Buck

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I've never reviewed a movie on this blog, but I'd like to do you a favor and recommend a documentary that's making the rounds now, named Buck. It's the story of Buck Brannaman, who was the model for the 1998 film, The Horse Whisperer.

Buck is actually two stories, and the first is of course about a man who has an uncanny ability for relating to horses. The second story is about a boy who overcomes physical and emotional abuse, which in turn poignantly explains the first story. Buck Brannaman understands what makes horses fearful because his own fears weren't too different.

William Hart  |  Google Images

As I watched Buck Brannaman, I was reminded of the great silent film actor, William S. Hart. Hart was the first real star of westerns, and he and Buck bear quite a resemblance. Both men are the way we'd like our cowboy heroes to be, not shoot-em-up, but strong, steady, compassionate people.

Buck was a favorite at this year's Sundance Festival, and in fact Robert Redford is interviewed for the documentary, describing how he relied on Brannaman for the authenticity of The Horse Whisperer. A good portion of Buck shows Brannaman's actual work in horse training clinics, and it's absolutely fascinating. What a shame a movie like this doesn't get shown in the mainstream!

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