For me, it was his role in The Firm where he took a character that was originally just a standard villain and gave him depth and nuance that made the viewer sympathetic towards him.
I never wanted to watch that movie, even though I've always been a big Hackman fan.
After watching that clip, I have to ask myself why I never watched the movie.
Oh man, a childhood favorite. There's some hokiness from the director and its racial politics aren't great, but damn it's an amazing basketball movie. An all time sports movie and the best Hackman performance!
This was always my favorite scene of his, but the barbershop scene in Mississippi Burning where he's shaving the klansman with the straight razor..."this is tricky, hehehe." That was the first scene I remember thinking "this guy is so good in everything." I was probably 12.
Hackman loomed large. I loved everyone of his movies. He's my Lex Luthor, no doubt about it. And Popeye Doyle? Sweet Jesus, what a movie. Hell, even as Brill in the Will Smith movie?
Brilliant. So sad to lose the Hackmans.
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He really changed my attitude toward the character he portrayed. I actually felt bad for him in the end.
Thank you for posting it!
Then does Birdcage:
"First of all, let's be real friendly here, ok. My name is Norm. Secondly, your coaching days are over."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do7U7AkA5jA
After watching that clip, I have to ask myself why I never watched the movie.
Been way too long since I saw that film.
So long to one of America's all-time greatest film actors.
Brilliant. So sad to lose the Hackmans.