DeepSummary
In this episode, hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the filmography of actor Kevin Costner in order to construct a 'Kevin Costner Hall of Fame' comprising his most significant and memorable films. They analyze Costner's career trajectory, his persona both on and off-screen, and his tendency to portray a particular archetype of the stoic, all-American hero. The hosts debate the merits and flaws of Costner's most famous and controversial films, including Dances with Wolves, The Untouchables, Field of Dreams, and Waterworld.
A major focus is Costner's drive for creative control and his unwavering belief in his own vision, often clashing with directors and studios. The hosts explore how this has led to both triumphs, like the success of Dances with Wolves, and failures, like the infamous Waterworld production. They also touch on Costner's later career slump and his recent resurgence with projects like the TV series Yellowstone.
Throughout the episode, Fennessey and Dobbins engage in spirited debates, defending their picks for the Hall of Fame and cutting less significant films. Their discussions offer insights into Costner's acting skills, his status as a Hollywood icon, and the broader cultural impact of his most iconic roles.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Kevin Costner embodied a particular archetype of the strong, silent American hero throughout his career.
- Costner fought for creative control over his films, leading to major successes like Dances with Wolves but also expensive failures like Waterworld.
- Costner's determination to avoid being typecast resulted in an eclectic filmography spanning genres like Westerns, sports movies, and thrillers.
- The hosts engaged in lively debates over which Costner films deserve "Hall of Fame" status and which ones fell short.
- Costner's performances were often praised for their naturalism and physicality, especially in sports-themed movies.
- Despite some commercial and critical failures, Costner remains an enduring icon of American cinema known for boldly pursuing his creative visions.
- The episode offered a comprehensive retrospective on Costner's four-decade acting career, his unique working methods, and his lasting cultural impact.
- Costner experienced a career resurgence in recent years with acclaimed TV work like Hatfields & McCoys and Yellowstone.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Kevin Costner has manifested all of this power and has had this incredible longevity because he has this weird self belief in his ideas and he will not move off of them.“ by Sean Fennessey
- “He's not good with, I would say, nuance in his characters. He wants them to just be like the straight on hero.“ by Amanda Dobbins
- “Despite the fact that we both would have preferred Goodfellas to win and wear Oscar nerds. And.“ by Amanda Dobbins
- “The Last 90 minutes are just turning on golf on a Sunday afternoon, as happens in my home on a regular basis.“ by Amanda Dobbins
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Episode Information
The Big Picture
The Ringer
6/25/24