Independent Films, Film Profiles

The Postman (film)
by Kevin Costner

The Postman is a 1997 film adaptation of the award-winning post-apocalyptic themed novel of the same name, written in 1985 by author David Brin. It was filmed in northeastern Washington (Metaline Falls), central Oregon and Tucson, Arizona, and was directed by Kevin Costner, who also stars in the film. The film co-stars Will Patton, Larenz Tate, Olivia Williams, James Russo, Daniel Von Bargen, Tom Petty, Scott Bairstow, Roberta Maxwell and Mary Stuart Masterson.The film is set in northwestern United States in 2013, 16 years after a nuclear war which spread ash plumes, disturbed rainfall and sunlight levels, having a huge impact on human civilization. The lead character is a nomadic survivor, wandering the Great Basin, purposely avoiding remnant civilization, while the antagonist is the leader of a remnant army from the war. The film chronicles this drifter's life as he flees the remnant army while unknowingly inspiring hope of restoring peace in the region.The year is 2013. A nuclear war has crippled the earth by spreading ash plumes that disturb rainfall and sunlight levels, which heavily impacts the surviving human population. Into this apocalyptic wasteland comes an enigmatic and initially nameless nomadic survivor (Kevin Costner), who is wandering the flatlands of Utah. In need of food and water he trades performances of Shakespearean plays (with his mule as a mute co-star), for food and shelter in a small settlement. That afternoon, the settlement is visited by a neofascist army run by General Bethlehem (Will Patton), who take supplies and conscripts, including the unnamed nomad. For a small time, the nomad is trained in the army and he learns that they are a remnant from the armies of 16 years ago led by a farmer-turned-general, Nathan Holn.Escaping the army, the wanderer survives a cold night by taking refuge in an abandoned mail carrier van. While taking refuge in the truck, he takes the bag of undelivered mail (after reading some of the letters), and uses a postal uniform and coat for warmth. Arriving at one of the settlements scattered throughout lower Oregon called Pineview, the wanderer attempts to gain entry by assuming the identity of a postman who has been appointed by what he falsely describes as a newly restored government, based in Minneapolis and led by Richard Starky. He chances upon a letter in his pack addressed to a surviving member of the town. While some in the settlement are skeptical, the majority seem convinced, wanting to believe in the possibility of peace and a restored nation, and they proceed to give the Postman more mail to deliver.While staying in the town, the Postman inspires a teenager named Ford Lincoln Mercury (Larenz Tate), and swears him into the fictitious restored postal service. One night, the Postman is approached by Abby (Olivia Williams), a woman who is seeking a bodyfather due to complications with her husband, who also lives in the town. Initially hesitant, the Postman spends the night with Abby before deciding to flee the town. Days later, after visiting Pineview while routinely gathering supplies, General Bethlehem learns of "the Postman" and his tales of restored government, and considers it an act of treason. He sends troops to search the nearby towns, killing those who are suspected of cooperating with the Postman. Bethlehem eventually finds the Postman amidst a battle between his army and the townspeople of Bennington, Oregon, who make a stand against the army after being inspired by a visit from the Postman. During the battle, the Postman rescues Abby from Bethlehem's army and the two narrowly escape into the surrounding mountains.The Postman and Abby go into hiding from General Bethlehem's army by spending the winter in an abandoned cabin in the Blue Mountains. As spring arrives, the two cross the range and chance upon a young girl who claims to be one of a group of postal carriers in the region. It is revealed that Ford Lincoln Mercury has left Pineview and organised a postal service connecting the communities of the Pacific Northwest. They enable survivors of the region's towns and settlements to communicate and inadvertently spread the fictional tales of a restored government, leading many to believe that it is true.Bethlehem's army attempt to disrupt the postal service by killing carriers on southern routes, and the ensuing skirmishes escalate into a running small-scale war. The Postman, despite not agreeing to the initial confrontations, seeks counsel and wisdom from an old citizen who had fought in the Vietnam War. The veteran teaches the Postman the rudiments of guerrilla warfare tactics, which he uses to good effect. The tide of war gradually turns against the Postman, however, as his carriers are pitted against a superior enemy; the Holnist army are proficient survivalists and hardened veterans. The mounting casualties dismay the Postman, and he orders his meager forces to disperse, arguing that the price for victory would be too great.The Postman, Abby and remaining carriers travel west, further away from the Holnists' territory, until they come to Bridge City, a settlement situated on an old dam wall. The settlement is run by a celebrity from before the war, Tom Petty (playing himself). Seemingly trapped between the dam, canyon, mountains, and General Bethlehem's scouts, the enclave leader helps the Postman, taking him to the highest point of the dam where a gravity-driven cable car is installed which stretches down to the valley below, enabling The Postman to flee the area.The Postman gathers surviving carriers and other townspeople in a last-ditch attempt to end the conflict. Using King Henry V's speech prior to the Battle of Agincourt, the Postman manages to rally his scattered troops and leads his small army against General Bethlehem's Holnist army. Now his forces are more equal to the Holnists, but lack artillery. At the last minute, or perhaps as long planned, The Postman decides to challenge Bethlehem for leadership of the Holnists, invoking 'rule number 7', which he recalls from his time conscripted in the Holnist army. The rule states any member of the Holnist army can challenge the leader and take his spot. The Postman defeats Bethlehem in single combat and is saved from being shot by Bethlehem's former second-in-command.The film concludes in the year 2043, when the Postman's daughter (Mary Stuart Masterson) attends a tribute to her (now-deceased) father's achievements. A statue of the Postman is unveiled with the enscription; "He inspired a message of hope embraced by a new generation", as speeches proclaim the historic role that he played in aiding in the restoration of a civilized society.