Films/DVD Asylum

I never said I agreed with the wag but

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In Reply to: RE: McQ, I'd argue, didn't have anywhere near the acting posted by tinear on July 22, 2009 at 15:59:47

I respect your opinion but must strongly disagree with you on McQueen's abilities. I'll grant that he was not the most emotive of actors but that was a personal and generational trait that many actors of his generation shared. He internalized his emotions but one could read his moods through his eyes and body language. He was, imho, almost as good as Brando. You will disagree but that is my opinion.

As for Dean's abilities, well, they were never in doubt but the body of his work is so small that one will never know. He was an expert at conveying angst and confusion, that's for sure. I will say that his performance in "Giant" is exceptional and foretold good things to come from him, if he could overcome his negatives. He was known to be exceptionally difficult to work with and overly confident, often giving sort shrift to the director and fellow cast members. He is known to have almost come to blows, on the set, with one of his cast mates over his working habits. Seems Mr. Dean didn't want to work if the mood wasn't right and his cast mate had enough of botched schedules, etc.

McQueen had a bit of a reputation as a troublemaker, too, but nothing to compare with the rep Dean built after only 18 months in the business.

I agree that "Papillon" could have been better but I think it was the miscasting of Dustin Hoffman that threw the film off balance. I found McQueen quite effective in the film. IMHO the "Sand Pebbles" is an excellent film and one of McQueen's best roles. He is overshadowed by Richard Crenna's nearly over the top portrayal of the xenophobic ship's captain. Crenna stole the picture.

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