The intriguing details about Gene Hackman‘s passing have been dominating news for several days now, and despite some uncertainty about the specifics, it is indisputable that he was one of Hollywood’s genuine legends. Even in less-than-impressive productions like “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” and his last film, “Welcome to Mooseport,” Hackman had an uncanny ability to elevate the material. For the most part, however, Hackman’s projects were anything but subpar, largely due to the fact that he never gave a mediocre or lackluster performance. Even when he wasn’t the main star, he was often the standout performer.
Over a career of more than four decades, there’s an abundance of films featuring the exceptional talent of Hackman to choose from, ranging from his most iconic hits to lesser-known gems. While some viewers might have already seen these classics, it’s worth revisiting them to honor this remarkable actor. Here are three films you may recognize, but deserve another watch:
1. The French Connection – a gritty police drama that won Hackman an Oscar for Best Actor.
2. Unforgiven – a thought-provoking western in which he starred alongside Clint Eastwood.
3. The Magnificent Seven – a remake of the classic western, showcasing Hackman’s versatility as an actor.
It’s worth noting that several other films came close to being included in this list, such as Bonnie and Clyde, The Poseidon Adventure, The Conversation, Young Frankenstein, the first two Superman movies, Mississippi Burning, The Firm, The Birdcage, Hoosiers, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Enemy of the State. For those interested in discovering some deeper cuts, I highly recommend:
1. Scarecrow – a poignant drama about two drifters trying to make their way in the world.
2. Postcards from the Edge – a comedy-drama based on Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical novel.
3. No Way Out – a taut political thriller that showcases Hackman’s ability to portray complex characters.
4. Uncommon Valor – an action-packed adventure about a group of veterans searching for their missing daughters in Vietnam.
5. Night Moves – a suspenseful drama about a detective investigating the murder of a beautiful young woman.
Unforgiven
Clint Eastwood is widely recognized as the quintessential Western actor, with “Unforgiven” possibly standing out as his best contribution to the genre within his filmography. This movie is exceptional, crossing all genres, as each actor, including Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, and even Hackman, gives an impeccable performance that perfectly meets the requirements of their roles.
The performance of the actor as the chilling antagonist Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett earned him his second and last Academy Award, and it’s clear why. The character was skillfully written, but Hackman truly brought to life the cruelty and sadism of Daggett. His scenes, such as humiliating Harris’ English Bob and taking pleasure in tormenting Freeman’s Ned Logan, are heart-wrenching. Hackman was an ideal fit for the role, managing to outshine the entire film without winning any audience affection.
Get Shorty
It’s always enjoyable to watch Hackman take on tough, grumpy characters, and he does so convincingly with his unique approach. However, the actor also excelled at portraying characters who were the polar opposite. A striking example of this can be seen in the film “The Birdcage” or its third act, but his performance in “Get Shorty” is equally commendable. This movie is a lively and humorous adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s novel of the same name. Similar to Stephen King, much of Leonard’s work has been adapted for film and television. His writing style and prose made it easy to incorporate when creating crime comedies following the success of “Pulp Fiction”.
Similarly to King’s adaptations, Leonard’s are a blend of successes and misses. The film Get Shorty, much like FX’s series Justified and Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight, is an undeniable hit (although its sequel, Be Cool, falls flat). To a certain extent, this film belongs to John Travolta, as his portrayal of Miami lone shark turned Hollywood producer Chili Palmer is spot-on. However, when he’s paired with Hackman’s crafty B-movie producer Harry Zimm, who struggles to project toughness, it’s Hackman who steals the show. In most films, Hackman’s characters are the ones dishing out punches, but by the end of Get Shorty, his Zimm can barely handle a smoothie with two straws, suggesting that the actor relished playing the arrogant yet not exceptionally talented punching bag.
The French Connection
In “The French Connection,” Hackman had his major breakthrough, although he had received his first Oscar nomination several years earlier for his supporting role in “Bonnie and Clyde.” This film was directed by William Friedkin, just two years before the release of “The Exorcist.” The movie showcases both the director and lead actor at their best. Although it is based on a non-fiction book, it has the feel of an exciting Hollywood movie while also maintaining a strong sense of raw, authentic realism.
Throughout his distinguished career, Hackman was nominated for five Academy Awards, with “The French Connection” being one of his two victories. Justifiably so, as he masterfully portrayed the rough-around-the-edges Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, a character who, despite his coarse language, became someone the audience could cheer for. This was achieved by Hackman, convincingly depicting that Doyle was genuinely committed to clearing New York’s streets of heroin. His portrayal felt authentic and relatable, and although many actors can make characters unforgettable, Hackman made them seem genuine and organic.
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2025-03-02 16:10