This 23-Year-Old Thriller Saw Kevin Costner Trying To Smash His Good Guy Image (Why It Didn’t Work)

The 23-year-old thriller you’re referring to is likely “Mr. Brooks,” a film released in 2007, starring Kevin Costner in a role that was a significant departure from his usual “good guy” image. In “Mr. Brooks,” Costner plays Earl Brooks, a successful businessman who harbors a dark secret: he is also a serial killer. The film explores the duality of his character, juxtaposing his outwardly respectable persona with his hidden, violent urges.

Here are a few reasons why Kevin Costner’s attempt to break away from his good guy image in “Mr. Brooks” didn’t fully resonate:

1. Established Persona: Kevin Costner was long established as a heroic and likable figure in Hollywood, known for roles in films like “Field of Dreams,” “Dances with Wolves,” and “The Bodyguard.” This entrenched image made it difficult for audiences to fully accept him as a villain.
2. Typecasting: Actors who are strongly associated with a certain type of role often face resistance when they try to branch out. Audiences have certain expectations based on an actor’s past work, and deviating too far from those expectations can be jarring.
3. Film’s Reception: “Mr. Brooks” received mixed reviews from critics and had a moderate box office performance. While some praised Costner’s performance, the overall reception of the film didn’t do enough to cement his transition to darker roles.
4. Competing Narratives: The character of Earl Brooks is complex and multi-faceted, but the film’s narrative and execution may not have been strong enough to fully support Costner’s transformation. Some elements of the plot and character development might have fallen short in making his dark turn entirely convincing to the audience.
5. Audience Connection: Even in roles where actors play against type, there needs to be a level of audience empathy or understanding of the character’s motivations. The psychological depth and moral ambiguity of Earl Brooks might not have resonated as deeply with audiences expecting a different kind of thriller or character arc from Costner.

Despite these challenges, “Mr. Brooks” remains an interesting attempt by Kevin Costner to expand his range and explore more complex and darker roles.