I read the story (it's not really a book, people, it's a short story) in a literature class a while back, but I only just heard there was a movie of it.
I'm interested to see it, but honestly, I can't imagine Treat Williams as Arnold Friend. In the book anyway, Arnold is supposed to be intriguing, but largely creepy. Treat is just so... pretty. I can't imagine how it worked.
Here's what Joyce Carol Oates had to say about Treat playing the part:
"And Arnold Friend himself—"A. Friend" as he says—is played with appropriately overdone sexual swagger by Treat Williams, who is perfect for the part; and just the right age."
http://jco.usfca.edu/smoothtalk.html
To the first poster: on the contrary, I've always found Treat Williams very creepy. He seems like someone who you would meet at a party, and then he would then be watching for you to go to the bathroom so he could hustle your girlfriend.
"Quit whining. I evaded your vital organs." --Motoko Aoyama
Yep! A cheesy bar-steward! I don't like them type of folk.
sharetotally creepy. completely changed the way i look at him
shareWhen you see Treat in the movie, he's wearing sunglasses for the most part (until the "big" scene near the end). So you don't know right away who he is. I thought he was half creepy - half sexy. Is he more creepy than sexy? No. But he does seem insane. More insane than seductive. So, I'd have to say I think he was very effective.
"Carol, one word of advice: send Cindy to a special school"
Not sexy...totally creepy. To the point that I think he's a creepy sex pervert in real life. Sorry, Treat. Even his name is creepy. What a perfect name for a guy in van looking for his lost puppy.
shareI must agree. Who names their child 'Treat'? Does he have a brother named 'Snack'?
The gene pool could use a little chlorine......
I believe his brother is named Trick.
share
I must agree. Who names their child 'Treat'? Does he have a brother named 'Snack'?
The gene pool could use a little chlorine......
One of the funniest things I've read in a long time!
JennyLovesJensen
Treat reminds me of how Tommy Lee Jone's little brother would look like. Both creeps.
shareI can't believe many stupid comments have been made on this thread. How can people actually believe that Treat Williams, the real person, the human being, in his REAL LIFE is a creep based upon a ROLE he play in a movie? He's an actor. Williams was acting out the part of a character who's a creep in a movie. It's make believe. It's a movie. Williams did a great job of acting his part.
For the person who didn't like his name, Williams was named after his ancestor, Richard Treat, (1584 - 1669) an early New England settler and a Patentee of the Royal Charter of Connecticut, 1662.
I wonder how many of the posters on this thread actually believe that Anthony Perkins in his real life was just like the character her played in "Psycho", Norman Bates.
I've often wondered myself how he got the name Treat. It probably goes back to his pimping days. Hey, we've all done things we're not proud of.
All the universe . . . or nothingness. Which shall it be, Passworthy? Which shall it be?
I'm with Ed-145 100% you people here are really over the top. Calling Treat Williams a creep, and Tommy Lee Jones too. Where the hell do you all get off saying that? He's a much admired and respected actor, and even though I thought this was a terrible movie, he was just an actor doing a job. What's with the personal attacks on his person? "It changed the way I look at him" some moron said. This movie? I'm a fan of Treats, but I'll be the first one to admit his performance along with Dern's was so blah, and bland what the hell was it that disturbed everyone so much? This movie sucked with a captial "S"
shareRegardless of what some other posters on this thread have said, I never called Treat Williams a creep. I was just making a joke about his name.
I also wonder about Wolf Blitzer and Cokie Roberts.
All the universe . . . or nothingness. Which shall it be, Passworthy? Which shall it be?
[deleted]
"Cokie" is short for Corinne;a childhood mispronunciation of her brother's.
I assume Wolf Blitzer is a Werewolf.
I'm a fan of Treats too. I especially enjoy ice cream.
shareWho names their child 'Treat'? Does he have a brother named 'Snack'?
hahahaha i laughed so hard when i read your comment, yeah i know that is a weird name. :)
Um, anyone with eyes who clicks on his name can see his name is RICHARD, and Treat is his middle name, and Treat Williams is a STAGE name. Stupid comments to the nth degree, REALLY. Just the silly ignorance of people who think that just because an actor is effective, he's a creep in real life. And for anyone who's ever seen Hair, Prince of the City, Everwood or Heartland would KNOW the man has range. Let's not forget about The Deep End of the Ocean, Heart of Dixie, and The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper. He's been going strong since the '70's and there's a reason for it. It's called TALENT.
shareI wanted to comment on why the casting of Williams worked well for me. Will add that I have not read the story on which the movie was based, so perhaps that also factors into my opinion.
I also find Treat Williams to be an extremely attractive actor, especially in 1986 ;-) I think the portrayal of Arnold Friend as hot was a realistic touch. Using a "creepy-looking" or unattractive guy wouldn't have worked, IMO. Arnold Friend's sex appeal just adds an extra dose of cognitive dissonance to Connie's growing alarm and discombobulation: here's this guy who, upon first appearances, is pretty darn sexy and alluring. Yet he's turning out to be a menacing, really scary guy. Had he *looked* like a bad guy to her, the minute he rolled up to her house she might've locked the doors and run for the phone to call for help. If he were a creepy looking guy or unattractive, it's unlikely she ever would've felt "safe" in sauntering out of the house, let alone flirt with him.
Appearances rarely match up with our expectations.
This thread is cracking me up. Anyway, have been a Treat fan since Hair. Fantastic actor that doesn't get enough acclaim, extremely hot too. Extremely creepy in this, another fine acting job. I am creeped out though! Not sure I will look at the same after this movie just like Mark Harmon after he played Bundy and Dean Cain after playing Scott Peterson.
You never know when you may have to jam
Yep if he's creeping everyone out after the movie is done he did a fantastic job! Watching this now...
I love Tommy Lee Jones too..two great actors!