I don't usually check these making-of-the-movie documentaries, particularly if it is an hour longer or more, but I thought since "Open Range" is probably the best western I've ever seen, I'd check it out.
It's okay; not riveting in nature, but an interesting account by Kevin Costner, the guy most responsible for its production. This was Costner's project since he directed it and helped produce it and also starred, with Robert Duvall, in the acting department. Since this was not a studio production, Costner had to deal with financial problems which worried him prior to starting the film. He also had serious problems during the filming, as he explained, with a very bad and painful appendicitis, and a bout with laryngitis. It was amazing he was able to complete this picture without missing time.
There is a touching small tribute to a supporting actor, Michael Jeter, who died, Costner explains about five months after the film was shot. I like how he compared to Jeter to western classic actors like Ward Bond and Walter Brennan. He said many stars of that era would not do a western unless one of these guys was in the film.
You see how the crew had to deal with the weather elements and how they created a ton of rain. Water was a big element in this movie, which was filmed near Calgary.
In a 66-minute behind-the-scenes look and almost all of it narrated by Costner, there is a lot to hear and learn and the famous actor-director does a fine, transparent job of explaining much of what went on trying to make this film and his honest personal feelings about a few things. He admits he's a passionate romantic about his work, that it means a great deal to him that the job is done right. Well, he certainly did it right on this film.
Watching this has inspired me to watch more of these documentaries offered on some DVDs.
