Kevin Reynolds (director)

Kevin Reynolds (born January 17, 1952), is a film director and screenwriter.

Early life

Reynolds is the son of former Baylor University president Herbert Reynolds. He is also an alumnus of Baylor University, having graduated with a BA in Telecommunications. He went on to law school, also at Baylor and passed the Texas bar exam. Reynolds practiced law in Austin, Texas in the 1970s, then decided to attend the USC School of Cinema-Television.

Career

Initial successess

Reynolds enjoyed initial successes penning the Cold War cult hit "Red Dawn" in 1984 and writing and directing the Steven Spielberg-produced "Fandango" in 1985.

Collaborations with Kevin Costner

He began a long friendship with Kevin Costner at this time as his director in "Fandango" and again in an episode of the Spielberg-produced television series "Amazing Stories" for an episode titled "The Mission". Costner would again be his leading man in ""; he also advised Costner behind the scenes for the epic western "Dances with Wolves"--in particular the buffalo hunting scenes. They collaborated one final time for the apocalyptic film "Waterworld" (1995). Mid-way through filming, conflict led the two friends to sever ties and Reynolds walked away from filming; Reynolds was later quoted as having said of Costner: "Now Kevin gets to work with his favorite actor and director." Later, Reynolds and Costner reunited to record a commentary track for the extended special edition DVD of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves", and their politely, friendly interplays leaves the audience to wonder if they put their tumultous experiences behind them.

Later work

Reynolds next directed the Samuel L. Jackson vehicle and thriller "One Eight Seven".

His most recent directorial efforts were two classical adaptations: "The Count of Monte Cristo" in 2001 and "Tristan & Isolde" in 2006.

Films written

* "Red Dawn" (1984) (co-writer)
* "Fandango" (1985)

Films directed

* "Fandango" (1985)
* "The Beast" (1988)
* "" (1991)
* "Rapa Nui" (1994)
* "Waterworld" (1995)
* "One Eight Seven" (1997)
* "The Count of Monte Cristo" (2002)
* "Tristan & Isolde" (2006)

External links

*imdb name|id=0721817|name=Kevin Reynolds