Waingro?


First off, let me say that I'm a huge Michael Mann fan. Heat is one of my all time favorite movies, and I also enjoy LA Takedown. However, although I think Xander Berkeley is a fine actor in general, I just don't think he was suited to play Waingro. Kevin Cage played the role to perfection in Heat, and gave a frightening portrayal of this antagonist. After watching Kevin, it's difficult to enjoy Xander's performance in the role. It's especially painful to watch in the hotel scene before he kills the prostitute. I've found myself laughing outloud during this scene. It just seemed like he was overacting, and I had a hard time believing he was the character. Then again, I also prefer Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino to Alex Macarther and Scott Plank. I try to remember that Mann considers LA Takedown to be a sketch of his masterpiece, not the final product.

"Do not conform, but be transformed" Ro. 12:2

reply

It's especially painful to watch in the hotel scene before he kills the prostitute. I've found myself laughing outloud during this scene.

You mean when he awkwardly kicks the chair (giving it a second kick just to be sure)? Yes, I also found it unintentionally funny. He did a great job as Ralph in Heat though.

reply

Lol i agree! I liked him in T2 and Gattaca but he was way off in LA takedown! Bad casting. He doesn't come off as anything but a dweeb.

reply