10 Films That Were Clearly Vanity Projects

7. The Postman €“ Kevin Costner

ThePostman8 Kevin Costner seemingly never learned from the horrific experiences associated with his previous apocalyptic epic Waterworld, deciding that lightning couldn€™t strike twice and took up the opportunity to adapt David Brin€™s novel of the same name back in 1997. With the plot focusing on a nomad who turns postal carrier between two warring factions, it never seemed to be an appealing prospect on paper. The problem with the film is that is incredibly boring, barely stirring any glimpse of action or character development, instead opting for the hokey faux sentimentality that proved successful to Costner in the past. While admittedly the 1st half of the film does reveal intriguing elements to it, it becomes bogged down by the excruciating long running time and Costner€™s lack of charisma or charm. The Postman effectively killed off Costner€™s career as a leading man and while he has since found success in TV and supporting roles such as the recently released Man of Steel, Costner will never each the dizzy heights he once commanded in the 80s and 90s. One must only look to The Simpsons joke with €œKevin Costner€ endlessly apologising on the film€™s commentary to realise what legacy it left. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AiKOhAEbAU
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Currently in my 3rd year studying for a BA in English Literature & Film at Edinburgh Napier University. Twitter - @niallmcloughlin