One of the things that really struck me about this film is the way the actors could say so much without uttering a word. Steve and Natalie did so much acting in this movie with just their eyes and body language. You could almost watch this film with the sound off and know what was going on, and what the characters were feeling and thinking.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the top 10 best films I have ever seen in terms of acting. A true masterpiece.
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He filmed this and The Great Escape in the same year, and not even an honorable mention. He was great in both. Many people think of Steve McQueen as more of an action guy, but he was such a superb actor. His ability to display thought and emotion with just his eyes. He is a famous star, but very underated as an actor.
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Exactly ! Both Natalie and Steve bring so much subtelty to their acting. All the time, you can guess and feel what their characters are going through. For instance, when Rocky meets an old girlfriend now married with three kids at the city park. You can read on his face the surprise to find her back changed, as a mother while he still lives as a young struggling musician.
And of course, Natalie expresses with her eyes all kind of complex and mixed emotions, specially in the scenes before they go to the arbotionist. The two of them were just priceless. Wish this movie were better known.
" You ain't running this place, Bert, WILLIAMS is!" Sgt Harris
elisedfr, do you think one of Rocky's friend's children could be Rocky's? Now, that would be a real twist. They did seem a bit uncomfortable with each other and he said, that they "broke bread" together.
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I hadn't thought of that! That would be an interesting twist. My theory was Rocky was uncomfortable cos he realized that had he married that friend, he would now be the father of several children, including a twelve-year old sth daughter. At one time, his friend and him shared the same adventures. Now she's a mother and he's still living in a bohemia free style with an unsteady job. The fact she's actually younger than himself makes it even more disturbing to him.
Now was one of the girl's kids one of his own kids, that would make quite an ironic counterpoint to Rocky making Angela pregnant.
" You ain't running this place, Bert, WILLIAMS is!" Sgt Harris
You have an excellent point because he was NOT being responsible...and everyone had become so. That may have been a part of his thinking when she was asleep in Barbie's bed. He did a lot of soul searching that night.
shareTotally agree. Their respective performances blew me away. Very powerful film.
It is my business to protect your majesty.... against all things.
I'm glad I finally got the chance to see this movie! I really like the way they presented the topic of abortion, too.
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Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen =
I agree with everyone 150% and it was so enjoyable to see them acting without words. You really could feel them and sometime knew what they were going to say before they said it! It is ashamed they did not win something!!!! This movie was so damn good. I watch it at least once a week now. I am addicted to it.
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