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Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two Set for Venice Film Festival Premiere
Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated film, “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two,” is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival on September 7, 2023. This announcement comes after the film’s U.S. release was unexpectedly pulled, following the underwhelming performance of its first installment, which grossed only $11 million against a $100 million budget during its opening weekend.
| Film Title | Director | Starring | Release Date | Budget | Box Office (Chapter One) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two | Kevin Costner | Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Danny Huston | September 7, 2023 (Venice Film Festival) | $100 million | $11 million |
Overview of Horizon: An American Saga
“Horizon: An American Saga” is a multi-faceted depiction of the Civil War expansion and the settlement of the American West. The film is not just a Western; it is a deep exploration of the historical complexities surrounding the era. Kevin Costner, who directs and stars in the film, has co-written the screenplay with Jon Baird, known for his work on “The Explorers Guild.” The film is produced through Costner’s own production company, Territory Pictures.
The first installment of the saga premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation. Despite this initial acclaim, the film struggled to find its footing at the box office, leading to the decision to pull the second chapter from its planned U.S. release. Costner’s vision for the saga has been a passion project for over 30 years, and he has invested his own resources into bringing this ambitious narrative to life.
Venice Film Festival Premiere Details
The Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, will host the world premiere of “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two” on September 7, 2023. This screening will take place out of competition, allowing the film to be showcased alongside the first chapter earlier that same day. Costner expressed his excitement about the opportunity to present both films at the festival, stating, “My dream was always to show ‘Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two’ at the Venice Film Festival.”
Alberto Barbera, the director of the Venice Film Festival, praised the film as a “visionary project” that delves into the complexities of American history. He emphasized the importance of showcasing both chapters together, highlighting the festival’s commitment to supporting artistic vision and storytelling.
Critical Reception and Expectations
The first chapter of “Horizon: An American Saga” received mixed reviews from critics. Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman noted that the film presented a fragmented narrative, asking audiences to piece together the backstory of various characters and situations. Despite the criticism, the film’s ambition and Costner’s dedication to authenticity in storytelling have been acknowledged.
As the second chapter prepares for its premiere, expectations are high. The Venice Film Festival is known for launching films that go on to achieve critical and commercial success. With the first chapter’s mixed reception, many are curious to see how “Chapter Two” will build upon its predecessor and whether it can capture the audience’s attention more effectively.
Future of the Horizon Saga
Kevin Costner has plans for a total of four films in the “Horizon: An American Saga” series. He has already begun shooting the third installment, indicating his commitment to this expansive narrative. The ambitious nature of the project reflects Costner’s desire to explore the complexities of American history and the human experience during a pivotal time in the nation’s development.
As the saga unfolds, audiences can expect a rich tapestry of characters and stories that delve into the realities of life in the American West. Costner’s dedication to authenticity and historical accuracy will likely continue to be a hallmark of the series, making it a significant contribution to the Western genre.
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two” is poised to make a significant impact at the Venice Film Festival. With its world premiere set for September 7, 2023, the film represents not only a continuation of a passionate project but also a chance for Costner to showcase his vision on an international stage. As audiences await the screening, the anticipation surrounding the film continues to grow, with many eager to see how this epic saga will unfold.
FAQs
- When is the premiere of “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two”?
- The world premiere is scheduled for September 7, 2023, at the Venice Film Festival.
- Who directed “Horizon: An American Saga”?
- Kevin Costner directed both chapters of “Horizon: An American Saga.”
- What is the budget for the film?
- The budget for “Horizon: An American Saga” is reported to be $100 million.
- Why was the U.S. release of “Chapter Two” pulled?
- The U.S. release was pulled due to the underperformance of the first chapter at the box office.
- How many films are planned in the “Horizon” saga?
- Kevin Costner plans to create a total of four films in the “Horizon” saga.
- What was the reception of the first chapter at Cannes?
- The first chapter received a seven-minute standing ovation at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
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