This documentary about the "horse whisperer" who inspired the 1995 Nicholas Evans novel delighted Jack and me and so many others that it was #22 at the box office last weekend in its 5th week of release. Buck Brannaman doesn't just help "people with horse problems, but...[helps] horses with people problems." With a voice sounding a lot like actor Chris Cooper, Brannaman is candid about his abusive late father and doesn't have to say that he's broken the chain when he treats his family and his four-legged charges with love, sensitivity, and respect. Now living in Wyoming, Brannaman travels the world giving workshops and making new friends and fans wherever he goes (see his website). He worked as a consultant on Robert Redford's 1998 adaptation of the Evans book and Redford appears in this movie, as do Brannaman's daughter, wife, and many of his clients. Notably missing is his brother, Smokie Brannaman, who has his own site advertising books, DVDs, and equine services based in Wisconsin. Smokie and Buck are shown as children in vintage video (where we learn that Buck's real name is Dan) performing rope tricks. Although Buck resembles Ben Kingsley in the poster, the 50-year-old really doesn't.
Horsewoman and former painter and couture designer Cindy Meehl (I looked for photos of her clothes but was unsuccessful--her two lines were called Sasha, Cindy and Phil and Cindy Hughes Designs) makes her directing debut with this project, which has occupied her since 2008. She has another one in the works.
The original music by David Robbins (actor Tim Robbins' brother and composer on, among others, King of California (2007) and movies that Tim has directed, e.g. Bob Roberts (1992), Dead Man Walking (1995), Cradle Will Rock (1999)) and the songs (scroll down on this link to read the list) add flavor and entertainment.
Not a rider myself (I decided as a teenager that a few hours of horseback riding wasn't worth the sore legs I would have the following day plus I'm a little afraid of animals that big) but I like to watch. Watch this!
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