He commands authority but he doesn't come off as cocky and arrogant. He's full of confidence. He's got a pleasant and friendly demeanor. You want to listen to him. You want to believe that he has great wisdom to share. That's what it means to be a father, to share his wisdom with his children, even if that means restricting them or disciplining them.
shareOr an implacable monolith of moral certitude, and living saints get boring fast.
Whenever playing a non-fictional character, especially one still living, it is a not uncommon occupational hazard for a performer's personal esteem to detrimentally influence their effort to render a flesh and blood mortal. Not only was Flanagan alive and only 51 at the time of production, he was allowed to 'review' the script before filming.
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Truth is a hard master, and costly to serve, but it simplifies every problem.