In Reply to: Hardly. In 'Heart of Darkness' Kurtz was an emaciated wreck, both physically and in his psyche . posted by Tony D. on April 6, 2011 at 16:47:05:
pertinent.
Kurtz was a lunatic which Brando perfectly portrayed. His performance was completely original, low-keyed and chilling. With Hopper, the wild-eyed performance already was filled; also, Sheen's eyes took on that Hollywood intensity. You expected Brando to make it a trio of scenery chewing?
As far as weight, who cares? Fat or thin, tall or short?
Without Kurtz, the film was worthless. All through the story, we heard about the character. When he appeared, he was riveting, mysterious, hideous. A masterful characterization that is unforgettable. Genius.
Brando's acting wasn't based on long preparation, memorization. He felt those detracted from the spontaneity and realism necessary to greatness. Very early on, he began to write dialogue on sheets of paper or even on his fellow actors. Who cares? Not only was he the greatest male film actor this country ever produced, he was the clear model to one of its other greats, James Dean.
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Follow Ups
- I read it a couple of times some time ago. Novella it is, hardly - tinear 16:58:40 04/06/11 (18)
- Like so many people you deify Brando and that puts the blinkers over your eyes. - Tony D. 19:13:33 04/06/11 (16)
- Wow. You know someone who was on the set? Really? Damn, let's all genuflect. - tinear 09:12:32 04/07/11 (0)
- Any insider insights into Sheen's heart attack or stories about why... - mpathus 22:55:18 04/06/11 (14)
- Not Sheen's fan, but for that role he was a better choice than Keitel - Victor Khomenko 07:02:40 04/07/11 (13)
- RE: Not Sheen's fan, but for that role he was a better choice than Keitel - mpathus 14:52:48 04/07/11 (0)
- I bet you loved Harvey in Rising Sun,yes? - ArdRi 12:15:39 04/07/11 (11)
- I had to look up the plot to make sure I saw it - Victor Khomenko 13:51:05 04/07/11 (10)
- If looking for a great Keitel film see "Smoke"... - mpathus 15:13:52 04/07/11 (8)
- Agreed, Smoke is one of Keitel's best, but I don't like Ashley Judd or Hurt for that matter - Jazz Inmate 10:00:12 04/11/11 (0)
- RE: If looking for a great Keitel film see "Smoke"... - grinagog 20:21:46 04/07/11 (3)
- RE:Keitel + Hurt + Whitaker Wow, some of my favorite - Thanks! (nt - Eldragon@gmx.com 04:44:18 04/08/11 (0)
- I didn't know the story was really published! Makes it even the better. ~t - mpathus 22:05:24 04/07/11 (1)
- My Bad: it was New York Times - grinagog 19:59:04 04/10/11 (0)
- His cameo in "Pulp Fiction" was classic. nt - tinear 19:04:41 04/07/11 (2)
- The Wolf!! - mpathus 22:22:00 04/09/11 (1)
- Mr. Wolf, to you! nt - tinear 15:57:32 04/12/11 (0)
- It was entertaining enoiugh at the time - ArdRi 14:44:59 04/07/11 (0)
- Excellent take and clear insights... - mpathus 17:50:38 04/06/11 (0)