**John Malkovich’s Latest Film Tackles Wild Horses and Life Choices in ‘Wild Horse Nine’**
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Renowned actor John Malkovich recently shared insights into his experiences with horses, drawing on a lifetime filled with interactions with these majestic animals. His latest project, the dark comedy ‘Wild Horse Nine,’ offers audiences a glimpse of not only the film’s captivating storyline but also Malkovich’s reflection on his time spent around horses, from his childhood to his illustrious acting career.
Set against the backdrop of 1973, ‘Wild Horse Nine’ features Malkovich alongside actor Sam Rockwell as CIA operatives navigating the political turmoil during a pivotal moment in Chile’s history. Their journey takes them to the stunningly remote Easter Island, where they encounter the island’s wild horses, breathtaking landscapes, and the burden of their past decisions. Malkovich, now 72, expressed his affection for these animals while simultaneously acknowledging the unpredictability they possess. “I like them very much, but I trust them far less than I could throw them,” he jokingly noted during an interview.
Throughout his career, Malkovich has found himself frequently in the company of horses, including memorable scenes from various films. He recounted an experience from the 1996 film ‘The Ogre,’ where he rode a massive black horse while contending with Doberman dogs that had a penchant for causing chaos. “I was often riding at full gallop with four intensely stupid Dobermans trying to bite the horse,” he recalled, revealing a glimpse into what he described as “fairly nightmarish experiences” that nonetheless contributed to his love for horses.
The actor’s escapades with horses don’t end there. He reminisced about another film set during the American Civil War where he spent an entire day on horseback, firing a weapon beside his equine companion. “Bang, bang, bang,” he recounted, laughing about the absurdity of horseback shooting while the horse remained largely unfazed by the gunfire, yet spooked by the sight of a plastic bag rolling in the distance.
Particularly fond memories for Malkovich include his encounters with a horse named Elf during the making of ‘The Ogre.’ Elf, with a mischievous personality, had a playful side that often interrupted Malkovich’s work. “He would nudge me in the back of the leg just to get me to stop working and pay attention to him,” he explained, capturing the clever nature of horses as well as their potential charm.
In addition to ‘The Ogre,’ Malkovich appeared in the 2010 film ‘Secretariat,’ which portrayed the racing legend that won the Triple Crown. He described his experience working with another horse on set, recalling that this particular horse had a knack for comedic timing. “He would start kicking the bucket in his stall as soon as the cameras were rolling,” Malkovich recounted. Despite the frustrations this behaviour caused for his owner, the actor found humour in the horse’s antics, suggesting that these animals possess a certain awareness of their surroundings.
Despite his numerous encounters with horses—both pleasant and challenging—Malkovich remains cautious about trusting them entirely. “They really do have some conception of jokes, and they’re quite funny actually,” he remarked, illustrating the complexity of the relationship between humans and these animals.
With its wider release scheduled for November 6, ‘Wild Horse Nine’ not only showcases a gripping narrative but also combines Malkovich’s multifaceted experiences with horses, bringing an added layer of depth to the film. As he continues to navigate his career, Malkovich’s stories serve as a reminder of the unpredictable yet affectionate nature of horses, which have played an integral role both on and off the screen throughout his artistic journey.
Fans are encouraged to witness Malkovich’s latest film, which promises to blend humour with thought-provoking themes, further enriching his diverse repertoire as one of cinema’s most intriguing actors.
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