+1
Just another tradesman, working his craft. Better than most, but far short of the best.
He just happens to be in a few movies I enjoyed, including American Flyers (I was just getting into cycling when it came out; and yes, of course, it's not the definitive cycling movie by any stretch, but I enjoyed it), Silverado (great scene at that hotel, where he shoots down two gunmen from different angles), Field of Dreams, Bull Durham.
And of course Dances with Wolves, which is extraordinary.
For some reason, I remember that line in Wyatt Earp, where he's trying to convince Ed Masterson (Bill Pullman) that he's not cut out to be a lawman. Something like "You're not a deliberate man, Ed. I don't sense that about you." I think he plays bad guys pretty well, such as Wyatt Earp and Perfect World. There's something cold and ugly, just below the surface, contained but capable of erupting at any time. I like that visceral sort of presence onscreen.
Absolutely despise Mr. Brooks.
One of my favorite jokes unfortunately is at his expense. Circa 1998, after The Postman. Question: In the Hollywood Police Department, what's the legal definition of a bomb threat? Answer: Kevin Costner phoning his agent with a movie idea.
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Scarecrow: I haven't got a brain ... only straw. Dorothy: How can you talk if you haven't got a brain? Scarecrow: I don't know. But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't they? Dorothy: Yes, I guess you're right.