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Actors Directors Film photography videos

Withnail and I {1987}.

The 1987 film Withnail and I, written and directed by Bruce Robinson, and starring Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, and Richard Griffiths, has come to be recognized as one of the great achievements of British film-making. Originally considered a “cult” movie, this poignant and amazingly humorous film is so very memorable. This happened to be Grant’s first film, as well, putting him firmly on the map of such things.

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Actors of Greatness Auteurs Directors Film Film Music Michael Mann photography Psychopaths serial killers Tom Noonan

Manhunter {1986}, Directed by Michael Mann.

This Big Hush: Shriekback.
Coelacanth.

The extraordinary film Manhunter, filmed in 1986, features auteur-like vision by director Michael Mann, and memorable performances by Tom Noonan, Brian Cox, and William Petersen. Based on the novel Red Dragon by Thomas Harris, Manhunter possesses an eerie noir-ness, focuses often on the similarities between hunter and hunted, and resonates powerfully to this day.

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composers Film Film Music Music photography Soundtracks

The Soundtracks, and Film Music.

Prime Specimen: Alexander Courage

A fistful of film composers, and their compositions. Bernard Herrmann, Eric Serra, Daniel Licht, Marvin Hamlisch, The Handsome Family, David Shire, Carter Burwell, Alexander Courage, and Ennio Morricone.

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Academy Awards Actors Actors of Greatness Film Music music videos photography Singers vocalists

Twin Towering Talents: Phoenix and Eilish.

Joaquin Phoenix, who won the Oscar for best actor, and Billie Eilish, who performed a subdued, poignant, and haunting version of Paul McCartney’s “Yesterday”, were two of the vastly gifted artists amongst the assemblage at the 2020 Academy Awards ceremony.

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Actors Film Westerns

Liberty Valance {1962}.

This masterful John Ford “Western Noir” features James Stewart, John Wayne, and Lee Marvin, all of whom provide indelible portrayals.

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Actors Actors of Greatness Film Leslie Howard photography

The Petrified Forest {1936}.

A tour de force by titans of the silver screen: Leslie Howard, Humphrey Bogart, and Bette Davis. Mr. Howard insisted that a relatively unknown Bogart be cast for the role of iconic outlaw Duke Mantee; it became the actor’s first big breakthrough. Mantee, a Dillenger-like desperado, sets new elite standards for an obsession with people sitting down. Howard’s character, a down and out man of letters, provides the philosophical dimension. His interactions with the imposing Mantee are some of the greatest exchanges in film history.

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Actors Barton Fink Coen Brothers Film photography

Barton Fink {1991}.

This film by the Coen Brothers follows the travails of a bespectacled, bedeviled, embattled writer in Los Angeles, who encounters some quite interesting individuals during his journey. These scenes feature Steve Buscemi, Tony Shalhoub, Michael Lerner, John Goodman, and John Turturro.

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Actors Actors of Greatness David Thewlis Dr Moreau existentialism Film Geniuses Marlon Brando photography

The Island of Dr. Moreau {1996}.

Marlon Brando and David Thewlis engage in a mostly courteous exchange of ideas, and find said ideas to be at loggerheads. Various snouts, hooves, and outrageous spectacles are discussed. From The Island of Dr. Moreau, 1996. Both actors are at the pinnacle of their craft.

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Actors Actors of Greatness Deadwood Film TV videos Westerns

Deadwood: Deep Water.

Various goings-on and iconic moments from the existential western, Deadwood. Featuring brilliant performances by Timothy Olyphant, Keith Carradine, and Ian McShane.

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Actors Actors of Greatness Film photography Predators Psychopaths serial killers Tom Noonan TV X-Files

X-Files: Paper Hearts {Tom Noonan}.

The brilliant character actor Tom Noonan gives a towering performance as serial killer/child predator John Lee Roche, who may, as it turns out, be responsible for the disappearance of Fox Mulder‘s sister Samantha—the entire crux of the series.