Kevin Costner found himself pleasantly amused by John Mulaney’s humorous take on the classic film “Field of Dreams” during the 2024 Academy Awards. The celebrated comedian took the stage to present the award for Best Sound, seizing the opportunity to infuse a bit of levity into the proceedings by creatively reimagining the plot of Costner’s 1989 iconic movie.
Mulaney kicked off his segment by reflecting on the evolution of cinema from silent films to the sound era, playfully dismissing those who romanticize the silent film era as “difficult and insane.” He underscored the importance of sound in cinema by citing memorable lines from iconic movies such as “Jaws,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and Dakota Johnson’s “Madame Web,” highlighting how integral sound is to the storytelling experience, reports New York Post.
The comedian then shifted his focus to “Field of Dreams,” humorously recounting the film’s premise where Costner’s character is inspired by a mysterious voice to transform his cornfield into a baseball diamond. Mulaney quipped, “Or I guess he doesn’t build it — he mows down corn, and then there is a field and he’s like, ‘I’m going to watch ghosts play baseball,’ and the bank is like, ‘You wanna pay your mortgage?’ And he’s like, ‘Nah, I’m gonna watch ghosts play baseball.” This lighthearted reinterpretation of the film’s storyline drew laughter and showcased Mulaney’s comedic flair.
The clip started off with John saying, “For years, movies didn’t have sound, and then they figured it out. Some people say that the silent era was the golden era of film — these people are difficult and insane.”
Mulaney’s inventive narrative not only provided comic relief but also highlighted the surreal and whimsical elements of “Field of Dreams,” reminding the audience of the film’s unique charm and the magical role sound plays in bringing such imaginative stories to life. As the segment concluded, Mulaney smoothly transitioned to the next topic, leaving an impression with his witty observations and endearing Costner and the audience alike with his creative homage to the beloved film.
