MovieChat Forums > Career Opportunities (1991) Discussion > Frank Whaley Doesn't Get The Props He De...

Frank Whaley Doesn't Get The Props He Deserves

posted 10 years ago by Jaybone23
4 replies | jump to latest

Everyone on this board seemingly talks only of how hot Jennifer Connelly is (agreed) or how terrible the film is in general. No, it's not a great film. But I love Frank Whaley's character in it. I got the impression Whaley was largely playing himself. We would see him play a similar small but memorable role in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as Peter Hagen, a thief and con man with a long list of hilarious aliases. He also played a particularly loathsome criminal in an episode of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent". And let's not forget his character Guy in the dark Hollywood satire "Swimming With Sharks". All great work. But I don't think Whaley has received the proper respect, and certainly not on the "Career Opportunities" thread. Maybe he's take him or leave him, I dunno, cuz I'd take him if I were a film director. I hope he continues to find work.

[–] speedy1383 9 years ago

I like him. He was good in The Doors and Field of Dreams. Didn't realize he was in his mid 20s when he was in this movie. Interesting. Sometimes back then I would get him confused with Jon Cryer. 2 yrs apart. Like I could see Whaley in Pretty in Pink or No Small Affair or Hiding Out or Morgan Stewart is Coming Home.

[–] Jaybone23 9 years ago

Agreed. Could absolutely see him in the kinds of films you mentioned. I think he's a lot more likable and deserves a lot more respect than what he seems to get on some of the boards on here.

Did you just happen to watch Career Opportunities recently? HBO has been playing it. I love the first 2/3rds of the movie, but the arrival of the thieves at the store did not interest me at all. I wish it had gone in a different direction. But anyway, Jennifer Connelly is gorgeous and Frank Whaley is hilarious in it.

[–] Hippo9 9 years ago

Whaley was awful which is why this film wasn't a huge success and he never was a romantic comedy lead in any other movie.

[–] DeltaHomicide 8 years ago

He's a solid character actor but not leading man material.

I think I enjoyed his performance most in The Freshman.