Kevin Costner premiered his film “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” at the Cannes Film Festival to a generally negative reception, drawing comparisons to Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” as another expensive passion project with mixed reviews. Costner’s first directorial effort in two decades is the first part of a four-film series that follows the expansion of the American West. He reportedly put $38 million of his own money into producing the films, with a budget of over $100 million.
While “Horizon” received a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes, there were numerous walkouts during the screening. Critics have criticized the film for its treatment of Native American characters and its unresolved storylines. IndieWire’s critic called it the “dullest cinematic vanity project of the century,” while The Hollywood Reporter questioned its portrayal of Native Americans on screen. The film’s 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is based on 11 critics’ reviews.
Costner’s “Horizon” project, which he first conceived in 1988, has faced challenges in finding financing over the years. Similarly, Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” which premiered at Cannes the week prior, also faced mixed reviews despite a standing ovation. Coppola self-financed the $120 million project, which he began developing in the 1980s. The film has a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The negative reception to “Horizon” raises questions about the future of Costner’s sequels. The first chapter opens in the United States on June 28, followed by the second chapter in August. Costner is currently filming the third chapter. Critics have highlighted issues with both “Horizon” and “Megalopolis,” including unresolved storylines and treatment of certain characters.
It remains to be seen how the backlash against both films will impact their future releases. Costner has been dedicated to bringing his vision to life, while Coppola has faced challenges in bringing “Megalopolis” to the screen. The reception at Cannes has sparked discussions about self-financed passion projects in the film industry and how they are received by audiences and critics alike.
