Toward the beginning of Buck, a documentary directed by Cindy Meehl, the film’s titular subject Buck Brannaman says something along the lines of, “I’m helping horses with people problems.” Brannaman, the real life inspiration for the film The Horse Whisperer, deftly calms frightened horses and saddles young colts with quiet ease. His astonishing gentleness and compassion towards these horses is rooted in a deep understanding of human nature, which is further revealed through the equestrian workshops he teaches. It is Brannaman’s profound insight into nature, whether exemplified through his interactions with humans or horses, that makes Buck a film worth watching.
It would be difficult to discuss Buck without mentioning something about abuse since Buck, is himself a survivor of horrific child abuse. Brannaman knows firsthand what it feels like, as he says, “to fear for [his] life.” Around horses from early childhood, he was well aware of the torturous practices that were commonplace when training or “breaking” horses. Buck’s unique background enabled him to see what others could or would not, that these practices were abusive, and ultimately, detrimental to both horse and rider. His terrific compassion seems obvious to the horses, which are quick to trust Buck and follow his lead. At one point in the film, Buck has a horse literally dancing the grapevine – without the threat of punishment or fear, without anything but love.
Throughout Buck, it is difficult not to be struck by the simplistic genius of Brannaman’s equestrian practices. Buck approaches each horse in a very psychological manner, examining their mannerisms, and then deducing their history from behavior. Training methods such as restraining, whipping, or forcing horses into painful positions can make horses fearful and skittish. Yet these methods became the accepted norm based on the assumption that it was the only way to tame or break a horse. Brannaman proves that these methods actually make horses more difficult to work with, and that by gaining an animal’s trust and treating a horse with respect, people can enjoy far more rewarding relationships with their horses.
While Buck garners the viewer’s interest easily, it does not go deeply enough into the psychology and philosophy that drives the movie. That is, that living creatures respond and grow from kindness and compassion more than they do from pain or fear. Buck focuses more on the results of Buck’s workshops, which are indeed extraordinary, but it is also fascinating just to hear Buck speak. Especially after his friends testify to what a shy man Buck used to be, and to how hard he had to work to be able to get up and teach in front of people. His charismatic excitement may seem a little hokey at first, but it is hard won. Watching his success is honestly heart warming.
Buck is not simply the story of a single survivor, because Buck Brannaman did more than survive. He was able to take his horrific personal experience and use them to the benefit of the world. Buck allows us to witness the success of a man who just wanted to make the world a little bit better.
Marit Rogne
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