Kevin Costner Shines in a Mob Movie Ranked Among the Greatest of the Last 40 Years — But He Has One Major Regret
It’s hard to imagine Hollywood without Kevin Costner as a major movie star. From keeping audiences hooked week after week in Yellowstone to winning an Oscar for Dances With Wolves and topping the box office with Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Costner has delivered some unforgettable performances. Among his most iconic roles is The Untouchables, which is now available to watch for free.
In The Untouchables, Costner plays Eliot Ness, the determined federal agent trying to bring notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro) to justice. Ness assembles a group of incorruptible lawmen—earning them the title “The Untouchables”—to stand against Capone’s influence.
The film has everything fans want in a crime thriller: an all-star cast, a gripping story drawn from real-life events, and a screenplay co-written by the actual Eliot Ness. It also helped establish Brian De Palma as a box office draw, a reputation later strengthened by the success of Mission: Impossible. Yet, despite the film’s acclaim, Costner has admitted there’s one thing he wishes he could change.
Kevin Costner Opens Up About The Untouchables
During a press tour for Horizon: An American Saga, Costner reflected on some of his most memorable roles, including The Untouchables. He confessed that he sometimes wishes he had been a better actor when working alongside legends like Robert De Niro and Sean Connery:
“‘The Untouchables’ had a really well-written script… David Mamet had written something very perfect, and I wanted to be a part of it. Brian De Palma directed, and of course, Sean Connery was in it, as well as Robert De Niro. It was a great opportunity for me. I didn’t think Sean was the type of guy who would like me… but he did. He was good to me, and I learned a lot. I wish I had been a better actor when I did The Untouchables, but I was where I was at.“
Costner’s humility is understandable. Connery and De Niro delivered career-defining performances: Connery’s portrayal of hardened cop Jimmy Malone earned him an Oscar and showcased his range beyond James Bond, while De Niro’s chilling, charismatic take on Capone is unforgettable, particularly in the infamous baseball bat scene.
A Compelling Take on History
While The Untouchables takes liberties with history—Ness wasn’t as pivotal in Capone’s downfall as depicted, and he later struggled professionally—the film succeeds largely because of Costner. He brings the steady, relatable presence Ness requires, grounding a story filled with violent gangsters and larger-than-life personalities.
Why The Untouchables Remains a Classic
The film’s lasting impact lies in its perfect balance of high-stakes action and sharp dialogue. One standout moment occurs during the climactic courthouse scene, where Ness confronts Capone’s right-hand man, Frank Nitti (Billy Drago), after Malone is shot. Ness’s controlled fury, captured in a slow zoom on Costner’s face, makes the moment both shocking and compelling.
Even if Costner wishes he had been a stronger actor at the time, his performance remains essential to the film’s success. In a cast of towering talents and intense characters, Costner provided the grounding, heroic center that made The Untouchables a gangster classic.
