There's a new documentary film recently out in theaters simply titled, "Buck", about real life "horse whisperer", Buck Brannaman, who survives a violent childhood and finds success using non-violent methods helping horses with people problems. We read a fascinating piece in today's Huffington Post, that discusses the film from the perspective of a mental health professional, Lloyd I. Sederer, MD, the current medical director for the New York State Office of Mental Health. This article's title, Buck: No Horsing Around, belies the intelligence and intensity of Dr. Sederer's take on the film, and the wide-ranging impact of the film's message.
Photo of Mr. Brannaman courtesy of The Huffington Post
As Dr. Sederer so eloquently states, "What makes this film so extraordinary is not just how amazing a figure Buck is, but the way the narrative illustrates how violence can be mastered." Whether it's violence and abuse perpetrated by humans on humans, or by humans on other animals, it doesn't appear like we, at least as a society, have mastered this often cyclical and devastating problem. But we are struck by how individuals can make such fundamental changes in their lives, and by doing so, serve as role models for many others. And as we've said before, one small decision by one person can make a bold statement-like when we choose to adopt a dog from the shelter rather than purchase from a chain pet store, we're breaking a cycle of abuse-decreasing demand for a "product" born of often violent and abusive practices.
Here's another link to an interview with the subject of the film, Buck Brannaman: www.huffingtonpost.com/zorianna-kit/star-of-buck-speaks-out-a_b_867260.html
We'd love to hear your thoughts on these articles and whether you've seen the movie. Is it on your "must-see" list?
As Dr. Sederer so eloquently states, "What makes this film so extraordinary is not just how amazing a figure Buck is, but the way the narrative illustrates how violence can be mastered." Whether it's violence and abuse perpetrated by humans on humans, or by humans on other animals, it doesn't appear like we, at least as a society, have mastered this often cyclical and devastating problem. But we are struck by how individuals can make such fundamental changes in their lives, and by doing so, serve as role models for many others. And as we've said before, one small decision by one person can make a bold statement-like when we choose to adopt a dog from the shelter rather than purchase from a chain pet store, we're breaking a cycle of abuse-decreasing demand for a "product" born of often violent and abusive practices.
Here's another link to an interview with the subject of the film, Buck Brannaman: www.huffingtonpost.com/zorianna-kit/star-of-buck-speaks-out-a_b_867260.html
We'd love to hear your thoughts on these articles and whether you've seen the movie. Is it on your "must-see" list?
7 comments:
O hai! That looks good. I like horseys. :)
This movie is EXCELLENT. Be sure to see it!!! My daughter had been raving about it ever since she saw it at a film festival in Columbia, MO, so my husband and I went to see it as soon as it hit KC. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and give it FOUR PAWS UP!
Tank's Asst.
We had a fella who lived 3 miles from my house... that could do amazing thingys with horses. He never raised his hand or voice.
I am sure this fella is just as amazing.
We have his From the Ground Up DVD for working with our hoof siblings. Can't wait to see the documentary.
Parental Unit is going to see it this weekend-she can hardly wait!
That movie looks great. We will have to check it out!
I know a woman horse trainer who trains her horses with a kind heart and trains people with their horses with kind heart. I saw Buck twice and couldn't wait to get her reaction to it. She said that she went to see one of his clinics in Southern California and was very disappointed in his disrespect towards the horse owners who had paid for his help. He was rude and condescending to all of them. Perhaps he was having an off day (or off four days), but my friend had NO interest in seeing a documentary about him after witnessing his unnecessary rudeness.
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