Cowboys - A documentary portrait
Kate McLaughlin reviews this 1922 films production which depicts the life of the modern cowboy.
Brought to life by 1922 films, this documentary is co-written and directed by John Langmore - a former working cowboy first and a photographer second, and Bud Force - an award-winning director and cinematographer, and former rodeo cowboy who has spent a decade producing brand films and documentaries around the world. This is a first-hand account of what it is like to be a modern working cowboy. Shot in a classic Western style, you truly see how vast these ranches are and the sheer scope of the country covered. It really is a different way of life.
The featured ranches are all full-crew horseback ranches, which John photographed and worked on to create his book Open Range (Twin Palm Publishers). Covering from Texas to Northern Nevada, these big outfits operate on several hundred thousand to more than one million acres. The full crews of horseback cowboys are working descendants of the trail-driving cowboys of the 19th century.
A crew of only three people created the film, which posed a challenge not just in practical terms, as no one wanted to get in the way and ruin a day’s work for these guys, but also technically. Advances in equipment, such as drones, enabled the film crew to capture epic aerial cinematic visuals, which, combined with the stark reality of this way of life, create a beautiful, authentic film.
This piece of art shows exactly what it means to be a working cowboy. I think the idea that people sometimes perceive is skewed and romanticised, and the reality is grittier than we would maybe like to admit, but there is beauty in that.
The long hours, the elements (dusty hot to bitter cold), and the sheer physical endurance it takes to be able to trot a horse for hours on end, all before lunchtime, and this is without factoring the sheer nature of the role itself, which in this film it is so clear that these men and woman are used to being misunderstood and underappreciated, as folk really do not know what they actually do.
Solitude and isolation can be an issue for some, and those are the cowboys who won’t make it. A certain level of confidence is needed to take on this lifestyle, and make no mistake—that is what it is—a lifestyle. It is not only what you do but who you are, down to your bones.
Not everybody has this desire or understands it, but if you don’t, you don’t last long in this vocation. The only reason a cowboy exists is to take care of their cattle. That’s it. No cattle, no cowboy. A cowboy has to have a real appreciation and love for cows; their care of these animals is paramount. From spring calving to ensuring they’re fed through winter, their livelihood depends on it, and it is no easy affair for someone when you are dealing with man, Mother Nature, horses and cows.
This film is shot in a way that makes you truly appreciate what these crews are up against, both emotionally and physically. It doesn’t hold back, and you will begin to understand why a cowboy’s place in the world is so important.
Not only that, but it goes beyond the practicalities of cow and ranch work and looks at the impact on the wives and children. Some of them live so remotely that it is a three-day trip to get groceries—with a baby and toddler in tow. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the practicalities of having children and living out in the middle of nowhere.
The characters depicted are humble. They just wish to quietly go about their business and do what needs to be done for their herd, hoping that it is enough. They don’t wish for the limelight, and I feel this film respects that humility while also showing the humanity of these men and women.
Let’s not forget their relationship with their horses and the Vaquero tradition in which this job is steeped. These cowboys are all handy, but some are real horsemen, and you can see that portrayed by how they present their horses, the gear they use, and the way they ride. There is always respect and deep love for the horse shown, and an acknowledgement of the difference Ray Hunt made to the lives of horses is evident; he made it a dance, and the desire to have that union is apparent. Most cowboys want to ride, as they love their horses and hope to spend that horse’s lifetime working together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, not only for the cinematic experience but for all the individual stories, tales of history, and poetry that bring it to life. I do hope you get to take a look, and more information can be found at:
www.facebook.com/thecowboydocumentary
Author:
Kate Wensley is a skilled equestrian and writer based in the UK, with a strong focus on western riding. She served as the editor for Western Horse UK from 2018 to 2023, where she shared her insights and expertise on horsemanship. Kate is committed to promoting ethical training practices and fostering a deeper understanding between horses and riders. Her work highlights the nuances of western riding and engages a community of equestrian enthusiasts through informative articles and resources.
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