“He’s a much better actor than critics normally allow”

As a cinephile with over four decades of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that Michael Caine is one of the most versatile and captivating actors of our time. His performances in films as diverse as “Zulu,” “Alfie,” “Get Carter,” and “The Italian Job” are a testament to his unparalleled talent.

Add The Italian Job to your watchlist.

I’m sharing an article that initially appeared on RT in December 2000, shortly following the time when Michael Caine was bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award, his second Oscar, and a Knighthood.

As a devoted admirer, I’d estimate that roughly one-seventh of Michael Caine’s over 100 films are truly captivating. Once upon a time, I shared this observation with him, and he graciously accepted it as a reasonable assessment. In his own words, “Nobody sets out to create subpar movies, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, they just don’t come together as intended.”

Despite some movies not meeting expectations, Caine’s performances are typically spot-on due to his exceptional acting skills, which are often underestimated by critics. With a questionable upper-class accent as a minor flaw, he was outstanding in the film “Zulu,” even more impressive in “Alfie,” and at his finest in “Get Carter.” These movies, which initially garnered him a devoted cult fanbase among young moviegoers that endures to this day.

“He’s a much better actor than critics normally allow”

There, you see three distinct roles, each exhibiting the unique charm of Caine, and skillfully performed. For those who may question his acting prowess, I recommend watching “Sleuth” – a two-person play where he matched wits with Laurence Olivier, thus ending my argument in his favor.

1. It’s not surprising that he’s been nominated for five Oscars and won twice (for “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “The Cider House Rules”), as some less-than-stellar actors have also won, but it does show the respect he receives from his peers.

In various situations, he might embody the role of a hero, an average light comedian, or a questionable character. Remarkably, even his truly terrible films – such as “The Swarm,” “Ashanti,” and “Jaws the Revenge” – seem to stand out not only for being poorly made but also for their over-the-top badness, which somehow makes them enjoyable. This is partly due to his professionalism; as a skilled actor, he consistently delivers his often subpar material with dedication and commitment.

“He’s a much better actor than critics normally allow”

Since Caine is highly dependable and consistently mindful to maintain his salary requests at a moderate level, he seldom finds himself without work, as the consistent presence on screen is crucial. His role model is Clark Gable. “I’d wager that very few can name ten films Gable starred in,” he remarked. “But because he made numerous movies, everyone recognizes him.”

That he has two Oscars proves little — some truly lousy actors have won Oscars — except the respect which he is accorded by his peers

As a film connoisseur reminiscing about the 90s, I recall a moment when Michael Caine faced a temporary dip in self-assurance. To regain his footing, he opted for some television productions. Fortunately, it appears that therapy served its purpose: upon his reentry into the silver screen, he delivered two of his most critically acclaimed performances in “Little Voice” and “The Cider House Rules.” With another potential Oscar nod on the horizon for his latest work, the period drama “Quills,” where he portrays a medical director at a mental asylum who outdoes even the notorious patient, the Marquis de Sade (Geoffrey Rush), I am eagerly anticipating the recognition this masterful performance will undoubtedly receive.

All of which seems to suggest that Michael Caine, 67 now, will be around for a long time yet.

2024-08-21 19:04

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