Some days I wish I could go back in life. Not to change anything, but to feel a few things twice…Childhood memories
Our childhood memories and experiences define us. They are a crucial factor in shaping who we are today. Vivid images of special memories that don’t fade with time are deeply etched on our minds. Not all memories however are pleasant; some can be very traumatic and can continue to haunt us in adulthood.
One such story that beautifully essays the poignant journey of a young girl and her experiences as a child is “The Horse Whisperer” by Nicholas Evans which was later made into a movie. I personally enjoy reading books and am disappointed with the outcome of movie adaptations, perhaps because they don’t do enough justice to the book and there’s little left to imagination while watching a movie. Moreover, it also sometimes fails miserably in transforming you to a magical world which only books have the ability to do. Having said that when Robert Redford and Kirsten Scott Thomas, two of my favourite actors made “The Horse Whisperer” I set aside my bias and rented the DVD.
Grace and Pilgrim
The movie opens on a beautiful cold snowy morning with 14-year-old Grace quietly sneaking into the stable and harnessing Pilgrim, a prized jumper she’s received as a present from her mother Annie who is a very successful and high – powered New York Magazine Editor. Grace and her friend Judith, amidst fits of giggles, go on a morning ride with their horses galloping. Just then Judith’s horse skids on a patch of ice and before Grace can help them, they get run over by a truck. Unfortunately, the truck cannot brake in time and ends up hurting Grace and Pilgrim too.
This is poignantly captured in the film when the animal rescue team finds Pilgrim in a dark tunnel. He is standing alone, horribly wounded, and absolutely terrified, his vision all distorted and blurred. Grace gains consciousness in a hospital bed, only to realize that she’s lost a part of her leg. Pilgrim, in the meanwhile, is wounded and traumatized. Kept in a shelter for animals, he can’t be euthanized without Grace’s approval. Grace finds it increasingly difficult to do her daily chores; things that came naturally to her are a struggle; everyday life becomes a burden; she’s bitter and withdrawn. She cannot bear to see her parents and friends pity her. And as a result, she refuses to go back to school. Grace doesn’t want to put Pilgrim down and is torn with guilt, holding herself responsible for her friend’s death and Pilgrim’s trauma.
The world is a hard place for broken lives. It cannot heal a lost and wounded soul. Grace’s mother Annie senses that Grace's healing is somehow tied to Pilgrim. She begins to research horses and those who handle them. Since Neolithic times when horses were first halted, there were men who understood their fear. They could see into the creature's soul and sooth the wounds. They uttered softly into troubled ears; these men were known as “the whisperers." Annie turns to one who has this ability. His name is Tom Booker.
Tom lives with his brother’s family on a secluded Montana ranch. Annie tries to connect with Tom several times, but he refuses to help her. Annie is a strong-willed and courageous woman and Tom’s refusal to help doesn’t stop her from taking a crucial decision and she decides to travel 3000 miles to Montana with her distraught daughter and Pilgrim, despite Grace’s father’s repeated attempts to dissuade them.
The movie beautifully captures the simmering mother-daughter tension during their journey. Their silence is deafening! The battle finally erupts as Annie pulls into the historic Little Bighorn Battlefield. Finding the gates closed and distraught by her daughter's accusations, she leaves the car and walks to the monument overlooking the battlefield cemetery. She is overwhelmed and reaches her breaking point. Till then, she has been the one in total control, the one who has all the answers. But now that she’s with Pilgrim and Grace in their brokenness, she realises that they’re not the only ones who need healing.
The movie beautifully captures the stunning landscapes of Montana and Big Sky Country and the grandeur of the snow-capped Rockies. Their truck arrives at a crossroad where there are no signs but they eventually find the place. Tom is surprised to see them and has them stay in the outhouse of his country home.
Tom Booker
Tom’s a cowboy who has had an unsuccessful marriage with a New Yorker, but has now moved on and lives on his ranch. Tom is calm, quiet, and is aware of the difference between the two worlds that exist beyond his farm. He’s content and enjoys his laidback lifestyle. His horses and his brother’s children keep him busy all day.
The Healing of Pilgrim and Grace
Tom sees Pilgrim caked with mud. He is scarred, wild, and terrified. The first thing Tom Booker does is to make eye contact with Pilgrim. He can see into the wounded soul of the horse. The scenes of Tom Booker working with Pilgrim are some of the most powerful and beautiful scenes in the movie. In another scene Pilgrim, startled by Annie's cell phone, bolts, knocking Tom down and runs away. Booker follows just so far and then begins his patient wait. He waits for hours until finally Pilgrim comes walking slowly back to him. This is one of the most touching scenes in the film.
Tom wins Grace’s trust and confidence by treating her with respect and dignity. He slowly takes Grace back to the time when she was injured. In one such scene, he asks her to drive his truck. He needs her to come out of her fear and insecurity. When she is ready, he listens to her recount the day of the accident. That is the first time that Grace has spoken about the horrific day.
Annie’s transformation while living on the ranch shows how someone who appears to be absolutely normal outwardly is dealing with her own demons. Her cold exterior is a result of a lonely childhood. She’s lost her mother at a very early age and her father’s seldom home. As a diplomat he needs to travel often. Her change is a result of what is happening to her heart as she lives in the presence of love. Tom and Annie share an unspeakable bond which blossoms into love. It also stirs long-dormant feelings in Annie that lead her to question her marriage and choice of career.
The Restoration
The movie's climax comes in a scene where Grace and Pilgrim are restored. Annie's husband, Robert, arrives unexpectedly. Tom Booker realizes it’s time to let go. Despite the progress that Tom has made with Pilgrim, Grace is still unable to ride the horse. Tom knows that Pilgrim and Grace must go back to that moment in order to be truly healed. With Pilgrim lying on his side, Tom rubs and soothes the horse's scars. He then calls Grace and has her do the same. The moment of truth arrives as he tells Grace to get on Pilgrim's back. As she hesitates, he asks her to trust him one more time. What follows is an emotional, heart-warming scene where both Grace and Pilgrim are united.
Annie knows she cannot remain in this special place; she chooses to return home to New York. The movie closes with Tom Booker riding his horse high above the road watching Annie and Pilgrim depart. He has brought about a change in Grace, Pilgrim and Annie gently. He has imparted love and life to each one. Tom has worked a unique and very subtle magic on both, the horse and this troubled family and, as anyone can see, he does indeed succeed wildly!
There’s a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colours are brighter, the air softer and the morning more fragrant than ever…
-Sharada Kore
Visiting Faculty, ELTIS