Anyone who has been around horses will appreciate the power of Buck. If you haven't been around horses, prepare to watch how simple concepts used to train horses directly correlates to life, and the human mind. Experience Buck Brannaman's personal blend of natural horsemanship as he teaches the horse's owners as much about themselves, as he does about their horse.
Buck explores Buck Brannaman's past and present in a conglomerate of old film reels, personal interviews, and live horse clinics. Buck's philosophy regarding horses was shaped within him from a very young age. His guiding principle revolves around fear, but it strays from the method that traditional horse trainers rear colts. "Why let an animal live in fear", Buck explains to participants in one of his four day training clinics across the country. "Respect isn't fear, it's acceptance." Buck learned that lesson the hard way, as he suffered from an extremely abusive father. Still, Buck relates everything in his life to horses. "Abused horses are like abused children. They trust no one and expect the worst. But patience, leadership, compassion, and firmness can help them overcome their pasts."
In terms of filmography, Cindy Meehl, the director, did a great job for her first time directing a major film. That being said, there were several filmographic components lacking throughout the documentary. There was very little camera movement, and the director did not follow many simple techniques, such as utilizing the rule of thirds in interview shots as well as using different aperture settings to create a more blurred effect in order to keep the viewer focused on a single subject. For all I know, Buck could have been shot on an iPad, and edited in iMovie. The film would be much stronger if it was shot in a similar style as a National Geographic Documentary.
However, the underlying lessons and philosophies still shine through. The viewer truly gets a sense of the emotions pouring out of Buck, his friends, and his family, while showing how human and horse can coexist peacefully. Buck's charisma, honesty, and no nonsense attitude draws viewers into the film, which has resulted in several awards, most notable was the U.S. Documentary Competition Audience Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Buck embodies the true essence and spirit of a cowboy as Buck shares his personal experience in this truly captivating documentary.
Buck explores Buck Brannaman's past and present in a conglomerate of old film reels, personal interviews, and live horse clinics. Buck's philosophy regarding horses was shaped within him from a very young age. His guiding principle revolves around fear, but it strays from the method that traditional horse trainers rear colts. "Why let an animal live in fear", Buck explains to participants in one of his four day training clinics across the country. "Respect isn't fear, it's acceptance." Buck learned that lesson the hard way, as he suffered from an extremely abusive father. Still, Buck relates everything in his life to horses. "Abused horses are like abused children. They trust no one and expect the worst. But patience, leadership, compassion, and firmness can help them overcome their pasts."
In terms of filmography, Cindy Meehl, the director, did a great job for her first time directing a major film. That being said, there were several filmographic components lacking throughout the documentary. There was very little camera movement, and the director did not follow many simple techniques, such as utilizing the rule of thirds in interview shots as well as using different aperture settings to create a more blurred effect in order to keep the viewer focused on a single subject. For all I know, Buck could have been shot on an iPad, and edited in iMovie. The film would be much stronger if it was shot in a similar style as a National Geographic Documentary.
However, the underlying lessons and philosophies still shine through. The viewer truly gets a sense of the emotions pouring out of Buck, his friends, and his family, while showing how human and horse can coexist peacefully. Buck's charisma, honesty, and no nonsense attitude draws viewers into the film, which has resulted in several awards, most notable was the U.S. Documentary Competition Audience Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Buck embodies the true essence and spirit of a cowboy as Buck shares his personal experience in this truly captivating documentary.
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