This film from Academy Award nominee Andrea Nevins profiles Monty Roberts, a pioneering horse trainer who challenged traditional "breaking" methods with his compassionate, nonviolent approach. At the heart of the story is his unlikely friendship with Queen Elizabeth II - united by a shared love for animals, the two forged a bond that helped bring Monty's gentle philosophy to a global audience, overcoming deep skepticism along the way.
The opening titles set the tone for a story of dual lives - those of Queen Elizabeth II and Monty Roberts - unfolding in quiet contrast and surprising harmony. To ground the film in authenticity, the design draws from rich archival material: weathered maps, vintage posters, evocative photography, and bold newspaper headlines - all layered together to create a textured, time-worn tapestry that deepens the narrative and immerses the viewer from the very first frame.
Much of the film's narrative is told through archival photography and a variety of printed media. These elements are combined in cohesive environments aiding a smoother narrative. Dark and light environments allow for tonally different story beats.
This variation on the main theme utilizes wheat paste textures found all over New York as well as black and white images of city streets and buildings.
