My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (1991)

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (1991)

“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” is a drama film directed by Stuart Margolin that delves into the life of a former rodeo star named Junior (Scott Glenn). After his career fades and the world around him changes, Junior finds himself grappling with feelings of loss and longing for the cowboy life he once knew. He works as a ranch hand, but the nostalgia for the freedom and excitement of his past continues to haunt him. His interactions with others, including his complex relationships with a local woman (Louise Fletcher) and fellow ranch workers, highlight the emotional struggles he faces as he tries to reconcile his former identity with his current circumstances.

The film explores themes of aging, disillusionment, and the tension between personal identity and the evolving world. It portrays the cowboy ideal as a complex myth, contrasting the romanticized version of cowboy heroism with the reality of contemporary life. Through Junior’s journey, “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” examines how personal history and nostalgia can impact one’s present, capturing a sense of loss while still honoring the enduring appeal of the cowboy spirit.