Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Gene Hackman Is The Man

Gene Hackman has always been one of my favorite actors, but I never knew he had such good taste until I read an interview with him in this week's (June 13, 2011) issue of Time.

Time: I read that you don't even know where your two Oscars are. Can this be true?

Hackman: It is true. I have a poster of Errol Flynn, but other than that, around the house we just kind of keep it civilian.

My estimation of Gene Hackman has always been huge, but now that estimation has increased a thousandfold. Well done, sir, well done.

12 comments:

The Lady Eve said...

I'm a Gene Hackman fan, too, and quickly checked out the piece at Time you mentioned. Such a talent - I hope he does do another film or two. I don't want to believe he's completely retired.
I'll watch any film he appears in. I've even watched "The Firm" more than once - strictly because of his performance.

Kevin Deany said...

I would go see any movie he was in and had no idea that when I went to see "Welcome to Mooseport" (yes, I went to see it in the theater) that it would be his last movie (to date). Great, great actor.

joem18b said...

Not to be cynical, but who knows? Perhaps he did a little acting in that interview.

Kevin Deany said...

True, but at least he has good taste about other actors.

Rick29 said...

Kevin, Gene Hackman is one of my favorites, especially his 1970s performances in both FRENCH CONNECTION movies, THE CONVERSATION (his best performance), NIGHT MOVES, THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (pic isn't bad, but he's very good), and BITE THE BULLET (a personal fave).

Kevin Deany said...

Rick, I agree with you about "The Conversation."

I really need to see "Bite the Bullet." Its shown on cable, but not wide screen. The DVD is also full frame. I was told that on the double feature DVD with "The Quick and the Dead" that "Bite the Bullet" is widescreen, but I haven't gotten around to getting it.

I like everyone in the cast though, and I like Richard Brooks as a director.

ClassicBecky said...

Kevin, just stopping by for a short note to tell you life has gotten in the way, and I haven't been around as much as I like. Things are starting to ease up, and I'll be back soon!

ClassicBecky said...

I've always liked Gene Hackman, and now he seems like a pretty cool guy personally. Anybody who doesn't know where his Oscars are, but keeps a picture of Errol Flynn on the wall shows such good taste! LOL!

I always thought Hackman's performance in Bonnie and Clyde was good. "I Never Sang For My Father" with Melvyn Douglas was a difficult role in which Hackman showed incredible talent. Have you seen that one?

Kevin Deany said...

Becky, never saw that one, but would love to one day. So many movies, so little time.

Dhiraj said...

Hackman type of realism is often in danger of being taken as documentary realism. Hackman is a mighty fine actor and for me a big star. He has a glittering list of films to his credit. Right from Bonny and Clyde, gritty spy of French Connection, Lex Luthar of Superman, inverted eavesdropper of The Conversation, brutal Sheriff of Unforgiven and master thief of Heist. He has played Presidents and their guard. What ever one might say, for his army of admirers, his "inner fire and air of regret ...... his rascally charm, comic intelligence, and wicked streak" is very much evident lending him the charm and charisma of a superstar.
http://modernartists.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-of-gene-hackman.html

mon_chit_chi said...

Sorry to cut in, but i wanted to make sure if i understand Hackman correctly. (i'm not a native speaker of English.)
When he said he 'keep it civilian', did he mean that he (and his family) don't keep the records of whereabouts of the whole stuff at home? Is the adjective 'civilian' used in contrast to military people or police officers, who are always supposed to make sure where they are at the moment?
If so, i think it's really a witty remark.

Kevin Deany said...

Hi, I think "keep it civilian" referred to him home having little in the way of movie industry mementos. But I could be wrong. Thanks for writing.