Buck (2011) - Movie Review

It is reassuring to me that guys like Dan "Buck" Brannaman still exist. Buck is a throwback to the time of Cowboys. The strong spirited men that tamed the West. They are a breed that hold to a tradition of formality and respect. The type of people who will tip their hat to a lady in passing. It is a breed that could have faded from existence. Yet, here we have Buck, a guy that seems to have stepped off a Hollywood reel from half a century ago.

Buck is a documentary about Dan Brannaman. His nickname "Buck" or "Buckshot" goes back to his childhood. Buck's father was a strict disciplinarian whose alcoholism left physical and emotional scars on the young boy. Buck and his older brother were trick ropists who were featured on television and a Sugar Pops commercial. The boys were strictly corrected when their performances lacked perfection. Ultimately, the stripes on Buck's back were discovered by a coach who helped get the youngsters into a better home environment.

Rather than turning Buck into a bad seed, his troubling childhood seems to have tempered him into a strong, patient man. From troubled roots he grew into a throwback cowboy, exhibiting the patience and calm strength that are rare to find today. Buck was partly the inspiration for The Horse Whisperer, lending his own expertise (and horse) when the Hollywood trick horses failed to deliver on cue. His ability to "start" young horses is legendary. Rather than "breaking" them, Buck earns their trust and bonds with them. It is an amazing feat to witness.

One of Buck's most poignant lines comes when dealing with a horse that cannot be saved. The wild stud possesses an aggression combined with mental deficiencies caused by oxygen deprivation during birth. When discussing the problem, Buck relates "I don't help people with horse problems, I help horses with people problems." He further relates "this horse tells me a lot about you..." when admonishing the owner that her neglect has cost the horse any chance of rehabilitation. While this horse is an anomaly, it shows that the relationship between the horses and owners should be built on trust and should be reinforced regularly.

As for the other "problem" horses, Buck makes short work of them. Given a short period of time with these grouchy equines, Buck will have them tap-dancing. The fluid motion of the trainer as he silently guides his mount is like a ballet. The movements of the horses evoke a gracefulness, while the gestures of the rider are nearly undetectable. It is an amazing transformation to watch. Inspiring. And all the while, Buck clings to a worldview that would seem naive if not for the strength that he exudes simultaneously. His power is in his ability to control his emotions while gently offering instructions to humans and horses.

I liked the way Cindy Meehl put this documentary together. It tugged at my heartstrings without ever feeling sappy. I don't like Country and Western music and really am not a fan of Western movies. Yet this soundtrack managed to give the documentary an aura that captured the cowboy flavor for me. It wasn't twangy or annoying. The music never overpowered the story, providing a pleasant atmosphere behind the story. The documentary didn't need much, though. Buck is a figure that puts anything Hollywood could create to shame. He is real. His musings are better than anything a Hollywood writer could manufacture. It is a lifetime of philosophy that Buck demonstrates in his every movement.

Buck is not a movie, he is a man. I don't think a better title could have been chosen. This is his story. An amazing transformation from abused child to zen horse trainer. If you have ever been amazed at the talent of Cesar Milan, you will be at least equally astounded by Buck. It is his life, his philosophy, his love for horses, his gentle spirit, his firm command, his tough love for errant humans and his dedication to his craft. A moving combination of images that were refreshing and heart touching. This is a film that I would even recommend for those who do not watch documentaries. The story transcends the genre. 9.5/10.