Tribute to Gary Oldman, Part 2
This week while preparing an ad for the release of CITY OF STONES on June 2, I had the TV on and spotted one of my favorite movies, LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL, directed by Luc Besson, with lights out performances by Natalie Portman, Jean Reno, Danny Aiello, and the remarkably talented, Gary Oldman.
A few months back we spoke about what a wonderful career Gene Hackman has had. But after watching Oldman's performance in LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL, I can't imagine how much fun this actor's having as well.
His filmography reads like a list of some of the best films ever made on the international stage. We all know about his roles in the Batman series, and even Harry Potter. But what about the beginning? What about his brilliant performances in SID AND NANCY, BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA, the frightening pimp drug dealer in TRUE ROMANCE, and his portrayal of Ludwig van Beethoven in IMMORTAL BELOVED. Talk about range.
I can remember watching Oldman play the role of Drexl Spivey when TRUE ROMANCE first came out. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. I couldn't take my eyes off Oldman, with his dreadlocks, his scarred face, that blank eye, and that smoking jacket. Fear and terror oozed out of the actor's every pore and it was thrilling to watch. Cut that against his portrayal of Ludwig van, and the unforgettable scene when you realize one of the greatest musicians who ever lived, maybe the greatest of them all, was deaf.
What would the history of film look like if Gary Oldman hadn't wanted to perform? What if he hadn't had the guts to walk into his first audition? Sometimes it's important to raise a hand and say thanks to such a remarkable talent like Gary Oldman.
For more info, please stop by the website https://www.robertellis.net
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