Kevin Costner recently revealed his four favorite western films, blending timeless classics by John Ford with newer masterpieces, including one directed by Clint Eastwood. His choices, shared during a reflective interview marking his 70th birthday, highlight his passion for the genre and showcase the significance of the Clint Eastwood Unforgiven Western as a standout film.
Kevin Costner’s Essential Western Films
<pDuring an interview revisited by the site Letterboxd, Costner outlined his top four western movies. He began with two iconic works by John Ford featuring John Wayne: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, praised especially for its screenplay, and The Searchers. These classic films are foundational staples within the western genre and earned prominent spots in his list.
Highlighting a Modern Western Classic
For his third selection, Costner pointed to a more contemporary western from the early 1990s: Unforgiven, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Costner confessed to having once tried to produce this film under its original working title, Whore’s Gold. He emphasized the screenplay’s remarkable strength as the key reason for its enduring quality, saying,
“I always knew Unforgiven [eventually directed and starred in by Clint Eastwood, NDLR] had the potential to be a great film for one reason, its script. It had a spectacular script.”
Costner’s Personal Contribution to Western Cinema
Completing his list, Costner selected one of his own films, choosing to highlight Open Range over the more widely recognized Dances with Wolves. Regarding this choice, he said,
“I really loved making Open Range, and I still enjoy watching it today,”
Kevin Costner shared. Released in 2004, Open Range stars Costner alongside Robert Duvall and tells the story of four friends who uphold a strong moral code while driving cattle through the western plains. Their journey leads them to Harmonville, a town under the oppressive control of a corrupt sheriff and a ruthless rancher, where they must stand up to protect their honor.
Ongoing Ambitions and Challenges with Horizon
Beyond his celebrated past projects, Kevin Costner continues his western storytelling with the film series Horizon: An American Saga. Initially planned as a four-part project, filming of the first chapter started in May 2024. However, the series has encountered difficulties following disappointing box office returns for the opening installment. These setbacks have resulted in funding issues and postponement of the second chapter, delaying further progress on the saga.
For fans wishing to revisit Costner’s work, Open Range remains available on video on demand platforms, offering a chance to experience one of his favorite films in the western genre.
The Enduring Impact of Costner’s Western Favorites
Kevin Costner’s carefully chosen lineup illustrates both his reverence for western film history and his personal connection to contemporary western storytelling. His admiration for Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven highlights the film’s importance as a modern cinematic milestone, while his inclusion of Open Range reflects his ongoing commitment to the genre. As westerns continue to evolve, Costner’s selections underscore the lasting influence of both classic and modern films on current audiences and filmmakers alike.
