Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by EBerlin (A) on April 04, 2004 at 21:29:12

In Reply to: Robert Duvall...the most overrated American actor? posted by tinear on March 30, 2004 at 18:37:57:

...because I think you're absolutely wrong. To begin with, I think Duvall in Tender Mercies is one of the greatest screen performances I've ever seen.

For my money, what Duvall understands is that most people in real life are NOT all over the map with varied expressions and gestures. This may be what you interpret as his "emotionally restricted" quality.

Most people actually use a pretty limited range of expression, both in terms of body language and vocal mannerisms. I think Duvall understands this and doesn't over-express or melo-dramatize his characters. I suppose to some the way he mostly uses a limited expressive palette may seem like he reduces characterizations to a few mannerisms. I suppose there may have been times when not being fully absorbed into a character, the gestures do become mannerisms. But that doesn't usually happen.

I think he's one of our best actors.
eb