THE POSTMAN
US, 1998, 178 minutes, Colour.
Kevin Costner, Will Patton, Larenz Tate, Olivia Williams, James Russo, Tom Petty, Daniel Von Bargen, Giovanni Rubisi, Shawn Hatosey.
Directed by Kevin Costner.
Kevin Costner saw himself as the saviour of the remnant world in his expensive borrowing from the Mad Max movies, Waterworld. He must have liked it because he is doing it again as The Postman. He has also directed it with the epic scope and vistas of his Dances With Wolves. However, at almost three hours, it probably needs some fine editing, but for those enjoying it, they won't mind the length.
Costner is wandering the world of 2013 begging a living by reciting Macbeth but falls foul of would-be army dictator (a former copying-machine-salesman), Bethlehem (a persuasive sneering performance from Will Patton). Costner escapes from the conscript army and assumes the identity of a dead postman - with the theme of isolation and communication bringing hope and resistance to tyranny.
There is a lot of talk about redemption and salvation, interesting because of how the new postman creates myths for hope based on make-believe about a restored United States. Eventually, he has to live up to the myths and the network of young post couriers who are dedicated to restoring the world. More Costner mythmaking.
1.An apocalyptic theme? World War Three? The aftermath? The United States, disaster and destruction? Possibilities for recovery?
2.The work of Kevin Costner: director, writer, actor? Hollywood icon? An ideal American?
3.The title, the ordinary occupation, the individual, getting through, delivering? Communication, building and linking community?
4.The introduction to the Postman: his travel, his past, age, alone? His experience, with people? The background of the Indians? His Shakespearen performances, in the marketplace, audience response, interest, entertainment? His character, silent – potential leader or not?
5.The communities, isolated, not getting any news, wondering about the US government and the president? Their experience of destruction? Making do? Food and supplies? Mayors of towns, abilities to govern or not? Potential for anarchy? Potential for defeat by roving bands?
6.Bethlehem, his background, selling copying machines? His assuming leadership? His ideology, his manner, his followers, the movement and the sect, their ruthlessness? The various personalities of his henchmen? His becoming dictator, general, brutality? Fascinated with the Postman? Not remembering who he was?
7.The Postman, his background in the movement, moving away? Travelling? His escape from Bethlehem, the dangers, the henchmen pursuing? In the forests? Going to the community, finding the uniform, claiming to be the Postman? The letters? People’s reaction, the mayor? Abby, her husband? Her wanting to have a child, unable? Asking the Postman about surrogacy? Ford, youthful, enthusiasm, the Postman as an ideal, giving hope and encouragement, his family, hopes?
8.The Postman and his tangling with Bethlehem, being pursued, the fights, the loyalties? Bethlehem and vengeance?
9.The work of the Postman in the town, his getting the people enthusiastic, supplying information, inventing it, their response?
10.The setting up of the network, the volunteers, the young people, the letters, travelling in the countryside, communications? Coordination and leadership?
11.Ford, his character, work, enthusiasm, being taken by Bethlehem, his courage?
12.Bethlehem and his anger at the town, the revival, arriving, the confrontation? Abby and the death of her husband? The further battles, the killings? The tough Augments?
13.Abby, the surrogacy, leaving with the Postman, his being wounded, helping him through the winter? Travelling with him?
14.The skirmishes, the countryside and the battles, the setbacks?
15.The fort, the garrison? The ramparts? The Postman and his decision to confront Bethlehem, one-to-one? The choreography of their fight? Bethlehem’s defeat?
16.The final tribute, thirty years later, the Postman’s daughter, the dedication of the statue? Culture and civilisation returning? The tribute to the Postman and his contribution to survival and recovery?
