When news broke of Gene Hackman's death this morning, it floored me. Even though he was 95, he felt like one of those undying Hollywood names who would live forever. Hackman is a giant among actors, a man who gave so many wonderful performances. It was hard to sit here and pick the ones I think are the best. Still, it gave me an opportunity to sort through this legend's work. Let's dive in. 1. UnforgivenDirector: Clint EastwoodScreenplay: David Webb PeoplesIn this Clint Eastwood Western, Hackman delivers an incredibly chilling performance as Sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett. He rules his town with an iron fist and doesn't like people coming in to tell him how to do it differently. Hackman won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role. 2. Night Moves Director: Arthur PennScreenplay: James DickeyI love this movie so much. Hackman plays an ex-NFL Linebacker who is now a PI tracking down cases in Hollywood. It's an Arthur Penn hidden gem.3. The French ConnectionDirector: William FriedkinScreenplay: Ernest TidymanThis crime thriller has one of the best chase scenes of all time in it. We follow Hackman's determined Detective "Popeye" Doyle as he hunts down bad guys with some unconventional methods. Hackman won an Academy Award for Best Actor for this role. 4. The ConversationDirector: Francis Ford Coppola,Screenplay: Francis Ford CoppolaFrancis Ford Coppola's psychological thriller features Hackman as a surveillance expert grappling with paranoia and guilt when his suspects turn up dead. It has one of the most chilling...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - 5 days ago