Kevin Costner makes a valid observation on cuts made by directors.
Costner's view on Director's Cuts is relevant since some Film alternate cuts are regarded as better than the released product for theaters. One of the most recent instances of this is the better reception Zack Snyder's Justice League, a cut of the 2017 film doubled in running time to 242 minutes. The positive reception of the picture makes it abundantly evident that director's cuts have great significance for the evolution of a film. But they can also render the original form of movies outdated, which begs questions about why said versions were ever produced.
One important instance of this also comes from Snyder, whose critically panned Rebel Moon movies reflect this. PG-13 entries on Netflix run about two hours apiece; later this year, the director's edits will be labeled R and feature at least one hour of fresh story across both films. These forthcoming cutbacks seem to represent the director's intended vision, hence it is not obvious why the present sci-fi movie versions were issued at all. Making his Horizon films without Director's Cuts makes sense given Costner wants viewers to get a whole experience.
"I'm Not One Of Those Guys" : Kevin Costner Attacks Director's Cut Culture
Speaking about his forthcoming Western epic Horizon: An American Saga, Kevin Costner has shot at director's edits and explained why his films won't have several versions. Costner is renowned for overseeing long Western films such the 139-minute Open Range and the 181-minute Dances with Wolves. Four films totaling almost three hours each will make up his upcoming Horizon: An American Saga.
Speaking with Empire Magazine, Costner expressed his contempt of director's cut culture since he felt the intended version should be exhibited first for movie viewers. The actor claimed he had plenty of people attempting to talk him out of starting Horizon: An American Saga such a long movie series. That hasn't prevented him, though, from following his dream of creating the movie he desires. See what Costner had to say down below.
Horizon: A Motion Picture Worth Seeing
For those let down by Kevin Costner's leaving Yellowstone, an update on his forthcoming epic Western picture Horizon seems encouraging. Many films are cropped shorter or with altered aspect ratios to fit a smaller screen in a time of streaming services. Costner, for his part, is clear that his movie will be seen on the big screen instead of the little one. This could be a result of his strong conviction in the ability of movies, something that has lately been underappreciated.
Given the popularity of multiple Films depending on a big-screen experience, Costner seems to have a solid point. One recent instance of this is the great box office performance of Top Gun: Maverick. The movie is famous for its amazing, realistic and thrilling action scenes. With Costner's Movies, this kind of impact might be readily duplicated and indicate a new phase in film.
A Viewpoint into the Domain of the Director
It worked. The problem with streaming was... One person I met said, "Look, please don't do this, Kevin, let us do this." Still, I'm delighted I'm doing this. I see great value on the big screen. I think that experience is valid. I also believe in what will show up on your television. You know, I'm not one of those guys with a director's cut. I create the director's cut f***ing movie.
Many films, including longer versions of the Lord of the Rings, gain from director's cuts following their debut. Although Costner's contempt of the method is not negated by this, instances like this highlight how different interpretations could be beneficial in improving an already existing movie. Though this won't happen with Horizon: An American Saga, director's edits can obviously be either helpful or negative depending on the situation.
Looking Forward to Horizon
Future Horizon Movie; Date of Release
Horizon: Chapters 1, American Saga; June 28, 2024
Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2; August 16, 2024
Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 3; TBD
Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 4; TBD
Source: Empire Monthly