My Gene Hackman Appreciation

 

I know I'm a little late posting my appreciation of Gene Hackman's film work, but I figured as long as so many people are still talking about the circumstances of his death, better late than never. 

I think Hackman's best work occurred during the early years of his career, the 1960s through the early 1980s, but he offered impressive performances, even when the productions didn't provide much to the cast.

 

Others have praised Hackman's skill at portraying the ordinary man, but I think his performances went well beyond that. I think it is better said that he was skilled at capturing the ordinary man who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances ("The Conversation," "The French Connection," and "Hoosiers").

Hackman is rightly praised for having been a solid leading man and reliable box-office star, but I think some of his best work was as a supporting actor ("Bonnie & Clyde," "Downhill Racer," and "Young Frankenstein"). 

With those points established, I submit my list of favorite Hackman performances.

1. "March or Die" (1977)

2. "The Conversation" (1974)

3. "Bonnie & Clyde" (1967)

4. "The French Connection" (1971)

5. "Under Fire" (1983) 

6. "Superman" (1978)

7. "Unforgiven" (1992) 

8. "Night Moves" (1975)

9. "Get Shorty" (1995)

10. "Downhill Racer" (1969)

11. "Hoosiers" (1986)

12. "Young Frankenstein" (1974)

That's my list.  I hope I offered something for you to think about. I welcome comments and questions. As always, thank you for reading.