I have to confess that I came at Robert Redford's The Horse Whisperer with a slightly jaundiced eye, having read the book and been underwhelmed by it. The story involves hyper New York magazine editor Annie - Kristen Scott Thomas facing the tragedy of her daughter's horse riding accident. The daughter Grace - Scarlett Johansson - has had to have part of one leg amputated, her best friend was killed and her horse Pilgrim was badly wounded and traumatised. Most people think he should be put down. But Annie resists that action and despite her husband Robert's - Sam Neill's - misgivings, decides to travel to Montana to seek the help of Tom Booker, a famed healer of traumatised horses. Booker is played by Redford himself.
My view of the film is not much of an improvement on the book. It's sentimental, way too long at 2 hours 45 minutes and not very well told. Redford lingers on the scenery, he lingers on the horse business, he lingers on meaningful glances because, of course, there is chemistry between Annie and Tom. Quintessentially British Kristen Scott Thomas, seems out of place in this film. It's like she's doing something with Jane Austen and Redford's in a Marlboro Ad. On the plus side young Scarlett Johansson evokes sympathy as Grace and Chris Cooper is terrific in his small role as Tom's brother. And the horses are magnificent. Redford has shot most of the film in extreme close up with quick cuts to significant nothings. He's also included meaningless scenes like Annie reading in bed and putting out a light.
I must admit that judging from the screening that I attended the other night where there was a lot of tissue activity, I'm in a minority on this film. I think that if you thought the book was terrific you'll love the film which Redford adapted with screenwriters Richard LaGravenese and Eric Roth. But for me this is Redford's least significant film. I expected more.
