Kevin Costner Reflects on His Performance in a Notable Film
At the beginning of 1987, Kevin Costner was gaining recognition for his role as the brash gunslinger Jake in Lawrence Kasdan’s Western “Silverado.” This opportunity came about after Kasdan had dropped Costner from “The Big Chill,” where his portrayal of Alex failed to resonate with test audiences. Despite the ensemble’s strong performances elevating Alex’s character, Costner’s early career faltered. “Silverado,” released in the summer of 1985, didn’t excel at the box office, leaving Costner with much to prove.
When he landed the major role of Eliot Ness in Brian De Palma’s gangster film “The Untouchables,” Paramount Pictures kicked off an ambitious promotional campaign. They aimed to solidify Costner’s place as a rising star at 32. Dressed impeccably in Giorgio Armani and equipped with sharp, punchy dialogue from David Mamet, Costner seemed poised for stardom alongside legendary actors Sean Connery and Robert De Niro. While most regarded Costner’s performance as strong, he himself harbored doubts about his own abilities.
In a candid conversation with GQ in 2024, tied to his upcoming Western film “Horizon: An American Saga,” Costner delved into his experiences making “The Untouchables.” Despite its iconic status and impressive box office earnings of $76 million in the U.S., Costner expressed feelings of inadequacy. He articulated, “The Untouchables’ featured a stellar script, and being part of it was thrilling for me. The direction by Brian De Palma and the presence of Sean Connery and Robert De Niro made it a significant moment in my career.” Yet, he reflected, the timing wasn’t optimal for him.
Costner revealed his initial apprehension regarding Sean Connery. He admitted, “I didn’t think Sean would take to me, but he did. His kindness allowed me to learn a lot; my eyes were opened.” Nonetheless, he added, “I wish I had been a better actor during ‘The Untouchables,’ but I was simply at my level.”
Back in 1987, some critiques leveled at Costner were harsh. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert remarked that the script offered little insight into Ness, suggesting that Costner’s portrayal lacked complexity. However, this assertion overlooks the narrative’s intent. The film doesn’t delve into Ness’ tumultuous post-prohibition life, rendering such historical nuances irrelevant to the cinematic experience. The version of Ness provided by De Palma and Mamet is crafted to fit the mold of a classic gangster story, requiring a character that embodies a certain innocence.
While Costner fulfilled his role as directed, greater confidence might have led him to challenge De Palma’s vision, which could have detrimentally affected the project. Timing and approach were critical; De Palma captured Costner at a pivotal moment in his career, making Costner’s portrayal fittingly authentic. As Sean Connery’s Malone succinctly stated, “Endeth the lesson.”
