“10 Kevin Costner Films That Deserve More Recognition”
Kevin Costner’s extensive film career spans over four decades, showcasing a variety of roles across multiple genres. Though he is widely recognized for his work in Westerns, Costner’s filmography includes several underrated gems that have flown under the radar but are worth revisiting. Here’s a look at ten of these films that deserve more attention:
1. Mr. Brooks (2007)
In this psychological thriller, Costner plays a businessman with a dark alter ego, portrayed by William Hurt. The plot thickens as Costner’s character is blackmailed and finds himself in a complex web of crime and deception. Despite a mixed critical reception, the film garnered a decent audience response and earned $48.1 million at the box office. It’s a film that, while not perfect, has cult potential and could benefit from a critical reevaluation.
2. The Postman (1997)
Costner not only starred in but also directed and produced this post-apocalyptic epic set in 2013. The film features Costner as a drifter who becomes a symbol of hope in a fractured America. Though it was a commercial disappointment and criticized for its length and narrative, Costner has expressed pride in the film. It remains a noteworthy entry in his career and is ripe for reassessment.
3. Rumor Has It… (2005)
In this romantic comedy, Costner plays Beau Burroughs, who finds himself entangled with a quirky family and a convoluted plot linked to the film The Graduate. Despite receiving a low critical score, the film features a stellar cast and is directed by Rob Reiner, making it a more enjoyable watch than its ratings might suggest.
4. The Company Men (2011)
This drama explores the impact of layoffs on workers and their families. Costner plays a blue-collar brother-in-law who helps his laid-off relative. The film’s exploration of job loss and economic struggle is poignant, though it received mixed audience reactions. It offers a heartfelt look at the human side of corporate downsizing and deserves more attention for its strong performances and emotional depth.
5. The New Daughter (2009)
Costner stars in this horror film as a recently divorced father whose daughter is affected by a malevolent presence near their new home. While the film follows standard horror tropes, Costner’s performance adds depth to the genre, making it an intriguing watch for fans of horror and Costner alike.
6. The Highwaymen (2019)
This film recounts the final days of Bonnie and Clyde from the perspective of the lawmen who brought them down. Costner, alongside Woody Harrelson, delivers a strong performance as Texas Ranger Frank Hamer. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film’s portrayal of historical events and its star power make it worth watching.
7. 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
Costner stars with Kurt Russell in this action film about Elvis impersonators pulling off a major heist. Although the film was criticized and underperformed at the box office, it stands out for its unique premise and Costner’s attempt to break away from his typical image.
8. Wyatt Earp (1994)
This Western, focusing on the life of the iconic lawman, is often overshadowed by its contemporaneous release, Tombstone. While it suffers from a lengthy runtime and was less successful commercially, it remains a solid film with a compelling portrayal of Earp’s story and Costner’s dedication to the role.
9. Dragonfly (2002)
In this supernatural drama, Costner plays a doctor who believes his deceased wife is communicating through his patients’ near-death experiences. Despite a poor critical reception, the film’s touching portrayal of grief and Costner’s performance make it a noteworthy film that deserves another look.
10. A Perfect World (1993)
Costner stars as an escaped convict in this crime thriller, with Clint Eastwood as the lawman pursuing him. Despite some criticisms, the film received positive reviews from critics and performed well internationally. It’s a film that highlights Costner’s range as an actor and deserves a place in discussions of his best work.
These films, though not always celebrated, showcase the diverse range of Kevin Costner’s acting skills and offer unique viewing experiences. They are worth revisiting for both fans of Costner and those interested in exploring some of the less mainstream corners of his filmography.
