Kevin Costnerstarted his acting career in 1981 and is still an industry icon and bankable movie and TV series star to this day. The 1990s continued his breakout run from the late 80s,showcasing his ability to portray a wide variety of characters in different genres. The decade saw him evolve from minor roles in smaller productions to the leading star in big-budget films, producingsome of the best films of Kevin Costner’s careerand a testament to his talent and appreciation for his craft.
Costner’s ability to encompass his characters fully has led to many iconic roles, includingLt. John Dunbar in the Academy Award-winningDances with Wolvesto the legendary lawman inWyatt Earp. His work in front of and behind the camera really elevated his skill, both in some ofCostner’s best action moviesand also in more underrated drama pieces that have formed the basis for his incredible career. Costner’s 90s filmography is a thing to behold, with a wide range of eclectic and critically acclaimed roles that have truly stood the test of time.
Message in a Bottle
Cast
Message in a Bottle, directed by Luis Mandoki, follows a woman who discovers a heartfelt letter in a bottle and seeks out its author, a widowed shipbuilder. As they develop a deep connection, the shipbuilder grapples with moving past the tragic loss of his wife.
Based on Nicholas Sparks’s novel of the same name,Message In A Bottlestars Costner as a quiet, lonely widower who gets drawn into a new love story when a journalist, Theresa (Robin Wright),discovers a message in a bottle he wrote to his deceased wife. Blake is found to be the original author, and Theresa travels to meet him, intrigued by his words, and the two start to kindle a new relationship. It is a film full of romance, chemistry, and sadness as the two new lovers can’t seem to make the timing work.
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Kevin Costner has appeared in several well-received Westerns, and here’s every film from the genre he’s appeared in ranked from worst to best.
Costner showcases his acting ability by playing the understated and quietly intense Garrett, who is caught between his previous life and new love interest. His performance is captivating as you canfeel the genuine connection between him and Wrightwhile also the pull of a man still conflicted through grief. Though in some ways formulaic, Costner and Wright’s performance helps solidify the narrative and create a compelling film that stays with you after it finishes.
The Postman
In The Postman, Kevin Costner (who also directs) plays a nameless drifter dons a postman’s uniform and bag of mail as he begins a quest to inspire hope to the survivors living in post-apocalyptic America.
Set in a post-apocalyptic, neo-Western version of the USA in 2013, after a series of disasters and plagues, civilization is holding on by a thread.The Postmanfollows a drifting nomad who finds a USPS uniform and mailbag and uses this new identity to inspirenew confidence in American idealsand provide hopes of a restored United States. The film, directed and starring Costner, was thought of as a modern-day fairytale and parable about one man stepping up to provide a ray of resilience and inspiration in a desolate world.
The Postmanis an adaption of David Brin’s 1985 book of the same name.
Though the film was widely criticized, with reviewers taking shots at the screenplay and runtime, it does feature a solid performance from Costner, who portrays the nomadic wanderer in convincing fashion. Similar to some of his other roles, he playsthe gritty outsider with charisma and charm, which helps elevate the story to new heights. His direction is solid, shown throughout the pacing, emotion, and characters. Though it’s not his most popular work, it is still an interesting and worthwhile film in his repertoire
11Revenge (1990)
As Michael Cochran
In the romantic thrillerRevenge, Costner stars a retiring U.S. Navy aviator who is invited to Mexico by his wealthy friends, who happens to be one of the top crime bosses in the country. The pilot falls for his friend’s wife as she is lonely and unfulfilled in the marriage, andthe two engage in a salacious affair. Costner plays his role perfectly in this tense and passionate thriller that is full of twists, suspense, and vengeance.
Revengeis an adaption of a novella written by Jim Harrison which was published in Esquire magazine in 1979.
Costner’s good looks and natural confidence help further the comparison between himself and the older, cruel mob boss. His chemistry with Miryea (Madeleine Stowe) is palpable throughout,with some steamy, romantic scenes that spice up the plot. Costner shows he is just as at home in a romantic drama as he is in a war-torn apocalypse, and his work was praised for his emotionally charged delivery and darker take on the role.
Tin Cup
Tin Cup, directed by Ron Shelton, stars Kevin Costner as Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy, a former golf prodigy turned driving range instructor with a self-destructive streak. As he attempts to qualify for the U.S. Open, he becomes romantically entangled with his psychologist, played by Rene Russo, and faces off against his rival, David Simms, portrayed by Don Johnson. The film showcases McAvoy’s journey to reclaim his past glory and personal redemption.
InTin Cup, the plot follows Roy ‘Tin Cup’ McAvoy, portrayed by Costner, a former golf prodigy who refused to stop playing the riskiest shots, which cost him his career on the PGA tour. After running into Dr. Molly Griswold (Rene Russo), who is looking for golf lessons,his attraction reunites his passion for golfas he makes another play to qualify and win the U.S. Open. In a more light-hearted romantic comedy than some of his other romance films, he is able to balance humor and drama expertly.
Kevin Costner trained with American golfer and commentator Gary McCord in order to learn how to play golf convincingly for the film.
For his role inTin Cup, Costner received a nomination at the Golden Globes for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. His chemistry with Russo was a highlight of the film, with bothshowing excellent comedic timing and a genuine connectionthroughout the film. Costner shows he is more than just a drama or action star as he delivers a hilarious performance while also presenting moments of emotion when discussing his golfing career.
The Bodyguard
The Bodyguard, released in 1992, is a romantic thriller directed by Mick Jackson. Kevin Costner stars as Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent, who is hired to protect Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston), a music superstar, from an unknown stalker. The film explores the evolving professional and personal relationship between the bodyguard and his client, set against the backdrop of increasing danger.
