Discuss Gary Oldman
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Bar none, one of the greatest screen actors of all time
posted by movie_naziSTAFFMOD on April 21, 2017 at 12:15 AM
Although the 90s were his heydays, this cat always pops in my head when people ask me who is my favorite actor. I wouldn't say he is my favorite since there are so many I like but he is definitely one of my favorites.
Reply by NotoriousRio
on April 21, 2017 at 7:43 PM
Agree, he'd of been great in any era, he's played some great roles and had some memorable characters over the years. Looking forward to seeing his portrayal of Winston Churchill!
Reply by rudely_murray
on April 21, 2017 at 8:39 PM
He can be very good indeed but I have always found he has a tendency to play to the back of the room - in fact, contrary to the op I find much of his 90s work (i.e. Leon, Lost in Space) unbearably hammy.
He can be a very subtle, extremely effective actor, my favourite of his performances being in Prick Up Your Ears.
The jury is out on his Churchill. It is a part that is easy to turn into caricature, even for good actors - see Timothy Spall's embarrassing attempt in The King's Speech. Hopefully Oldman will keep it reigned-in.
Reply by movie_nazi
on April 21, 2017 at 9:19 PM
Oh, I don't like any of his mainstream Hollywood crap. However, I love his character acting like when he portrayed Drexel in True Romance or a crooked NYPD cop in over his head in the neo-noir Romeo is Bleeding or when he played Beethoven. This is when I think he shines best. I don't like his villain roles as much like the ones you mentioned but I thought he was very good in Bram Stoker's Dracula.
What did you think of Rod Taylor's performance as Churchhill in Inglourious Basterds? Albeit a bit part, I thought it was uncanny.
Reply by Movies1234
on April 21, 2017 at 11:17 PM
He was the star of one of my favorite movies. Romeo Is Bleeding
Reply by movie_nazi
on April 21, 2017 at 11:18 PM
Yes, I believe I did mention that film as it is one of my favorite roles he did as well.
Reply by Movies1234
on April 24, 2017 at 5:35 PM
As good as Gary was in Romeo is Bleeding, Lena Olin stole the show. She was outstanding in it.
Reply by movie_nazi
on April 24, 2017 at 6:02 PM
Yes, she was excellent in it. But Oldman's display of a wide range of emotions are phenomenal. Not to mention a pretty good NY accent for a limey.