This lavish Mad Max on jet skis from director Kevin Reynolds was declared dead in the water owing to escalating costs, nightmarish production problems and clashing egos, but it finally emerged as a spectacular and thrilling sci-fi fantasy.
In the far future, the polar ice caps have melted, covering the planet in water and making dirt the most valuable commodity. Enigmatic loner Mariner (Kevin Costner) offers a ray of hope to Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and Enola (Tina Majorino), the latest victims of bandits led by the manic Deacon (Dennis Hopper).
While helping Helen and Enola survive, Mariner continues his search for the mythical Dryland, and the three survivors are pursued by the evil Smokers.
The film offers plenty of comic-book heroics and explosive stunts, and Costner gives one of his finest performances as the half-man/half-fish whose steely character holds this full-blooded epic adventure together.
The production was beset with problems.
The cast and crew had to contend with seasickness, sunburn, dehydration, and jellyfish stings, and several stunt performers nearly drowned.
The project – which involved the flooding of an island – ran $75 million over budget, contributing both to the break-up of Costner’s marriage and the end of his friendship with director Kevin Reynolds.
Mariner
Kevin Costner Deacon
Dennis Hopper Helen
Jeanne Tripplehorn Enola
Tina Majorino Gregor
Michael Jeter Nord
Gerard Murphy Enforcer
R D Call Doctor
John Fleck Ledger Guy
Robert Joy Pilot
Jack Black Plane Gunner
John Toles-Bey
Director
Kevin Reynolds
Video
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Deacon
Enola
