C. Thomas Howell, the iconic actor from The Outsiders and Red Dawn, recently shared his thoughts on his latest project, the contemporary western film "Ride," in a Zoom interview with UPI. Howell, who plays John Hawkins, a retired Texas bull rider struggling to fund his young daughter's cancer treatment, expressed his deep connection to the role and the importance of authenticity in portraying cowboy culture on screen.
Growing up on a ranch and being raised by a cowboy father who was a professional bull rider for a decade before entering the stunt business, Howell's childhood was steeped in ranching, riding, and roping. He even aspired to become a professional cowboy himself, winning the California State Junior Rodeo Championship in the early 1980s before his acting career took off. This background made Howell both excited and hesitant about taking on the role in "Ride."
"The cowboy culture is not something you can fake," Howell emphasized, noting that real cowboys can easily spot inaccuracies in how actors ride, wear their hats, or saddle horses. He praised writer-director Jake Allyn for surrounding himself with genuine ranch life experts instead of relying solely on studying screen westerns. This commitment to authenticity sometimes led to challenges on set, especially given the film's tight 18-day shooting schedule in Kentucky and Tennessee, despite being set in Stephenville, Texas.
Howell commended the entire team, from the crew to the director and fellow actors, for their dedication to making the best and most authentic movie possible within the limited time and budget. The trust and camaraderie among the cast and crew developed quickly, becoming a family united in their goal to create a genuine portrayal of cowboy life.
The film's themes of financial struggles and addiction are expected to resonate with audiences, as Howell pointed out the relatable challenges faced by many, including the rising costs of fuel, food, and entry fees in the rodeo world. "Ride" explores the conflicts arising from three generations of bull riders coming together to help their family survive in trying circumstances, delivering a story filled with heart, soul, pain, and heartbreak.
Howell also expressed his delight at the success of the Broadway stage production of The Outsiders, which has garnered 12 Tony Award nominations. As the actor who famously portrayed Ponyboy Curtis in the beloved 1983 film adaptation of S.E. Hinton's classic novel, Howell is thrilled that the story continues to captivate audiences across different mediums. He marveled at the enduring popularity of The Outsiders, with the book being required reading in a majority of American schools and the film being screened in many of those same institutions.
The actor remains humbled by the lasting impact of The Outsiders, with fans of all ages approaching him to share their love for the story and its characters. Howell attributes the story's universal appeal to the presence of relatable characters for everyone, and he is amazed that S.E. Hinton wrote the book at the tender age of 17.
As "Ride" hits theaters and video-on-demand platforms, C. Thomas Howell's dedication to authentically portraying cowboy culture shines through, promising a compelling and genuine contemporary western experience for audiences.
