All Critics (65) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (9)
One of the most valuable things a film can do is to take you to a place or introduce you to a character you haven't encountered before.
It's well and good to hear Buck and others tell his story, but the film wouldn't come to much if you didn't feel the connection between his present and past in every frame.
You don't have to be a horse nut to fall for "Buck," one of those rare documentaries whose subject is so inherently fascinating that a fictional character could hardly compete.
Documentaries have a wonderful way of making us care about people and things way outside our own experience, and "Buck" is a prime example.
Brannaman is a fascinating character, but Buck is so tightly focused that only avid horse lovers will find it appealing.
The man's mythology precedes him, and it's the movie's failing that we don't understand how or whether he uses that mythology because he knows it's good business.
Idyllic, inspirational, uplifting film
It's a serene quality that has the same calming and inspiring effect on a movie audience: After spending 90 minutes with Buck, I'd probably walk into a horse trailer on his say-so, too.
Both Buck and 'Buck' endorse sensitive care for the voiceless, whether they be horses or cowed children.
It is perhaps a measure of the success of a documentary to be able to interest you in a subject that you'd not normally gravitate toward.
... makes you want to be a better person,closer in calmly authoritative spirit to Buck Brannaman. When he strides on screen, there's something mystical about this Wyoming cowboy, whose saddle posture could model for a Frederic Remington sculpture.
... by the time its 90 or so minutes have flown by, we feel like we've made a new friend.
In Buck, director Cidy Meehl captures a man who has dignity, a certain grace, and is self-effacing. Meehl makes a wise choice in keeping Buck from being contrived and just a feel-good experience. She keeps it authentic and human.
It's mesmerizing to watch him do his magic with problem horses, but the film becomes a bit of a one-trick pony after a while.
Brannaman's story is intriguing enough to survive the rather unimaginative construction of the movie that contains it.
Unfortunately, "Buck" follows too closely its hero's example: It is laconic to the point of sleepiness.
"Buck" is an extraordinary and fascinating story about an individual who believes you can accomplish more through simple kindness and understanding.
The movie never takes itself too seriously, maintaining a light tone with a few stabs at humor. The camera work is outstanding with great shots of a variety of horses in the great outdoors.
It's a small story that trades in big emotions, and Meehl makes it worthy of the full-scale approach.
As a manual for handling animals - and people, for that matter - Brannaman's common-sense teachings broaden his story's appeal.
"Buck" is an absolute must-see for horse-lovers out there, but there also is plenty to enjoy for the non-equine-adorers as well.
On the surface seems to be about a fairly narrow subject, but proves to be about universal human truths.
Meet Buck Brannaman. You'll be glad you did.
Meehl's documentary features plenty of interviews with cowboys and ranch hands who've had their lives changed by Brannaman, but it lacks the literary or cinematic magic of either version of The Horse Whisperer.
More Critic Reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.