The Horse Whisperer (1998)

Director:

Robert Redford

Writers (WGA):

Nick Evans (novel)
Eric Roth (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

15 May 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance | Western

Plot:

The mother of a severely traumatized daughter enlists the aid of a unique horse trainer to help the girl's equally injured horse.

Plot Keywords:

Horse | Montana | Ranch | Horse Trainer | Amputee

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 4 wins & 16 nominations

Cast

Robert Redford	...	Tom Booker
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Annie MacLean
Sam Neill	...	Robert MacLean
Dianne Wiest	...	Diane Booker
Scarlett Johansson	...	Grace MacLean
Chris Cooper	...	Frank Booker
Cherry Jones	...	Liz Hammond
Ty Hillman	...	Joe Booker
Kate Bosworth	...	Judith (as Catherine Bosworth)
Austin Schwarz	...	Twin #1
Dustin Schwarz	...	Twin #2
Jeanette Nolan	...	Ellen Booker
Steve Frye	...	Hank
Don Edwards	...	Smokey
Jessalyn Gilsig	...	Lucy, Annie's Assistant

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for a disturbing accident scene.

Runtime:

170 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Iceland:10 | Iceland:LH (video rating) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | USA:PG-13 (certificate #36000) | South Korea:12 | New Zealand:M | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-12/9 | France:U | Germany:6 (bw) | Hong Kong:IIA | Mexico:B | Netherlands:12 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Baker, California, USA

Company:

Touchstone Pictures

Trivia:

In the early scenes in New York, the film is presented in a standard 1.85:1 aspect ratio. As the location shifts to Montana, the film widens the viewing area to a 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

Goofs:

Continuity: Briefly, we see the legs of Pilgrim sliding down the bank ahead of the other horse but it is the other horse who reaches the road first. Also Pilgrim alternates between standing and lying as he slides down the bank.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Judith: [waves] Hello!
Grace: [waves] Hello!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Adrien Brody/Sean Paul & Wayne Wonder (#28.19)" (2003)

Soundtrack:

A Soft Place to Fall

A superb drama of fantastic technical quality.

I'll admit that I didn't expect much from "The Horse Whisperer". Even though I had seen (and greatly enjoyed) Redford's earlier directorial attempts (Ordinary People, A River Runs Through It, Quiz Show), this just seemed to be a very ordinary and cheesy 90s drama. While it does have moments that are a bit over-done, it is quite touching and inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the character played by Scarlett Johansson, which was quite unusual and well-thought-out for the character of a teenage girl. Robert Redford is not only brilliant as the title character, he gives the full force of his directorial talents to this picture, and it shows. Coupled with the truly flawless cinematography of Robert Richardson, this is one of the most fantastic-looking films I have ever seen.

I must recommend this film, not only as a visual experience, but an excellent family drama.

8.3 out of 10