Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.
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Storyline:
Explore the lure of the Old West and how it was won-and lost-through the blood, sweat and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, embark on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.
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Kevin Costner
Writers :Jon Baird ,Kevin Costner ,Mark Kasdan
Trivia:
When shooting started in Moab, Utah, the temperature was 109 °F (43 °C). Towards the end of shooting, the temperature got to a low 9 °F (-13 °C).
Goofs:
There are a number of firearms mistakes throughout the film, mainly dealing with muzzle loading cap and ball revolvers being loaded with cartridges. The first part is supposed to take place in 1859, revolvers back then included the Colt Dragoon, Navy and Walker (which are used in the film), all of which are loaded by pouring gunpowder in the cylinders, crimping a ball (bullet) on top of a patch into the cylinder and putting a firing cap (primer) on the cylinder’s nipple. The first cartridge firing revolvers weren’t seen until around 1860 but were rare and expensive, they didn’t become common enough for the average person to afford until the 1870’s. The first affordable, mass produced cartridge firing revolver was the Colt Single Action Army released in 1873. Cartridge conversion kits for the Colt Walker, Army and Navy’s seen here didn’t come out until 1871.
Quotes :
Matthew Van Weyden: All I’m trying to do is get as many of us as I can, as far as I can.
Soundtracks:
Arranged by Teddy Morgan & John Debney
Performed by Alyssa Flaherty featuring Shelly Morning Song
Published by Teddy Morgan Music (BMI); Administered by BMG and John Debney Music (ASCAP)
Produced & Recorded by Teddy Morgan & John Debney
Under license from Territory Pictures
Just all over the place:
Nice cinematography with Utah standing in for Arizona. But seems loosely based on no plot. Many many characters are introduced right off the bat. And the story line jumps to and fro. I had trouble figuring out who was who and related to what. I realize it’s a mini-series of sorts. But after one hour in the viewer should be quiet clear as to direction. This thing is a meandering disjointed mess of a screenplay. I’m very disappointed with Costner considering he has been involved with some of the most highly rated westerns known to modern audiences. (Silverado, Dances With Wolves, Open Range etc). Can’t recommend.
