One of his best lines was in “The Firm” when Cruise’s wife asks him: “What are they going to do to you?” and Hackman replies: “Whatever it is… they did it a long time ago…”
I am not sure why people are mentioning "The Conversation" which is one of my favorite movies of all time, still very relevant today. When I hear the word, paranoia, I think of Gene Hackman in the Conversation
Sasha, a great post here, capsulizing an amazing actor and his unmatched career. Like you say, he was everything and could play any part. Do virtually anything. Popeye Doyle was just the beginning for me in '71. I wrote a note earlier on Notes, but it didn't really do justice to him like I wanted so I'm glad you posted this. Thanks for sharing. - Jim
I watch the French connection at least once a year- for Hackman -and that GREAT chase scene!! Brilliant! (also for memories of NYC in my growing up times!)
Oh what a loss. He could play any role with precision. I just watched one of my all time favorites because it makes me genuinely laugh fresh at every viewing. The Bird Cage. His performance as Senator Keely is priceless. We have indeed lost one of the very best. 😢
In A Bridge Too Far he played a Polish exile general who, after hearing Monty's plan for Operation Market Garden, tells a British briefing officer, "just making sure what side you're on."
On a Sunday afternoon, no decent sports on the telly and cruising the offerings for something to watch: I spot a Gene Hackman movie and I hit ok, right away, always...
To Sasha's point, there are no bad ones. For me, Hoosiers and Runaway Jury were my favorites, but I've never seen in anything that I didn't end up liking.
Naming your favorite Gene Hackman movie is like naming your favorite Frank Sinatra song.....
impossible. Thank you Gene Hackman for all you gave us.
The good Lord Almighty is in for a most entertaining afternoon.
One of his best lines was in “The Firm” when Cruise’s wife asks him: “What are they going to do to you?” and Hackman replies: “Whatever it is… they did it a long time ago…”
That’s probably my favorite Hackman role.
Me too.
He was so good in that
I am not sure why people are mentioning "The Conversation" which is one of my favorite movies of all time, still very relevant today. When I hear the word, paranoia, I think of Gene Hackman in the Conversation
My favorite Hackman performance was his hilarious comic turn in The Royal Tenenbaums.
For funny-mine is the blind hermit in Young Frankenstein!
Yes.
I thought he was so hilarious in the Birdcage when he came out dressed in drag wearing that big white wig!!
And he was concerned that no one was dancing with him!
So many excellent movies. I loved him in Hoosiers.
I second that emotion!
He was absolutely perfect as Harry Zimm in Get Shorty.
He and Dennis Farina were magic together. The scene in GS where Dennis beats the hell out of him was both men at their comic best.
Sasha, a great post here, capsulizing an amazing actor and his unmatched career. Like you say, he was everything and could play any part. Do virtually anything. Popeye Doyle was just the beginning for me in '71. I wrote a note earlier on Notes, but it didn't really do justice to him like I wanted so I'm glad you posted this. Thanks for sharing. - Jim
I watch the French connection at least once a year- for Hackman -and that GREAT chase scene!! Brilliant! (also for memories of NYC in my growing up times!)
I love those GH movies I've seen, and embarrassed to confess that The French Connection is not one of them. Will put on my list for viewing asap.
I envy you the experience of watching this brilliant movie for the first time
Oh what a loss. He could play any role with precision. I just watched one of my all time favorites because it makes me genuinely laugh fresh at every viewing. The Bird Cage. His performance as Senator Keely is priceless. We have indeed lost one of the very best. 😢
In A Bridge Too Far he played a Polish exile general who, after hearing Monty's plan for Operation Market Garden, tells a British briefing officer, "just making sure what side you're on."
He set Clint up for a great line in Unforgiven:
Hackman: You shot an unarmed man.
Clint: He should have armed himself.
What a movie! Gene Hackman, RIP.
On a Sunday afternoon, no decent sports on the telly and cruising the offerings for something to watch: I spot a Gene Hackman movie and I hit ok, right away, always...
To Sasha's point, there are no bad ones. For me, Hoosiers and Runaway Jury were my favorites, but I've never seen in anything that I didn't end up liking.
Oooh I forgot about Runaway Jury. That was a good one
Enemy of the State was another one of his best IMHO. So much actual truth in that movie! May he forever rest in peace!
RIP
What can you say except thank you Gene, you will be missed but you left us with an amazing amount of great performances we can enjoy again and again.
Definitely the best actor of my lifetime. He single-handedly held low-rent films like "Uncommon Valor" together.
"The Conversation" and don't forget "I Never Sang for My Father"