Introduction
‘Dances with Wolves’ is an iconic Western film released in 1990 that tells the story of a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a tribe of Sioux Indians. Directed by, produced by, and starring Kevin Costner, the movie was a critical and commercial success, garnering seven Academy Awards and grossing over $424 million worldwide. In this article, we will explore the man behind this epic Western, taking a closer look at the life and career of Kevin Costner.
A Biography of the Creator of Dances with Wolves
Born in Lynwood, California in 1955, Kevin Costner had a passion for sports from a young age. He excelled in baseball and basketball, and after graduating high school, he enrolled at California State University where he continued playing college ball. After his freshman year, however, Costner decided to pursue acting and transferred to the University of Southern California.
Costner made his film debut in the 1981 horror movie ‘Sizzle Beach USA’. Although the movie was a flop, it helped him land other small roles. He then appeared in several television series before making his breakthrough in 1987’s ‘The Untouchables’. His performance in the movie earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and propelled him to stardom.
Exploring the Film Career of Kevin Costner
In the years leading up to his directorial debut in ‘Dances with Wolves’, Costner starred in several popular films such as ‘Bull Durham’ (1988), ‘Field of Dreams’ (1989), and ‘The Bodyguard’ (1992). He also directed and starred in ‘Revenge’ (1990) and ‘The War’ (1994).
In addition to his acting and directing credits, Costner also produced several of his own films, including ‘Dances with Wolves’. This creative control allowed him to bring his vision to life without any studio interference.
An In-Depth Look at the Story Behind Dances with Wolves
The premise of ‘Dances with Wolves’ follows Lieutenant John J. Dunbar (played by Costner), who is assigned to a remote post on the western frontier. There, he meets a tribe of Sioux Indians and eventually develops a strong bond with them. Despite facing numerous challenges during production, including budget constraints, the film was ultimately released in 1990 to critical acclaim.
Costner won an Academy Award for Best Director for the film, and it was nominated for twelve Oscars in total. The movie was also a box office success, grossing over $424 million worldwide.
How Kevin Costner Came to Create Dances with Wolves
It all started when Costner read a novel called ‘Dances with Wolves’ written by Michael Blake. He was so taken with the book that he decided to adapt it into a screenplay. Costner was determined to make the movie, but studios were reluctant to finance it due to its large scope and unconventional story. Eventually, Costner secured the necessary funding and began production in 1989.
Costner wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film, taking complete creative control. He also hired a mostly Native American cast and crew, and shot most of the movie on location in South Dakota.
The Impact of Dances with Wolves and Its Creator
The film was a critical and commercial success, earning seven Academy Awards and grossing over $424 million worldwide. It also helped to revive the Western genre, which had been dormant since the 1970s.
Costner’s performance in the film cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and he has since gone on to star in and direct several other successful films. He has also received numerous awards and accolades, including two Golden Globes, an Emmy, and the American Cinematheque Award.
Kevin Costner: The Man Behind the Epic Western
Costner has always had a passion for westerns, and he has starred in some of the most iconic films in the genre. From ‘Silverado’ (1985) to ‘Open Range’ (2003), Costner has consistently delivered powerful performances in westerns. He also continues to produce and direct movies in the genre, and is currently working on a remake of ‘The Big Valley’ (1965).
Conclusion
Kevin Costner is the creator of the iconic Western film ‘Dances with Wolves’. Through hard work and determination, Costner was able to bring his vision to life and make an indelible mark on cinema. He has since become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, and his passion for westerns has allowed him to continue telling compelling stories in the genre.
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