The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Review Request: The Black Stallion (1979)

What makes a film feel so nostalgic? These are the films that entered our lives when we were younger, and all the world around seemed so miraculous. For those who do not know the behind-the-scenes, movies do truly feel like magic. On a big screen or in a smaller box, another world full of life happening comes to life. Certainly, films become a defining experience for all young folk, and they just might love it enough to keep passing that love down to new generations. A simple story can go a long way in connecting with the young members of the audience. Animals also capture that childhood love and wonder. Director Carroll Ballard captures all of that in this 1979 classic family film, The Black Stallion. 

Does this feel like the rest of the kids’ movies you used to watch endlessly as a kid? There is an atmosphere and vibe that Ballard has created that feels a bit more artistic and mature. There are no silly moments that make you roll your eyes as slapstick that is leaning directly for those young audience members. The Black Stallion is a film which opens with a ship getting attacked, it burns on the high seas, and our young protagonist’s father not making it out alive. There is a weight in the air and themes and ideas that feel richer than many projects you can just write off. Ballard respects the whole audience and presents life in a way that has its lighter moments of joy and the darker moments of grief. Carmine Coppola delivers a rich, atmospheric, and poignant score that captures the emotion of the story and the feeling of adventure. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel captures a look that is rich and gritty with scenes both on a desert paradise island and the field and racetracks back home. 

What about this story that has captured the imagination of generations of kids? The titular stallion certainly goes a long way in grabbing their attention. There is something mesmerizing about this black horse that is full of fire and passion. There is a great dynamic between the titular horse and our young protagonist. Their time stranded on the island allows for so much connection to develop and that human/animal bond becomes so strong. This section of the film is so moving and genuine that it becomes the heart of the film. There are so many magic moments on this gorgeous backdrop. This sequence of this film is so great that it makes the back half of the film feel less special (even though it is still effective). There are some lagging moments in the second act once young Alec makes it home but the build up to the race at the end of the film hits so hard. The final act of The Black Stallion is everything you want from an underdog sport story. How Ballard and Deschanel shot this sequence makes  it so exhilarating and exciting. This is the type of scene that will get the whole family pumped and excited. Our black stallion looks majestic on the track, and it will hit you so deeply. 

Does the cast bring the magic to the screen as well? First off, that horse was incredible. The equestrian performers are just incredible and embody the spirit of this story so well. Based on the title, you would expect the horse to be the real star and that is correct. Young Kelly Reno does such a fine job that brings a youthful curiosity to Alec. He wants to connect with this animal from the second he saw him on the ship. They are destined to be together. Reno goes through a lot physically as well with the need to show the exhaustion from riding that horse. There are a few standout supporting turns in the film from more veteran performers. Teri Garr is charismatic and charming as always as Alec’s loving mother. She can be funny and finds ways to show an endearing presence that is essential for her character. Screen legend Mickey Rooney makes a significant contribution as the man who trains Alec to become a jockey. Rooney can be a larger-than-life character on screen (despite his stature) but his quieter presence and affection for the young man and his horse add some more emotional layers to this story. Rooney’s Henry Dailey becomes a pseudo-father figure to Alec with the death of his real father on the opening ship sequence. Hoyt Axton is only in the film for a limited time as Alec’s father, but he is so effective at building a quick connection to Alec as well as the audience. That is where much of the emotional weight of the film stems from. 

Is The Black Stallion still the childhood film classic that it has the reputation for? Ballard crafts a mature, rich, and gorgeous film that can weave in such a sprawling adventure while still being about something so personal. There is a reason this film has transcended all the decades and still acts as a good film to watch with the kids. This is a contemplative film you will not see often in family films. That is what has made this film so effective for so many years.