In one of his more famous works, Costner portrays a former United States Secret Service agent tasked to bodyguard famous actress and singer Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston) from a dangerous and unknown stalker. Thegruff and straight-laced bodyguard contrasts with Marron’s free-spirited energyand soon sparks start to fly. The romantic tension and heightened drama of a life at risk make this an iconic film in Costner’s filmography.
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The Bodyguard,with its incredible soundtrack and memorable performances, has become somewhat of a cult classic film over the years. Costner’s performance is one of gentle intensity and stoicism that helped further launch him into superstardom, showing a unique understanding of an understated role. The chemistry between the two leads, a mark of Costner’s style, helped further elevate the film, and it remains one of the standout gems of Costner’s early career.
Waterworld
Waterworld follows a lone drifter known as “The Mariner”, played by Kevin Costner, who finds himself in a conflict between a group of survivors seeking a mythical place called “Dryland” and a gang of pirates who want to capture and enslave them. Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the 1995 post-apocalyptic action movie is set in a future where sea levels have risen, covering most of the Earth’s landmass.
InWaterworld, Costner plays drifter and nameless antihero ‘The Mariner’ who sails around the globe after the polar ice caps melt, submerging nearly all of the land on Earth in water. The film was released with massive hype andknowledge of how far it went over budget, so the audience and critics had a lot of preconceived notions before viewing it. The film was commended for its ambitious scale, intricate sets and scenes, and expansive action sequences.
Waterworldwas the most expensive film ever made at the time of its release.
Costner’s portrayal of the nomadic sailor helped ensureWaterworldas a firm cult classic that has garnered respect and appreciation as the years went on. His dedication to the physicality and energy of the character was infectious and invaded all other elements of the film.Costner has publicly stated that he is very fond of the film, and his iconic, brooding role of ‘The Mariner,’ combined with the explosive action sequences, make it worth watching on its own.
7The War (1994)
As Stephen Simmons
Costner stars as Stephen Simmons, a shell-shocked Vietnam war veteran who is trying to rebuild his and his family’s life after coming back from war andleaving a mental hospital after suffering from night terrors. It follows Stephen as he tries to gain willful employment to help support his family and his struggles with connecting and rebuilding his relationship with his young family after witnessing the brutality of the war.
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JFK (1991)
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The Guardian (2006)
$94 million
The film, alongside Costner’s quiet portrayal, explores themes of poverty, trauma, and family dynamics that form the central issues in the narrative. Costner is at his most vulnerable here, playing a struggling veteran who is doing all he can to support his family while harboring anddealing with his own issues. His role is played to perfection with numerous genuine moments of honest reflection and a story that feels relatable to so many. Costner’s chemistry with his son, Stu, played by a young Elijah Wood, is one of the main highlights of an exemplary film.
For Love of the Game
For Love of the Game, directed by Sam Raimi, follows a veteran baseball pitcher nearing the end of his career. As he reflects on his past and personal life, he faces one final opportunity to showcase his skill and reconcile with the woman he loves.
As an accomplished collegiate baseball player anda man with numerous baseball moves under his belt, Kevin Costnerwas the perfect star for this sports drama, which follows an aging baseball pitcher in the late stages of his career. As he feels his moment and time passing,he puts in the performance of a lifetime, with a chance at a perfect game, with no bases and no hits. The film shows the pressures of being a professional athlete at the highest level and also how these stars can remain composed in such tense situations.
For Love Of The Gamewas based on Michael Shaara’s 1991 novel of the same title.
The film follows the performance and intersperses flashbacks of a long-term relationship Costner’s character, Billy Chapel, has with single mother, Jane (Kelly Preston). Costner seemed destined to play this part as hehas the baseball background to make the sports sequences all look realistic, executing the proper technique throughout. His performance as a famous, accomplished pitcher who is now reaching the end of his career and being talked into retirement is a bittersweet combination, and he effortlessly embodies the role.
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Wyatt Earp (1994) is a biographical Western film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Kevin Costner as the legendary lawman. The film chronicles Wyatt Earp’s life, focusing on his relationships with his brothers and his role in iconic events such as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The cast includes Dennis Quaid as Doc Holliday and Gene Hackman as Nicholas Earp, providing a comprehensive exploration of Earp’s complex legacy.
In this biographical Western drama, Costner portrays the legendary figureWyatt Earp, who wentfrom Iowa farmboy to feared lawmanwith the respect of everyone he came in contact with. The film follows his story from his early years and the events leading up to the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight. It features an ensemble cast featuring icons like Gene Hackman, Mark Harmon, Michael Madsen, and Bill Pullman.
Though a fantastic film in its own right, it wasreleased just six months after the classic filmTombstone, which tells the same story of Wyatt Earp starring Kurt Russell. Following up such an iconic movie with the same storyline hurt it at the box office, and it never reached the same critical acclaim.Wyatt Earpunfairly gets knocked down because of this, but Costner’s performance as the gritty gunslinger is engaging and authentic and deserves to be a more beloved film in Costner’s career.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
In this adaption ofthe classicRobin Hoodtale that still holds up over 30 years later, Costner plays the title role in one of his most iconic performances. Robin Hood continues his fight against the unscrupulous and devious Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman).A film that combines romance, action, and adventure in a brilliant retelling of the legendary storythat flows much faster than its 2-hour-and-21-minute runtime suggests.
Though he was criticized for not attempting the English accent (though in hindsight, this probably worked in the film’s favor), his performance was overall critically acclaimed, with an authentic yet larger-than-life portrayal of a character that can be hard to nail.Costner perfectly skirts the line between self-awareness and over-the-top theatricsthat make the role what it is, and his chemistry with Rickman and the rest of the cast makes it one of the main highlights of his early filmography.
