The Black Stallion Essay

The 1979 movie, The Black Stallion, directed by Carroll Ballard was created nearly forty years after the original novel was published in 1941. The film immediately caught my attention while analyzing this assignment. Unusually intrigued by older movies, I was shocked to have found one that interested me as much as it did. In summary, The Black Stallion is an arabian horse whom was being transported by ship, when the steamboat suddenly catches fire and sinks. A teenage boy by the name of Alec was also on board, leaving the two desperate for survival upon a deserted island. The young boy tames the wild horse and they soon develop an emotional bond learning to both trust and love each other, for they were all each other had. Once rescued, the unique horse is established by a forgotten veteran racehorse trainer who then teaches Alec to ride. After hours of training, they bring the legend to life. The Black Stallion received its name prior to it’s first race against two of the countries fastest horses. The movie was full of action and suspense, keeping me on my toes. One component I enjoyed most about the movie was how unpredictable it

The cinematography demonstrated talented and beautiful images which is key. When pictures appear unclear, unrealistic, or obstructed, that affects the overall movie. The lighting brings a thrilling, exciting mood to the screen which is also very important as a viewer especially when there is absence of speech. In particular, the lighting in the scene on the deserted island gives off a tone on eerie stillness, almost as if you yourself are in the situation that Alec and The Black Stallion encountered. Costuming was incredibly real. From the outfits of spectators at the race track, to the boy in worn out clothes on the island, it all only lead the story line to seem more actual. Music fit each scene well, however it was the one detail that reminded me how outdated the movie truly