Even though I never saw the Robert Redford movie, The Horse Whisperer, I knew that it was about a man who could communicate with horses. But what I didn’t realize was that it was based on a real person, Buck Brannaman. As with lots of movies based on true stories, the truth is often more fascinating than fiction, and such is the case with Buck. In this documentary by first time director, Cindy Meehl, one is given access to all aspects of Buck’s life on the road teaching clinics around the country, and it’s not all roses.
Buck is a true cowboy. He and his brother grew up as successful rope performers under their domineering father. (They were even on a Wheaties box!) When their mother died and the abuse became worse, they were placed with a foster family where Buck received the nurturing he was longing for. SPOILER What’s missing from this story is what came of Buck’s brother. Perhaps he did not want to be a part of the documentary, but I was very worried something terrible had happened to him. I was happy to see in the credits there were pictures of the two of them as older adults. I do wish that relationship had been somewhat explained.
What I enjoyed about seeing this documentary was watching how natural Buck is with horses and even the people around him. He’s got a very dry sense of humor and has worked to overcome his shyness. Since he travels so much of the year, the people on his regular route around the country become part of his family. Although he misses his wife and kids, he does get to spend time with them and maintains great relationships. He is loved by all that meet him.
In Buck’s clinics, he works with people to better understand their horses. Throughout the years, many people have followed the tradition to use violence for discipline. Buck attempts to teach people that a firm hand is different that a cruel one. Once people start to understand their horses, you can see in their faces they are changed.
Some people just have a way with animals. I know my mom was especially good with dogs and cats. She could just tell what they needed. They “spoke” to her. This is how Buck is. He knows what the horses need and he is trying to show it to everyone else. There are those who can do this with people as well.
Buck Brannaman as himself Meehl. Photo Credit: Ezra D. Olsen A Sundance Selects Release
There was a tough situation with a young horse in which Buck had trouble. The horse had never had the proper care and was now completely wild. He would bite and kick and hurt people. A tough question was raised, “When do you give up?” I really feel this topic is worthy of its own documentary and didn’t quite fit in this film.
The landscape provides a beautiful backdrop with the horses taking center stage. They are magnificent animals, and in every scene they show both strength and vulnerability. Although I felt the overal arc of the story got a bit derailed, the message came through – the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. You can’t get much more basic than that.
“BUCK” OPENS THEATRICALLY IN NEW YORK AT IFC CENTER AND LINCOLN PLAZA CINEMA ON JUNE 17th.
Rating: Smile-worthy and hopeful, a must-see. 7/10
Recent Comments