Kevin Costner: Leaving Pieces of My Heart

As the day of my interview with Kevin Costner approached, I realized my excitement stemmed not only from speaking with one of the greatest actors of all time but also from discussing his passion project: “Horizon – An American Saga.” This film, in which he serves as co-writer, producer, director, and actor, is a vision he’s nurtured since the 1980s, finally coming to fruition in recent years. It’s clear that his connection to this project runs deep.

During our conversation, we explored themes of representation, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling from the heart.

First, congratulations on “Horizon – An American Saga Chapter 2.” I found it even more captivating than the first. I loved how it highlighted the small moments while gradually revealing the characters’ true natures, setting the stage for their evolution in the upcoming chapters. How did you collaborate with your cast to develop their character arcs?

We laid the groundwork before casting, which is why they were excited to join. They appreciated the script and saw the growth of their characters within the narrative. Often, actors find themselves in projects where they’re unhappy with the script and try to salvage it during filming. That wasn’t the case here; we know exactly where the story is headed in Chapters 3 and 4.

Chapters 1 and 2 unfolded as they were meant to, and the actors brought their journeys to life beautifully. You can truly see their transformations, which adds an emotional depth. For instance, Ella Hunt’s character arc deeply moved me. Was there a specific scene that struck you emotionally during filming?

Any scene depicting a woman being victimized is tough to handle. I aimed to approach it with sensitivity, avoiding explicit depictions while still conveying the gravity of her experiences. Although we don’t see the events unfold, their impact resonates powerfully.

That’s the beauty of your direction. You made a bold choice by not showing everything, yet it was incredibly unsettling. I found myself feeling angry in those moments.

Exactly. I wanted the men to feel a sense of urgency, a realization that “somebody has to act.” Initially, they don’t, because the people heading West were strangers to one another. In the first film, when trouble arises, one man attempts to intervene but is met with resistance from the others, realizing that his own life and family are at stake.

The West embodies a sense of independence, yet there’s a pivotal moment when people unite. I chose to delay that moment, allowing the tension to build.

I feel that women are the true protagonists of this film—those who endure, adapt, and strive for new beginnings. It’s refreshing to see such nuanced female representation in a Western. What inspired your portrayal of these women, and what research informed their characters?

I didn’t need extensive research to know their significance; I focused on their everyday struggles. I read journals to understand their daily lives, which were incredibly challenging. I aimed to depict the beauty in simplicity, like when a character, blindfolded, gazes at the humble house they built together—a symbol of love and care that every woman can relate to.

Absolutely. The film’s subtle moments resonated with me so much that I could have happily watched it for another hour. I eagerly await Chapters 3 and 4.

At the start of the movie, there’s the line: “God couldn’t find this place with a map.” What does that mean for you, and how does it relate to the notion of Horizon being forsaken by God, if one exists?

It suggests that they are truly alone out there. If you want to fall in love with someone, do it—don’t cling to outdated ideals. One character questions another, saying, “What’s wrong with you?” The essence of that quote is about awakening to reality.

You’ve often mentioned that directing and playing different characters allows for deep self-exploration. What have you learned about yourself through “Horizon”?

I’ve learned the importance of perseverance. I have to push through, navigate the challenges, and hold on—because if I don’t, who will?

That determination is admirable.

In your view, what does the Western genre represent, and what stories do you believe still need to be told within it?

The Western encapsulates the American experience: the journey of those who left Europe, seeking a promised land that was starkly different from what they knew. The landscape was vast and unfamiliar, populated by diverse Native Nations. It was a profound transition for everyone involved.

America’s relationship with guns is complex; they were essential for survival during early settlement. While we’ve moved beyond that necessity, the legacy of guns continues to shape our culture.

You’ve mentioned wanting to explore the impact of leaving a mark on the world. What kind of mark do you hope to leave behind?

I may not know precisely what I’ve created, but I can say that I’ve poured my heart into every story I tell. Each project is a part of my essence, a piece of my heart shared with others.