My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (1991)
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (1991)
“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” is a Western drama film directed by Stuart Margolin, starring Scott Glenn, Louise Fletcher, and Keith Carradine. The film follows the life of a former rodeo star, Junior (played by Glenn), who is struggling to find meaning and stability after his career fades.
He works as a ranch hand, but his life is complicated by his memories of past glory, his strained relationships, and his yearning for the cowboy lifestyle that seems increasingly distant in a modern world.
The film explores themes of disillusionment, identity, and the longing for the freedom of the open range. Junior’s journey reflects the emotional and psychological toll of living in a world that has moved on from the cowboy ideals he once embodied.
The title of the film is a nod to the idealized image of cowboys as heroes, contrasting with the more personal, grounded reality of the protagonistโs struggles.
With its mix of nostalgia for the Old West and a contemporary examination of its impact on modern life, “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” offers a poignant exploration of the complexities of masculinity, aging, and the search for purpose.