One of the entertainment industry's biggest concerns had been Billy's lack of adherence to tradition. But now, with the more seasoned Steven and George as his mentors, he's come to understand just how much his actions could unsettle others. Still, one thing remains true: he can create some of the greatest films. This continues to intrigue those who pay close attention to how every one of his creations carries a beauty that's rarely found elsewhere. He has a remarkable gift for crafting powerful stories and bringing life to animated worlds that may or may not be easily simplified.
–What a brilliant opening,– remarked George Lucas, watching the start of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. –In a culture that loves horses, this could easily become a true cult classic. It's amazing how everything seems to carry meaning and how it can stir emotions within just a few minutes.–
His family sat completely absorbed, enchanted by the sweetness and magnificence of the animals and how they brought to life a story that was both unique and deeply moving.
–He hired the entire DreamWorks team—nearly three hundred people. The animation genius Charles Baxter himself worked alongside Billy to bring the series to life. According to Jeffrey Katzenberg, they're simply the best in the world,– said Steven, who kept making comments. He had already seen the film twice, always trying to catch every detail.
They remained silent among themselves, but it was clear that a good director needed the ability to truly see the shot. That was Steven's belief. Billy's limits always found a way to shine through. The idea of directing his scenes, of not being bound by the expectations of a director who couldn't draw anything at all, meant he had to commit to physics, to moisture, to skill, and a form of creativity not easily seen through ordinary eyes.
…
–So that's why you bought a stable full of thoroughbreds, – Mónica commented.
–I didn't buy it, but someday I want to live in the countryside—away from city life and the constant rush. Sometimes, a quiet place without all the noise, the shouting, the constant parties… peace, that's what I want. Just not yet, – said Billy.
–It's lovely to buy horses. They're such magnificent animals,– Mónica replied.
–There are about ten in the corral now,– said Billy. There was no doubt that money allowed access to beauty. And beauty comes in many forms—one of them revealed by animals, a kind of beauty not found in tradition but in places that feel untouched. That's what horses are: letting them run free across the plains. The American Dream wasn't just about being rich—it was about being the right kind of rich, someone worthy of it. For that, he needed immeasurable wealth, and then, he could do anything.
–We could buy the plot of land next door—it's empty… build a corral and keep some animals,– he suggested to Mónica, who looked at him with her large, dark eyes. Spirit's story was built on the beauty and dignity of a character whose charm came from his stubbornness, his strength, and his compassion. Billy made a few changes to add more depth—not only were the Native Americans portrayed as good people, but some soldiers were, too. Shy, maybe not as tough, but the captain remained strong and resolute.
–I'd love to have a pond, but I know the weather here is too harsh for that kind of thing. It's just not suitable,– Mónica said.
Fish soothe the eyes—beautiful animals, each in their way. They pause, each one different, but impossible to ignore. No one dies in their peaceful rhythms. A similar kind of doubt lingered.
–Let's start with some dogs. Maybe some purebreds, and we could even create a breeding center for disadvantaged animals,– Billy suggested, already filled with ideas about how to counter the usual harshness of life. Animals always bring a sense of goodness to others, whether through nonprofits or businesses that may or may not show up in the spotlight.
The film flickered on, portraying the great dream of Spirit, a horse that always longed for freedom, only hesitating when love stood at the door. It was a way of giving something such an innocent and noble character. The film connects at certain points, but it does so slowly. The stallion's journey unfolds in quick transitions.
Divergence and utility—these principles always gave the story both a strong beginning and a strong ending. Those are what allow a film to offer a sense of satisfaction. And when that happens, a warm feeling spreads through the theater. The moments came and went. The system shone, and that alone proved that there was genuine taste behind it all—another win for his quietly commanding vision.
The applause was warm and welcome, not thunderous like in other premieres, nor desperate as it sometimes i, but deeply satisfying. There's something beautiful in witnessing a success that comes not just from box office numbers, but from art, impact, and honest appreciation. It's in the little things—those tiny choices that give a film soul. And those little things turned out to be extraordinary, making it a triumph both for the film and the audience.
Though it may not seem like it, Spirit has an eight-season series on Netflix, completely aimed at children. It doesn't carry the same depth or effort as the film, but it still manages to offer a different kind of beauty. And for kids, that's already something. A worthy continuation. And when something becomes worthy of being seen, nothing else really matters. That's the beauty of creating something—it always becomes a springboard for creating something unexpected.
–I'm looking forward to the next one, – said Mónica.
–You didn't like it? – he asked.
–I did. On the contrary, I just really want to see what comes next…–
…
–Another step toward legend, – Steven remarked.
He was now seeing the good in it, looking at the final image—a shot painted on acetate, a drawing that took three days to color, and it showed. It was that refined.
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