MovieChat Forums > The Falcon and the Snowman (1985) Discussion > Does it still hold up?

Does it still hold up?

posted 18 years ago by jervistetch
15 replies | jump to latest

I remember seeing this movie when it came out and I was absolutely riveted. Yesterday I bought the DVD ($5.99 at Long's Drugs) and watched it and was slightly embarrassed by some way-over-the-top acting. Timothy Hutton struck a few too many silly poses. I'd watch Sean Penn play an invisible mime so I don't regret buying it, but I was even finding myself muttering, "Reign it in a little, Mr. Penn". Has anyone else had this reaction? It just didn't retain its power. Maybe I'm just crankier than I was 20 years ago.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] djsullivan 17 years ago

I think most of Sean Penn's whiny attitude was intended to demonstrate how Lee's drug use was affecting him and made him unreliable. If you watch the scene where Lee and Alex are eating at the Obelisque (where Alex first asked about the frequencies) you'll notice he is more calm and controlled. Or even the scene where he and Alex first meet. Compare that to later on where he starts complaining about being left in the park and having to switch hotels, showing up at the embassy after being warned not to return, and putting the X-marked rendezvous point at the wrong street corners.

[–] nextguyspeed 17 years ago

Yeah, the film still really works. The opening is a little clunky, after the opening sequence with the 80s music and what not. But once you get into the story it's great.

[–] evixir 16 years ago

A lot of the whiny attitude could also be attributed to the fact that they were both essentially still kids when this was going on. Weren't they barely 21 or so when it all transpired?

[–] djsullivan 16 years ago

Yes I believe so. Chris Boyce was about 20 or 21 when he started working at TRW and 23 when he quit.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] SpryBrennan 15 years ago

I have to agree with your comments. While this movie is worth watching (I thought Hutton was strong in this), I thought Penn's acting was way over the top and had to turn down the television a few times as his voice was really grating during certain scenes when he attempted to argue. Its nice to see that his style and delivery have matured. I would also make a comment here about an incredulous plot but this was apparently based upon a a real situation...

[–] BKinzeys 15 years ago

Just watched it again and I think it holds up.

"It's nice to see his style and delivery has matured."

??????????????????????

Sean Penn is a great actor. His style and delivery changes to fit the part he is playing. He's not playing Sean Penn but a character in a movie. I thought his characterization was great in this movie and added to the believability of this character.

[–] SpryBrennan 15 years ago

I'm glad you like Sean Penn. He is a popular actor and some people, such as yourself, think he is great. I don't. He was annoying in this film. It was him. I don't think his character was written into the film with a view to be annoying. That's his voice and delivery - not the dialogue.

[–] tightspotkilo 14 years ago

I don't like Sean Penn the person, but he is a great actor. If he came across as annoying that's because he regarded and interpreted the Daulton Lee character as an annoying and whiny person. That was my take.

Get the facts first - you can distort them later!

[–] CCRider01 12 years ago

Just rewatched this and it still holds up very well. Regarding comments about Penn's "over the top" performance, I have never really understood or agreed with that term. Exaggerated mannerisms perhaps but IMO it is a valid form of acting as long as it is done well. A couple of British actors who are accused of being "over the top" are Tim Roth and Gary Oldman, two of my favorite actors.

Its kind of like comedy, some people like subtle humor where others prefer larger than life kind of comedy. Its all good in my book, the key is the talent and delivery of the performance.

[–] rob2661 12 years ago

I didn't think of Penn's performance as over the top. I thought he was playing an outlandish character.

Daulton really did do a lot of crazy stuff and really was a spoiled little doped up dope.

How can you not play a guy who brags about selling secrets to the Russians to try to impress women as a histrionic mess?

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

penn's hilarious in this. his early stuff is always fun to watch.

“Can't go wrong with taupe."- Wynn Duffy

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] Zuider_Zee 11 years ago

I saw it in the eighties and I thought it was fantastic. I saw it again this week and found it to be mediocre.