Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Postman Makes Epic SF

I sat with my family in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, multiplex on the day after Christmas. By a general consensus (which surprised me) my parents, sister, and brother-in-law all agreed to see The Postman that afternoon. We didn't know quite what to expect, but everyone had been intrigued by the previews. I knew it was science fiction, and I wondered how that would taint their view of the movie since my parents aren't known for their love of the genre.

The Postman, despite its post-apocalyptic setting in the near future, is not so much a science fiction story. It is a western, a war picture, a fantasy morality tale, all adrift in time. The story could easily have been written to take place in the Old West instead of the broken remnants of America in 2013, but it is the horrible vision of this bleak future and a civilization lost which makes the characters so compelling.

Kevin Costner (who also directed and produced the film) stars as a nameless wanderer in a desolated America. In the opening monologue by his future daughter (Mary Stuart Masterson in an uncredited role), we hear a vague recollection of a war, a plague, and a three-year winter. In short, the world has changed dramatically and this lonely man wants nothing more than a promise of a next meal. As a former actor, he performs Shakespeare for his supper.

Eventually, Costner's character comes upon an abandoned postal vehicle and takes refuge inside. Shivering from the rain, he takes the uniform of a postal worker off a skeleton and begins burning the mail to keep warm. The next day, he decides to put his acting skills to use and claims to be a postman for the newly formed Restored United States. He cons the people of Pineview, Oregon, out of a free meal. But he soon finds that his tales of a restored government and reinstated postal system have sparked the seeds of hope in a people looking for civilization.

The Postman's promise of a new government comes to the attention of a dictator by the name of General Bethlehem (played by Will Patton). Bethlehem is a merciless leader of an army known as the Holnists, and the renewed hope brought by the Postman has challanged his authority in the territory. After a brief skirmish, the Postman is forced to winter in seclusion, hiding from the general and his army.

In the Postman's absence, his legend continues to grow like Paul Bunyon or the Lone Ranger. Ford Lincoln Mercury (Larenz Tate), who was sworn in as a postman by The Postman himself, has taken the title of Postmaster General. Claiming to be in constant contact with the legendary Postman, he has inducted a small army of letter carriers (mostly kids looking for a chance at glory) to get the mail system running. Soon the Postman returns and Bethlehem resumes the fight, murdering the young postal carriers and eventually innocent townfolks. The Postman starts to question his role and becomes unwilling to bear the responsibilty of the consequences.

The Postman raises a number of questions about citizenship, courage, and responsibility. In a world which is increasingly cynical, it is inspiring to see a film which points to the future (even a grim-fated one) and suggests that the ideals of democracy and morality will survive. This may seem soft-hearted, but I was genuinely touched by many of the scenes in which people fought for the symbols of freedom (like a flag or a simple letter).

Costner is supported by a wonderful cast including a relative newcomer to American audiences, Olivia Williams as Abby. Abby is a young woman in Pineview who asks the Postman to father her child since her husband has been rendered sterile by the plague of "bad mumps." The story of their mutal love builds slowly and realistically as they gain respect and admiration for each other. Also appearing in the film is rock veteran Tom Petty as the mayor of Bridge City. Ironically, the Postman recognizes him and asks, "Aren't you famous?" To which Petty replies, "Yeah, sort of, once. Not any more." It's a nice touch, and much needed comic relief during a deeply emotional and inspiring film.

Ultimately, The Postman is an epic in the classic film sense of the word. With lavish panoramic views and brilliant costumes, the audience is pulled to another world both alien and yet hauntingly familiar. The movie, while progressing slowly at first, weaves the story carefully and methodically, not leaving out any small detail. Each piece is an important element in the story, allowing us to understand, empathize, and eventually cheer for the Postman.

MY RATING: 9 out of 10.

RATED: R
RUN TIME: 187 min.