Buck [Review by Parsi]

Buck tells the story of Buck Brannaman.  I thought the documentary was rather good, but it left me wanting more.

Let me preface my comments by noting that I am not a horse person.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not hate them like some people.  In fact, I did take a few riding lessons (I will also admit a horse bit me once).  I just never grew up around horses and was never obsessed with them.  All this is to say that I am not (yet) a horse person and my review comes from that perspective.

Buck is a practitioner of natural horsemanship.  He believes in an approach that utilizes a horse’s instincts to train the horse.  Buck was, at least in part, the inspiration for the Nicholas Evans novel The Horse Whisperer and the subsequent film (note that Buck never refers to himself as a horse whisperer).  In fact, Buck worked on that film and another.

The film marks the directorial debut of Cindy Meehl.  It is obvious that she has great respect for Buck.  The film is shot with this reverence.  Ultimately, this results in a film that is more of a love letter.  Each shot reminds the viewer that there is another way to treat horses.  The violence of breaking a horse is unnecessary and problematic.

The film succeeds in large part because of Buck.  I find it mesmerizing to see a genius at work and Buck truly is a genius.  An appreciation of horses is not necessary to appreciate the man.  He is able to approach horses with an unbeleiveable tenderness.  To see a horse change course in his hands versus his pupils is really a wonder.  He is able to move horses as if they are an extension of him.

The greatest insight Buck provides is about the connection between horse and owner.  In a particularly difficult scene Buck speaks with the owner of an unruly stud.  He is able to bring her to tears by explaining the connection between her and her horse and the faults in her rearing of the horse.  The insight he provides is not just about the horse but about her.  His compassion and understanding transcends his profession.

If there is a fault with the film it is that it does not explore its subject enough.  We get some insight into his past and the path the led him to his approach.  But, there are a myriad of holes.  For example, we know precious little information about Buck’s relationship with his brother.  I often was left wanting to know more.

In the end, this is a really beautifully shot film.  It provides the opportunity to explore a true genius, whose story is captivating.  It also highlights a different approach to life.  We do not always have to fight against everything to obtain success, sometimes we just need to take time and move with life.

PARSI VERDICT:  Even if you are not a horse lover, you should ride on in and see this film. 

See what the other half thinks: Haus’s view.