MovieChat Forums > Brian Thompson Discussion > He’s Always Made Me Happy

He’s Always Made Me Happy

posted 5 years ago by R_Kane (15828)
12 replies | jump to latest

He’s not had a huge career, but I’ve always enjoyed his work when I’ve come across him. He’s kind of like a poor person’s Dolph Lundgren, another guy I like a lot: a really big, hulked guy who’s not full of himself and has a sense of wit. He played a sheriff in a short-run Network TV summer series named Key West in the early 90s, and I loved that his character always described himself as being a “peace officer,” even with all that muscle, and that he always tried to find peaceful solutions to problem situations. He went on to play a character at the other end of the spectrum in Sly Stallone’s movie, Cobra, where he was The Night Slasher, bent on transforming the world through violence. There are some, and I am one of them, who believe that he made an uncredited appearance in Ridley Scott’s Legend, standing in as Darkness (Satan) while Tim Curry provided his voice. Curry got full credit for the Darkness character. Well, Linda Blair got full credit for the character of Reagan in The Exorcist, but Mercedes McCambridge did the voice of the possessed Reagan. Darkness looked EXACTLY like Brian, makeup be damned, so I’m giving him half-credit for that role, with him and Curry teaming up as a kind of Master/Blaster in the role. Like Al Leong, Brian is an actor who is known to many more people than who realize it. I wanted to give him some recognition here. How about you?

[–] CuthbertAllgoodz (12) 5 years ago

Always enjoyed seeing him as the alien bounty hunter in The X-Files. He's only there for about 9 episodes but when he shows up you know things are serious. He has such presence!

[–] R_Kane (15828) 5 years ago

He does! Thank you for that reference. I didn’t watch much of the X-Files, but Brian is one of those guys like Danny Trejo or Jason Mamoa or Arnie in his prime, who could just stand in the background and you knew you don’t want to dance with them, unless you are exceptional. Thank you.

[–] spanners163 (75) 5 years ago

After seeing him play the menacing alien bounty hunter in X-Files he really made me laugh in Joe Dirt.

[–] StinkyPoopyPants (2687) 5 years ago

Sorry to disappoint you but that was all Tim Curry.

https://www.reddit.com/r/OldSchoolCool/comments/629dmk/tim_curry_undergoing_makeup_for_darkness_on_the/

But I agree with you about Brian, he is an amazingly talented actor. He has incredible presence and I wish we could see him in a lot more.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 5 years ago

Stink, in my own (admittedly feeble) defense, the makeup looked one hell of a lot like Brian Thompson; but I think that we may agree that it matters a lot that a relatively less-known actor like Brian evoked so much recognition in a fairly major role where he was absent. I am a huge fan of movies about Satan, although I am a most devout Christian. You know: keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Darkness in Legend is THE BEST physical representation of Satan that I have ever seen, and Brian was the very first actor who sprang to my mind. Thank you very much for your corrective post.

[–] StinkyPoopyPants (2687) 5 years ago

Awwww, no need to feel a defense is needed. I understand why that would seem likely because it does look like it could be him. I've always felt myself that "Darkness" was the best representation of Satan as well. He was incredibly intimidating and scary. And sexy in an odd way, lol. But that has to do with the voice. I've been a huge Tim Curry fan since Rocky Horror and love his voice! I wouldn't call myself devout but I do believe in God and pray for our world everyday.

As for our Brian, I always thought he would make a fantastic Hellboy or Terminator as well!

Ps. Since you are also a fan of Satan themed movies, if you haven't seen "Prince of Darkness" you need to.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 5 years ago

John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness, starring one-half of the Simon & Simon Network TV show, plus Alice Cooper as a Satanic acoylyte? Nope. Never saw it—Not!(Wayne’s Voice). Good call. Thank you. I especially like Satan movies that involve the Christian church, especially the Catholic branch of the Christian church, because I so much admire Catholocism for its Mystery. I could not be more serious; nor will I much elaborate. I am Episcopalian, which is kissing cousin to Catholoic. I embrace movies like this and The Exorcist (and even, to a much lesser extent, End of Days) that involve The Church and Its Holiness in the endless struggle against evil.

Of all the Satan movies, my favorite is Angel Heart.

[–] StinkyPoopyPants (2687) 5 years ago

Angel Heart is awesome! I actually enjoyed Robert DeNiro as Louis Cypher. At first I thought he would be awful but he played that part so well! The Exorcist will always be one of my favorites! I still get creeped out by that horrible, demonic face that pops up in different scenes. The Exorcist 3 is awesome too! That hospital scene with the nurse still freaks me out to this day. There are so many good devil/demon movies out there. I think Prince of Darkness will always be my favorite though, it's just too scary.

There's another good one from the early 80's, when I watched it, it was called "Gates of Hell" but now it's called "City of the Living Dead". It's pretty creepy and very very gory. It literally made me sick when I watched it.

I really really enjoy the television show "Lucifer". Awesome show! Can't wait for the new season on Netflix XD

It's nice to talk to someone religious who can still enjoy horror movies :) I was raised Catholic but to be honest I don't practice, other than what I already told you :)

[–] beauq81 (1016) 5 years ago

I really liked him as Hercules in Jason and the Argonauts. He was like a buff, half naked Santa

[–] StinkyPoopyPants (2687) 5 years ago

"He was like a buff, half naked Santa" Lmao! That's awesome!!

[–] beauq81 (1016) 5 years ago

Well, he was. I honestly think that he would be a great guy to meet.

[–] StinkyPoopyPants (2687) 5 years ago

I agree :)