John Hurt: Catching the Midnight Express

I knew John Hurt before I saw the movie that has had an enduring impact on my movie-watching sensibilities, Midnight Express. Watching him in movies like Alien, Love and Death in Long Island, and, yes, King Ralph, I was astonished by the British gravitas and persona he exuded so mellifluously in his role. When I heard he was in Midnight Express and even saw it the first time, I thought, "Where was he?"

Of course, he played Max, the sensitive heroin addict so unrecognizable and brilliant it will blow your mind. I am writing with sadness and a heavy heart upon hearing of his passing at the age of 77. John Hurt has brought an indelible body of work, whether he be playing Quentin Crisp, Max, Kane, John Merrick, and others, he infused his performances with truth, humor, and poignancy.

Trained in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, John Hurt got his start in movies at a young age. One of his first roles, A Man For All Seasons, was at the age of 26, but through that film debut, he had the experience of someone with a film career of 20 years.

The Naked Civil Servant was not only his breakthrough role, but a role that became a earmark for Hurt's career. As the incomparable, irresistible, and flamboyant Quentin Crisp, Hurt conveyed the resilience, gutsiness and vulnerability of this man, unashamed of his lifestyle and recalcitrant towards authority.

Midnight Express was the role that garnered the attention of audiences of critics. As the drug-addicted Max, he became the safety net for Billy Hayes. The one scene that struck my mind was when Billy Hayes tries to escape with Max and Jimmy Booth. Upon seeing a closed-in wall through the tunnel and Billy pounding the water in anger, Max's counseling calmed Billy down, and perhaps us as well.

There is a saying about there being no such thing as small roles, only small actors. What John Hurt did in Alien was astonishing, being that he was the first actor to go. The alien bursting through his chest, carnage and all, sealed the tone and mood for the movie and the franchise.

No other tribute essay to John Hurt would be complete without The Elephant Man. As the disfigured, ill, young man, John Merrick, we felt his humiliation, his alienation, his loneliness. Merrick yearned to be accepted but unfortunately, he was doomed. John Hurt received his second Oscar nomination and should have won.

Over the years, John Hurt played in over 40 films. Young people will certainly remember him for his role as Wallander in the Harry Potter series.

John Hurt was one of the greatest. An actor with integrity, talent, and humanity.

Rest in peace Mr. Hurt.

Navid Sitarian
January 28, 2017