Nope (2022) is directed by Jordan Peel and stars Daniel Kaluuya.
Nope is a horse movie that straddles several genres – science fiction, modern day western and horror. It’s a movie about movie making and how horses are treated in them, and it’s creepy.
The film poster for ‘Nope’ (2022).
‘NOPE’ – 2022
Directed by Jordan Peel and starring Daniel Kaluuya
“The UFO begins circling over
the Haywood ranch, and the
horses become restless…”
OJ and Emerald Haywood attempt to capture evidence of a UFO in Aqua Dulce, California. They are siblings (played by Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer) working for their company, Hollywood Horses, which supplies livestock to the film industry. The Haywood ancestors were the first African American stunt people and animal wranglers in Hollywood, going back to the early days of cinema.
Their father claims the family is descended from the African American jockey in Eadweard Muybridge’s The Horse in Motion. This historic footage features a series of photographs of a rider on a galloping horse. Using multiple cameras, Muybridge had made it on June 15 1878 as a photographic experiment. It had been documented that the horse was Sallie Gardner, a Kentucky-bred mare, but there was no official record of the jockey’s name. In Nope,the unacknowledged rider was the Haywood’s great-great-great grandfather, Alistair. “Since the moment pictures could move, we had skin in the game,” declares Emerald.
This slice of equestrian history quickly becomes more than just a backstory as the plot unfolds and the UFO begins circling over the Haywood ranch, and the horses become restless. The primary antagonist is ‘Jean Jacket’, an airborne creature resembling a large jellyfish with a square-shaped eye originating from an Earth-like planet! Enough said.
“I think a few of the scenes are even more scary for us equestrians because we know what it’s like to be in a dark, quiet barn late at night and hear a scratching in the corner. We’ve felt that eerie stomach-churning feeling when our horse spooks at something and bolts hell for leather in the wrong direction.” – Amanda Uechi Ronan Horse Nation, 2023
Director Peele selected the location for a variety of reasons. “A lot of Hollywood craftspeople live out in Agua Dulce and Santa Clarita, especially animal wranglers like those in Nope,” he explained. “There’s more land, it’s inexpensive, and you’re about an hour from Universal Studios.
‘The Horse in Motion’ is historic footage features a series of photographs of a rider on a galloping horse.
SAVVY TRAINERS
“Bobby Lovgren (Warhorse, Seabiscuit, Racing Stripes etc) provided and trained all the horses, and his ranch was just 10 minutes from our sets. There are a lot of carpenters, prop makers and special effects guys out there too.”
Prior to filming, Kaluuya had contacted Randy Savvy, co-founder of the Compton Cowboys, for some lessons in horsemanship.
“In order for Daniel to fully and authentically execute his role he wanted to get some experience and insights from guys who’re already been living that role – we’re black men and we work with horses in Hollywood,” said Savvy.
The film stars Daniel Kaluuya, who look confident and comfortable in the saddle.
He worked with the London actor on how to handle, tack and mount a horse and how to be comfortable around the animals. “I remember one of the first things we did was just practise being loose. People are anxious around horses because they have this preconceived notion they’re dangerous animals, resulting in their body language seeming stiff and tense – and that anxiety relays to the horse.”
Savvy did a good job. Kaluuya, who came from a council flat in Camden and follows Arsenal FC, not surprisingly knew little about riding before Nope.In this picture he looks confident and comfortable with his mount Lucky.
“There were certain galloping scenes where he was very loose. And there was a part where he was girthing up. It was very natural – he never looked like a rookie.”
‘Nope’ is a horse movie that straddles several genres – science fiction, modern day western and horror.
The actor appeared to be genuinely connected to the animals, such as during the final showdown where he gently reassures Lucky he’s going to be safe.
“The Compton Cowboys have a respectful attitude toward their horses,” emphasised Savvy. “Daniel was touched by that and it really showed though in his delivery.”
This film is available via several streaming services and on DVD and Blu-ray.
Next time in Horses & The Movies, two films named Appaloosa: Marlon Brando in ‘The Appaloosa’ 1966, and ‘Appaloosa’ 2008 starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen. EQ
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