“Kevin Costner on the Essential Components of a Great Story: Surprise and Humour Are Often Undervalued”
Kevin Costner might resemble your friend’s dad stuck in a never-ending midlife crisis, but he’s undeniably a hugely successful actor. His performance alongside Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard created some of the most unforgettable moments in 1990s romance cinema. He led the wildly popular Dances with Wolves, sparked curiosity among conspiracy theorists with JFK, and inspired many to call their dads after watching Field of Dreams.
Costner’s achievements don’t stop in front of the camera. He also directed Dances with Wolves, guiding brilliant performances from actors like the late Graham Greene. The film not only won the Oscar for ‘Best Picture,’ but Costner himself earned the ‘Best Director’ award—placing him above filmmakers such as Ridley Scott, David Fincher, and Alfred Hitchcock in the hierarchy of cinema’s top honors.
Given his success both as an actor and director, it’s no surprise people seek out Costner’s insights on filmmaking. That’s exactly what Jon Glatfelter did, asking him about the essential elements of a great adventure story. Costner was more than happy to share his thoughts.
“A careful selection of settings, the creation of obstacles, the structure of dilemmas,” he said. “I believe surprise and humour are often overlooked, but storytelling benefits immensely from both. Secrets, mystery, and the skill to withhold information until just the right moment—that’s the craft everyone aims to perfect. But ultimately, what truly ties it all together and makes a story work is character.”
He added that while viewers might forget many story details, memorable characters tend to stick with them. He pointed to timeless figures like Ulysses from The Odyssey, Captain Ahab from Moby Dick, and Kurtz from Heart of Darkness as prime examples. “A great story doesn’t just talk at you or wait passively for praise—it throws you a lifeline from the very start,” he continued. “It connects with you, and wherever it leads, you follow. I think this connection is best achieved through a deep focus on character.”
Costner himself has played some iconic roles. Among those that have become part of our cultural fabric are his portrayals of legendary Chicago lawman Elliot Ness in The Untouchables, Jonathan ‘Pa’ Kent in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel—acting as a mentor to Superman—and the title role in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where he brought the famous outlaw to life and captivated audiences worldwide.
Characters are the most direct way to engage an audience. If viewers don’t connect with, or worse, don’t remember who the story is about, they’re unlikely to recall much about the plot. Costner’s observation rings true: stunning locations and grand set pieces may impress, but it’s the characters that truly make an adventure unforgettable.
