American history, moving beyond myth to seek authenticity.
Reflecting on the upcoming premiere, Costner expressed his long-held dream of showcasing “Chapter Two” at the Venice Film Festival. He praised the festival’s decision to screen both chapters on the same day, highlighting their belief in the films’ interconnected narratives and their support for his directorial vision. Costner extended his gratitude to Alberto Barbera, the festival’s director, for his commitment to this cinematic journey.
A tribute to a visionary project
Alberto Barbera, in turn, expressed his pleasure and honor in hosting the world premiere of “Chapter Two” alongside its predecessor. He described this addition to the festival lineup as a heartfelt tribute to Costner’s visionary project. Barbera acknowledged the actor-director’s dedication to authentically reconstructing a crucial era in American history, capturing its complexity and contradictions.
The Venice Film Festival
The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival will run from August 28th to September 7th. This annual event is renowned for its celebration of cinematic artistry and its role in launching some of the most anticipated films of the year. The inclusion of “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two” in the festival’s lineup underscores the film’s significance and the anticipation surrounding its release.
For more information about the Venice Film Festival, visit their official website.
Final thoughts
As a cinema enthusiast, the prospect of experiencing “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two” at the Venice Film Festival is exhilarating. The film promises to offer a rich, immersive journey into the American West, guided by Costner’s unique vision. Whether you’re a fan of Westerns, historical dramas, or simply great storytelling, this film is one to watch.
For those eager to dive into the world of “Horizon”, don’t miss the chance to catch the first chapter’s trailer here. And mark your calendars for September 7th, when “Chapter Two” makes its grand debut on the Lido.
