September 13, 1999

by Veronica Mixon

His latest film, "For the Love of the Game" along with "Bull Durham" and "Field of Dreams" fits nicely into an unintentional trilogy of baseball movies that reflect the emotional life of the American male. To his credit, Costner has appeared in such diverse films as "Wyatt Earp," "Tin Cup," Oliver Stones' "JFK," "The Bodyguard," "No Way Out," "The Untouchables," "Waterworld," "The Postman" and "Message in a Bottle." He is only big-named star who doesn't shy away from romantic movies and he seems purposely to delve into relationship movies with a deep emotional undertone.

Kevin Costner didn't shy away from this interview either. He talked openly about his life, movies and his personal philosophy about life.

THE INTERVIEW

Were sports your first love?
Yeah. That and singing with my mom.

Did you ever think about being a big league player rather than actor?
I never thought about being an actor until I was about 22. I didn't know that people made a living that way. I thought the people on the screen were like born there or something. I don't know where I thought they came from.

I understand that you met Richard Burton on a plane. What did he say to you?
He didn't try to say too much. I asked if I could talk to him. I asked a bit of advice. I said, 'I feel like your life has been pretty tumultuous and I'd hope that I wouldn't have that kind of life. Do you think it's possible to be a good man and still exist in this business?' He said, 'yeah, I think so.' We just had a little private talk. I was on my honeymoon and my bride was look at me - 'What are you doing?' (Laughs)

And, how do you think it's worked out for you?
I think it is possible to be a good man. I think it is a tumultuous ride given the nature of celebrity and the system that has to be feed as a result of that. It's harder now than it was then.

How so?
Well, it's just more people at you - then ever before.

Your career is often compared to Gary Cooper.
Yeah.

He got around.
Yeah. What are you trying to say? (Laughs)

Well, he did and they didn't say anything about it.
Listen, he wasn't very well thought of and neither were McQueen and all these other great actors. They weren't really appreciated as actors. Gary was thought of as wooden and goofy. Suddenly, he's reached legendary status - such a beautiful looking man. But, he didn't enjoy that when he was going through it.

Could you talk about the crying scene?
It's not easy for me to do and it wasn't really written for me to do that. I said to Sam just let the camera roll, don't stop it. I've got to sort out what this must feel like coming home after laying Gus in the bed and knowing what the day was like. You can edit it later on but don't stop it. So, I made the call and I did what I did. I think he was a little shocked and taken aback. So, instead of doing another take, he just moved the camera in close.

Have you been there, yourself?
Of course, I've been there.

Where you've had the greatest day of your life and there was something hollow about it?
Not like that. But, I've felt alone. I've felt that I shouldn't be alone.

You're the biggest star on the planet. Why would you feel alone?
You do because we are just people. I didn't just suddenly exist on the planet as a star. Before that I struggled with people remembering my name like anybody. Then, you reach celebrity and that's not one of your problems anymore. My life is a lot like how my kids are going to do in school. When they struggle. My life's a lot - 'Do I let them go to this party? No, I don't. Who's driving the fucking car? Who's in the car? I want to see this boy. How old is he? I don't want you in the car with him.' I have to deal with that a lot. I'm sure you do. That puts us on a level playing field.

Has being a celebrity changed the way you deal with people?
Well, I think I don't start off with 'don't let people get close.' I probably let people closer than I should have because I'm a little more open. I think to try to read what's in somebody's mind, you can push people away and so I kind of let people unravel in front of me or they become somebody that I trust over time.

How do you react to the hostility from the press, like the Premiere Magazine story about your expenses?
The perks are different nowadays and they weren't working for free, I was. There is a lot of money tossed around but I don't think anyone would argue that I shouldn't have a trainer. I could barely get through the fucking day! Look, if someone goes in my plane, I pay for it. I have no use for that kind of article. If I thought I was out of line, I wouldn't do.

But, there has been some vicious stories written about you.
Right. I'm not really afraid of you guys nor should I be. But, there are some mean people out there. I've showed up on time and I said what I've said. I've never been any different than I am at this table right now. I make my movies in a very specific way. I don't kowtow to conventional wisdom because what if everybody's wrong. And, I think I weight fiscal responsibility with artistic responsibility. If you get a 'no,' you get it from me. You don't get it from an agent, lawyer, etc. So, a lot of people don't have their fingerprints on the things that they do. They have other people do it. For me, I don't think I could not answer any one of your questions.

So what accounts for this viciousness?
I think it's a cynical world. Maybe, I'm a rough character. Nobody whips me to my face - which is what makes them a shallow character. It would be hard to have that conversation face to face. That would be interesting because I doubt if you'd say it.

Do you have old fashion values?
Maybe I am old fashioned, I don't know. I know the situations in my life. I know who the characters are, I know what's been said and at the end of the day, I know how I behaved.

Is Kevin Costner a happy man?
Yeah, I'm pretty happy.

What's missing?
I don't have a partner.

How can that be a problem for you?
I probably make it a problem. I had one and I just - I've always been surprised at somebody who can be with somebody and then, the next week, be on somebody else's arm at the Academy Awards. It's been six years. That's why I'm surprised that people still want to talk about my marriage. They just cannot write an article without really dealing with it. I don't know. Maybe we don't see ourselves. Maybe I don't see myself clearly they way you see me. Maybe there is an arrogance that I have. Maybe there is -- whatever.

The same is true with your movies.
I know the way I feel about movies is really pure and I don't tolerate anyone tinkering with them for commercial reasons. I don't like it. And, it can really be a good friend and I won't allow it. Maybe that's the trouble with me.