19/04/2024
Who else was scarred for life watching this movie and in particular this scene. 😭😭😭
There were two indistinguishable gray horses that portrayed Artax in The Neverending Story. They underwent extensive training by a professional horse handler to accomplish the nearly impossible task of sinking slowly into the mud without any resistance, all the way up to their heads.
It was ensured that the horse's head never went under the mud in the film. Additionally, by having two horses, they could alternate their presence in the scene while the other horse relaxed. To achieve the desired scene, they utilized a small elevator submerged in the water, gradually lowering the horse deeper and deeper. Once it reached the chin area, they would cut the scene.
This particular scene alone took more than two and a half weeks to film. This scene was intended to evoke sadness as it played a crucial role in the film. Many viewers confess that they have to close their eyes when this scene appears. I empathize with them and acknowledge that it is indeed a sorrowful and challenging scene to watch. However, it was essential for the narrative, as it symbolizes being drawn into darkness, even though, unfortunately, the horse does not survive in the movie.
As a wrap gift, the young actor was given one of the horses and a saddle. Eventually, he decided to leave the horse in Germany with his riding double. The horse enjoyed a wonderful life for over 20 years, residing in a stable and ranch in Germany.
