The mythology of the Western is given a solid treatment by director Billy Bob Thornton in his first film since 1996's Sling Blade, proving he is a filmmaker with strong instincts. Still, Pretty Horses' brevity in some moments hints there was a richer, more shaded picture before its heavy re-editing, and as a result, the work is sometimes a bit unsteady. That said, the script is extremely well-adapted by Ted Tally (who skillfully transferred The Silence of the Lambs to the screen), capturing the rugged beauty of the West with complete authenticity. The leads are believable and well cast (though Penelope Cruz still struggles with her American characterizations), and despite its shortcomings, the movie remains an admirable and reverential poem to a much-forgotten time. Remarkably, Pretty Horses' tumultuous production history isn't apparent in the final version, although a reported two hours of footage was cut from it; the battle over final cut eventually led Miramax Films to take over domestic distribution from partner Columbia Pictures. Additionally, Damon ended up taking the lead role after Leonardo DiCaprio passed on it, a redux of Damon's casting in The Talented Mr. Ripley, another DiCaprio pass.
