 The landscape, on the other hand, stands out with the colorful beauty of autumn aspens and red rock canyons, towering snow-capped mountains, and vast valley vistas. An Oscar-winning director for Dances with Wolves, Costner knows how to showcase more than pretty scenery. He stages battles and other action vividly. An acting background helps with his cast, experienced performers rather than superstars, aside from Costner himself, who waits about an hour into action before showing up.