The Postman film Review and Analysis

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A Deliveryman Carrying Package and Mails Looking Lost and Confused
Credit: pexels.com, A Deliveryman Carrying Package and Mails Looking Lost and Confused

The Postman, directed by Kevin Costner, is a 1997 post-apocalyptic drama film. It's a story of hope and resilience in the face of disaster.

The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus has wiped out most of the world's population. The story follows a man named The Postman, played by Kevin Costner, who takes on the role of a mail carrier to help rebuild society.

The Postman's journey is a metaphor for the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of adversity. He travels across the country, delivering mail and spreading hope to those who have lost everything.

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The Film

The Postman is a film directed by and starring Kevin Costner. It's a PG-13 movie that clocks in at 2 hours and 58 minutes.

The film's tone is a bit inconsistent, aiming for a balance between drama and spectacle, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. The director's attention to Kevin Costner's character is a bit over the top, with laughable dialogue and gauzy slow-motion montages.

The movie's pacing is uneven, with the first half being more engaging than the second half. It's a shame, because the film starts off interesting, but then falters badly with some unintentional howlers.

The Postman (film)

Credit: youtube.com, The Postman - Original Theatrical Trailer

The Postman is a 1997 American post-apocalyptic film directed by Kevin Costner. The film is based on the 1985 novel of the same name by David Brin.

The story takes place in a small town in the United States, where a young woman named Abby Jenaquin finds a postman, Bill Hastings, who is trying to deliver mail to the town. Bill is played by Kevin Costner.

The film's plot revolves around Bill's journey to deliver mail to the town, while also helping the townspeople rebuild their community. Bill's efforts are met with resistance from a group of marauders, who are trying to take control of the town.

The Postman features a diverse cast of characters, including Will Patton, Olivia d'Abo, and James Gammon. The film's soundtrack includes a mix of rock and folk music.

Cast

The Cast of The Postman is a talented group of actors who brought the story to life. Kevin Costner stars as The Postman, the main character who embarks on a journey to deliver mail in a post-apocalyptic world.

Delivery Man Carrying Box
Credit: pexels.com, Delivery Man Carrying Box

The film features a diverse cast of characters, including General Bethlehem, played by Will Patton. General Bethlehem is a key figure in the story, and Patton brings depth and nuance to the role.

One of the standout characters is Ford Lincoln Mercury, played by Larenz Tate. Tate's performance adds a youthful energy to the film, and his character's interactions with The Postman are some of the most memorable moments in the movie.

The cast also includes Olivia Williams as Abby, a kind-hearted woman who becomes a love interest for The Postman. Williams brings a sense of warmth and compassion to the role, making Abby a relatable and likable character.

Here's a list of some of the main cast members:

  • Kevin Costner as The Postman
  • Will Patton as General Bethlehem
  • Larenz Tate as Ford Lincoln Mercury
  • Olivia Williams as Abby
  • James Russo as Captain Idaho
  • Tom Petty as Bridge City Mayor
  • Daniel von Bargen as Pineview Sheriff Briscoe
  • Scott Bairstow as Luke

Full Movie | MoviesAnywhere

The Postman is a 1997 film directed by and starring Kevin Costner. It has a runtime of 2h58m and is rated PG-13.

The film is a bit of a mixed bag, aiming for a balance between drama and epic spectacle but ultimately failing to deliver on either front. The first half is actually quite interesting, but the second half falters badly.

Here are some key details to keep in mind if you're considering watching The Postman:

  • Runtime: 2h58m
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Release year: 1997

Costner's Spending Spree

Macro shot of a postman butterfly perched on a leaf, capturing vibrant details and shallow focus.
Credit: pexels.com, Macro shot of a postman butterfly perched on a leaf, capturing vibrant details and shallow focus.

Kevin Costner's spending spree on The Postman was staggering. He had likely sunk a significant amount of money into the project by the time principal photography began.

The film's budget was a whopping $20 million. This was a huge investment for a movie that ultimately didn't pay off.

Costner had made a profit from his previous successful films, including The Untouchables, Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard, and Dances with Wolves. However, it's likely that he had spent all of that money by the time The Postman was finished.

Costner's ego may have played a role in his decision to greenlight The Postman. He's known for being a bit of a control freak and has a history of making big-budget films that don't always work out.

Music

The music for the film "The Postman" was composed by James Newton Howard, and it was released on December 23, 1997. The album "The Postman (Music from the Motion Picture)" was released on Warner Sunset/Warner Bros. label.

A vivid red postman butterfly resting on a green leaf. Perfect for nature photography enthusiasts.
Credit: pexels.com, A vivid red postman butterfly resting on a green leaf. Perfect for nature photography enthusiasts.

The album features 15 tracks, including "Main Titles", "Shelter in the Storm", and "The Belly of the Beast", all composed by James Newton Howard. These tracks range in length from 2:13 to 10:50, with an average length of around 5 minutes.

Here's a list of the tracks on the album:

The total length of the album is 60:13.

Reception and Impact

The Postman received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its nostalgic value and others criticizing its slow pace.

The film holds a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics calling it a "beautifully shot" but "meandering" film.

The movie's slow pace was a major point of contention, with some viewers appreciating its thoughtful atmosphere and others finding it difficult to stay engaged.

Critical Response

The Postman received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 14% based on 41 reviews, with an average rating of 4.2/10.

Close-up of a Red Postman butterfly resting on a green leaf, showcasing vibrant colors.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Red Postman butterfly resting on a green leaf, showcasing vibrant colors.

Many critics panned the film for its self-serious tone, with some calling it "goofy good time" if not for its pretentiousness. The site's consensus states that the film is a "massive miscalculation in self-mythologizing" by director and star Kevin Costner.

Metacritic gives the film a score of 29 out of 100 based on 14 reviews, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews". This suggests that the film's poor reception was not limited to a few critics.

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale, which is still a relatively low score.

What Went Wrong?

The Postman's runtime of over three hours was a major turnoff for many viewers.

Excessive runtime can be a significant issue, especially for a film that aims to engage its audience throughout.

Costner's portentousness as the lead, director, and producer didn't help matters.

The film's setting, a post-apocalyptic world in 2013, felt unoriginal and unconvincing.

Close-up of a stunning postman butterfly perched on a vibrant green leaf, showcasing its vivid colors and intricate wing patterns.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a stunning postman butterfly perched on a vibrant green leaf, showcasing its vivid colors and intricate wing patterns.

Costner's decision to follow up Waterworld with The Postman felt like a misstep.

The best dialogue in the film was between Costner and his horse, Bill, which wasn't a good sign.

This lackluster dialogue was a symptom of a larger problem with the screenplay.

General Bethlehem, played by Will Patton, was a one-dimensional villain with racist and misogynistic tendencies.

These problematic characters and dialogue choices were a major issue in the film.

Kevin Costner's attempt to emulate Don Quixote and find the magic of Dances with Wolves fell flat.

The film's reliance on Shakespearean quotes only added to its problems.

Tom Petty's cameo was also a misstep, unnecessarily besmirching his legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story behind the movie The Postman?

The movie The Postman follows a nameless drifter who dons a postman's uniform to inspire hope in a post-apocalyptic America. He sets out on a quest to deliver mail and bring people together in a world ravaged by disaster.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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