It’s somewhat unusual to considerromance cinema to be a genrein and of itself, as romantic relationships are critical to many types of films. Even the most action-packed genre movie or hilarious comedy is made more endearingas the result of a romantic storyline, as it grounds the narrative with an empathetic emotional quality that the viewer can relate to. It should not come as a surprise thatgreat Western films have always incorporated an element of romance. The classical nature of the genre often allows for moments of sincerity between characters who care for each other.
Many classicalWesternsperpetuate the notion ofa heroic protagonistwinning the heart of a love interest upon their victory. While this is a recurring hallmark within many familiar narratives, it doesn’t exactly present a realistic version of what a romantic relationship looks like. The Western genre has thankfully evolved over the course of cinema historythanks to revisionist filmsthat opt to be more diligent in their historical accuracy. This often yields the best results, asthe modern Western dramedyThe Electric Horsemanis an authentic look at modern relationships.
The Electric Horseman
A disillusioned cowboy, once a rodeo star, makes a bold move to rescue an abused horse from a life of commercial exploitation. As he sets out on a cross-country escape to release the horse into the wild, a determined journalist follows him, seeking the story behind his actions. Their encounter leads to unexpected companionship and a quest for new beginnings.
What Is ‘The Electric Horseman’ About?
Directed by the esteemed filmmakerSydney Pollack,The Electric Horsemanis a “fish out of water” love story that places two unlikely heroes in a Western environment.The film centers on the former rodeo World Champion Sonny Steele (Robert Redford), who has become a spokesperson for a popular breakfast cereal brand on the back of his increased popularity. Although it’s a job that manages to balance his checks, Steele can’t help but feel like he’s only coasting off the success of his former glory. Although he is fearful of opening up to reporters who may pry into his personal life andinquire about his mental health, the newscaster Hallie Martin (Jane Fonda) begins to raise concerns when she begins investigating his employer’s treatment of the prized racehorse Rising Star. Upon realizing that the stallion is being mistreated and improperly cared for, Steele makes an abrupt decision to break Rising Star out and transport him safely to Las Vegas.
What follows is a series of hilariously awkward slapstick moments of Steele trying to guide Rising Staron an awkward road tripacross the desert. Despite having the persona ofan accomplished cowboywithin his promotional appearances, Steele has no expertise on how to live on the frontier. Although it initially appears to be nothing more than a situational comedy,The Electric Horsemanbecomes an endearing romance film about those who share passions. Hallie tracks down Steele’s location out of curiosity, and is shocked by his efforts to free Rising Star. However, it was her investigation into the horse’s treatment that kicked off his wild decision; the two become unlikely partners in the mission to give the beautiful creature the respect that he deserves.
Whatever Happened to Tom Cruise and Reese Witherspoon’s Rodeo Romance?
We were this close to a Western love story with Witherspoon and Cruise.
As with any great romance film,The Electric Horsemandoes a great job at showing the initial resistance between the characters. Hallie has little reason to respect Steele;in her experience as a journalist, she has become well acquainted with more than a few pretentious celebrities whose belief in important causes is entirely superficial, and she’s doubtful that Steele is responsible enough to give Rising Star justice. Simultaneously, Steele sees Hallie as the epitome of the prying reporters that he’s spent his entire career avoiding; he feels that he has been pressured to give up his values as a result of the media’s domineering influence. While initially they have no respect for their counterparts’ professions, both Steele and Hallie learn to appreciate each other as individuals.
Robert Redford and Jane Fonda Have Great Chemistry in ‘The Electric Horseman’
The Electric Horsemanserves as further proof of whyFonda and Redford are a continuously engaging screen duo.Ever since they first shared the screen together inthe classic romantic comedyBarefoot in the Park, Redford and Fonda have mastered the art of conveying a sincerity of emotions through sharp comedic dialogue. Steele and Hallie trade many heightened insults with each other, and often take pleasure in outdoing each other on an intellectual level. Despite the seeming animosity of their words, it’s evident that the pair finds engagement with one another, and that they appreciate having someone who rises to their level. The brewing sexual tension between them only grows stronger as the characters grow closer to completing their intended mission.
Althoughthere’s a slapstick elementto seeing two ill-equipped characters forced to have the responsibilities of cowboys,The Electric Horsemansucceeds when it develops sincere moments of contemplation.Hallie grows to appreciate that Steele has a knowledge of the outdoors, and seems to have a genuine passion for protecting the natural world; similarly, he begins to acknowledge that her street smart sensibilities have been essential in avoiding more critical moments of danger. The film does a great job at showing how the burgeoning mutual respect grows into romance when Steele and Hallie realize how closely they’ve been in each others’ company.
‘The Electric Horseman’ Satirizes the Western Genre
Although the film addresses some serious issues about both celebrity culture and animal rights,The Electric Horsemanadds a sense of comedy in its realistic depiction of the west. Both Hallie and Steele realize that the idealized version of life on the frontier isderived entirely from classic movies, and that in reality the cowboy profession includes a lot of grueling hard work.
The Electric Horsemancelebrated the “Golden Age of Westerns”by showing the importance of retaining traditional values. While Steele and Hallie don’t share much in common withthe classic gunslinger heroes, they do share a collective desire to confront abuses of authority. It’s this endearing quality that they share that transformsThe Electric Horsemanfrom an amusing genre parody into a powerful romance.
The Electric Horsemanis available to buy on Amazon in the U.S.
