When I saw this movie (and many subsequent viewings), I couldn't help but be impressed by Dreyfuss's performance. He owned this complex character, and though I've tried to imagine other actors in the role, my conclusion is that he was made for this part. Thus, I fully expected him to get an Oscar, or at least a nomination, for that year. Alas, he wasn't even mentioned! For this and other reasons, I've totally lost interest in the phony Oscar race these days.
share[deleted]
Very well said, Cine. His dramatic acumen and thespian expertise are sometimes overshadowed by his comedic performances (which are hilarious, as well). His performance in this movie was nothing short of incredible. Talk about the suspension of disbelief! I only wish I had the luxury of holding back my hurt since he thoroughly convinced me he was experiencing those things he was expressing. It's too bad he sometimes falls flat, like his performance as Meyer Lansky. He's one of the finest actors of his generation and this movie bears witness to that. It's not for the weak of stomach, though as by the end of the film I was so emotionally drained I couldn't bear to even think about the flic since it was so hard to handle the implications and concepts that were so thoroughly covered.
sharehe really should have got an oscar nomination for this film, he was breathtaking. and i think Cassavetes should have got a supporting nom. this overall was an amazing film
No Justice Just Us
^^this
"Did you make coffee...? Make it!"--Cheyenne.
Dreyfuss was fine but you guys are overreacting. How hard is it to lay perfectly still and play a part??
Of course you have to show emotion but that would come naturally for all of us if we realized we'd never move our limbs again!!
BTW, he did slightly move a couple times in the movie when he shouldn't have but that was no big deal.
I think the fact that he's playing a part while lying perfectly still is very hard indeed because he has nothing but his face and his words to capture the character. And yes, it would be natural to show emotion if we realize we'd never move our limbs again, but you do realize that Richard Dreyfuss wasn't actually paralyzed for this role, right?
shareOF COURSE I realize that dude! I'm just saying it's not THAT hard to lay perfecftly still and show emotion in how bad that is since it would come pretty easily if we actually played that part and never moved.
Even if any of us played the part the emotion of the tragedy would've come through.
I totally agree with you on this. It was the best performance of the year. Paul Newman was also nominated that year for the wrong film in my opinion. Newman was great in "Fort Apache the Bronx" but was nominated for "Absence of Malice" probably because it was released at the end of the year. Dreyfuss had some personal issues (arrest for cocaine, DWI) that kept him from nomination is my guess. Much like Mel Gibson ("The Beaver" anyone?), the Academy frowns upon bad behavior off screen. Dreyfuss nominated (and winning) for "The Goodbye Girl" instead of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is beyond belief as well. Oh well, the Oscars should never be taken seriously anyway.
shareConceivably, one reason this film wasn't nominated is because it was blasted by the AMA and other medical groups for its unrealistic portrayal of quadriplegics and their reaction to their disability. Of course, Oscar didn't ignore "A Beautiful Mind" in spite of its absurd depiction that schizophrenia can help someone mathematically. Then there's Lorenzo's Oil ...
share