18 Comments

Thank you for the post. I saw it and pretty much thought what you thought. I’m hoping the second chapter the story jells. Like you said maybe the confusion will make sense second chapter. Movies like this are appreciated more than typical movies. I found it cinematic close to Titanic. Even though I was confused I loved it.

Expand full comment

I love this review. Thank you, Sonny! Especially in this moment.

I am terrified at what's about to happen to us. Are we Germany 1930? It feels like we might be and it is agony as we await our fate.

And moving to another country is not so easy. There are family obligations and medical concerns, for starters. Can people get the medications they need in another country? How does that work?

After everything that Reagan and Thatcher did for us; after the remarkable progress such as the right to marriage for all; after the advent of people from all racial groups driving Mercedes SUV's and eating at the trendiest bars and restaurants; after all that we suddenly lose our freedom to a lunatic while watching helplessly as our friends in Ukraine and god knows where else are enslaved and butchered. It's unbearable.

Expand full comment

What a thoroughly delightful read on this Fourth of July! Thank you.

Expand full comment

Thank you for this piece. We may watch “Unforgiven” tonight after guests leave, but mostly thank you for the review of “Horizon.” I loved this movie and found myself getting a bit emotional afterwards. Looking forward to the next chapters. Disheartening to read so many negative reviews. Initial box office wasn’t great but my hope is that people will see it as it deserves to be seen. Most movies these days are made for a profit motive, which is fine, but the movies made from passion and heart are always superior, IMHO. Please go see this. It is a beautiful film.

Expand full comment

I’m honestly not shocked by the mixed reviews; it’s a very odd film, structurally. But I’d you give yourself over to it, it’s pretty great.

Expand full comment

I grew up watching westerns on TV and at the drive-in, but I didn’t like them much. “Unforgiven” left me thoughtful and speechless. “Horizon” may be a perfect way to spend the day.

Expand full comment

See it!

Expand full comment

The Western mystique will never go away!! Thankfully!!! Reality will never go away either, unfortunately.

Expand full comment

“Duck, I says…”

Expand full comment

I thought it was "Duck, says me." But maybe I'm just channeling the old Popeye cartoons. Not Popeye Doyle.

Expand full comment

I don't know about the Independence Day angle, but "Unforgiven", along with "McCabe and Mrs Miller", is my favorite Western. (yes, I favor revisionism in my Westerns). Will give Horizon a look.

Thanks!

Expand full comment

“These people think that if they’re tough enough, smart enough, mean enough … all this will be theirs someday.” That sounds like a summation of the current Republican Party and their own Manifest Destiny. None of that Willie Guthrie “This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land” nonsense, this land is THEIR land, and as it says in “Unforgiven”, we’ve ALL got it coming, but especially anyone not them.

I think I’m watching “1776” and “Dave” today.

Expand full comment

Independence Day was the pinnacle of what Tom Cruise's most coveted indulgence is--swaggering.

Expand full comment

Great and powerful essay on a great and powerful film.

Expand full comment

I haven't watched Unforgiven. After reading your great article, I believe I'll give it a look. I'd heard when the film premiered in 1992 that it was extremely violent. I decided to skip it. I appreciate your thoughts on the film and the connection to America's Independence Day. It's a nice break from the current Biden is running/Biden is dropping out coverage. Who the Democratic nominee will be is very important. It's the unknowing that takes a toll. Thanks for the good read! Happy 4th!

Expand full comment

It’s very good and I wouldn’t say it’s so violent (though maybe I’m just desensitized).

Expand full comment

Some men do need killin' more than others, but it's a hell of a thing, 'cause they're seldom the ones who get it.

Hell of a review. Props and Happy 4th.

Expand full comment

Some great writing here, Sonny. Sometimes people think 'oh it's just a movie review' but this was great writing. Thanks. I, like you, just admire anything that is not some boilerplate dollar-maker.

Expand full comment