“Kevin Costner on the Epic Length of His Films”

Kevin Costner’s directorial work reveals a clear preference for epic storytelling. His debut, Dances with Wolves (1990), spans over three hours, while his 1997 film The Postman is just shy of that mark. After a shorter feature, Open Range (139 minutes), he took a two-decade hiatus before returning with Horizon, whose first two parts together exceed six hours. So what inspires Costner to create such lengthy films? The answer lies in his appreciation for classic cinema.

At a recent History Talks event hosted by the History Channel, Costner shared how epic films sparked his fascination with filmmaking and influenced his own choices regarding runtime. He specifically mentioned How the West Was Won (1962), directed by Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall, which runs for four hours. Costner quipped, “It was a 4-hour movie. So it’s no surprise mine are three.” He also referenced George Stevens’ Giant (1956), another three-hour epic, emphasizing the impact these films had on him.

Both films are celebrated as iconic American westerns, leaving a lasting impression on Costner, whose Dances with Wolves uniquely won the Best Picture Oscar. While some criticize its win over Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, it remains a hallmark of the ‘90s. However, it was How the West Was Won that truly captivated him. He recalled, “Everybody left for intermission, and I didn’t. I wasn’t going to give up my magic seat. I waited for that movie to start again, and when it was over, it marked me.”

In his discussion, Costner emphasized the importance of thorough storytelling, regardless of length. “It doesn’t matter when you make a movie; it’s going to live forever,” he said. “It matters what details you put in it because if you include the right elements, it will remain relevant. That’s what I hope for in my life. It’s not hard to be popular; it’s very difficult to be relevant. I want my life to be relevant…”