MovieChat Forums > Lone Star (1996) Discussion > what is it about Chris Cooper??

what is it about Chris Cooper??

posted 20 years ago by lilianelle
53 replies | jump to latest

I can't seem to take my eyes off the guy. I swear to god I've seen Lone Star like 36 times, and Adaptation, My House in Umbria... I even loved him in Seabiscuit, which was a pathetically inadequate rendering of the book. I would watch Chris Cooper paint a house and be riveted the whole time. It seems like every role he takes on, he infuses it with a desperation that every human can relate to. He's so "quiet" and yet very rich and multidimensional. Damn, the guy's good.

"It's a good deal...it's a good deal for ME!"

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] anyOneHomeMcFly 18 years ago

Well i think every generation provides us with solid character actors. Not the pretty boys that showbiz tonight cant get enuff of, but rather real actual actors who approach the each part like the craft it is. A time to kill is a perfect example. Star studded from top to bottem left right and centre, and Coooper as Officer Mooney takes a small part and turns it on his ear,terriffic stuff. An actor without ego, he reminds me a bit of gene hackman in that regard, or an accomplished JT walsh if u prefer.

I can see john Cusack maturing into the same sort of career actually.

"If u had 3 wishes, what would they be. Would u change yourself or would u try and change me"

[–] bluesfans 18 years ago

It's also the voice...I would listen to him read a phone book in that rich, compelling voice.

[–] twistedude 18 years ago

Actually, what ISN'T there about Chris Cooper? Great accent here, too.

"O, That blue, blue shirt of yours"

[–] Fargin_Bastage 18 years ago

He's a lot like GARY Cooper in many ways too.

[–] ktowny 8 years ago

It's also the voice...I would listen to him read a phone book in that rich, compelling voice.

He sounds like Johnny Cash. That type of voice is reassuring and exudes honesty.

"Loves turned to lust and bloods turned to dust in my heart"

[–] farzhan 17 years ago

He "made" this film for me although I like the other actors too. The romance is believable and powerful. Also I like Meryl Streep but he made Adaptation for me too. Nick Cage's twins thing got old fast imo.

[–] paul_etter 17 years ago

Matewan was on CBC last night. It had been awhile since I had seen it. It is my favourite John Sayles film (which is saying alot)! That film was one of the first that Chris Cooper ever made. I remember how impressed I was with him when I orginally saw the film. I have followed his career since and was very happy when he gained more reconition. That scene in Matewan with Chris Cooper and James Earl Jones sitting around the campfire.....man it does not get much better than that.

[–] t_rowlatt 17 years ago

he was also excellent in "a time to kill", also one of my favourite movies.

[–] brandomarlon2003 17 years ago

Chris Cooper seems to play All-American, genuine types so well and at the same time can occupy roles of bad guys and play them to perfection too. He was excellent in his small role as the injured deputy in "A Time To Kill". The part where he was on the witness stand, missing his leg, and screaming "Let Carl Lee go!" choked me up. He was the perfect slimebag as the corrupt superior of Matt Damon in the first "Bourne" movie. He also played his small part well in the Mel Gibson flick "The Patriot".

The only movie I saw him in where he was wasted was "Me, Myself, and Irene" but I don't fault Cooper. It was meant to be a vehicle that focused on the slapstick antics of Jim Carrey.

[–] Brad1002 17 years ago

I am glad I happened upon this thread. I recently realized that I am also enthralled by Cooper. Although I am a "straight male," I am attracted to all of his acting qualities that have already been mentioned. This guy is truly amazing; his brilliance transcends sexualities!

I was first captivated after American Beauty. Like others, I too discovered that Cooper had been in many films I had seen.

Perhaps we don't take note of him at first because he blends into his movies so well?

If you haven't seen Matewan, do yourself a favor.

[–] mightymo-2 17 years ago

I first really SAW Chris Cooper in Lone Star although I too had seen him in other movies without much notice. Now, as I go back and see him again in those other movies, I realize he had played his character so well that it blended into the storyline without trying to overcome it. I finally recently saw Matewan and thought, Wow! This guy really IS amazing! I've always been a big fan of the great character actors like William H. Macy currently, and Cooper just has become my "can't miss" favorite. Can't wait to see Breach. I have a feeling there's going to be many more Oscars for this guy who, yes, is much like his namesake, Gary. Truly one of the best!

[–] MrJinx 17 years ago

I think he was cool in Jarhead too.

They call me MISTER Jinx

[–] ceallaig-1 17 years ago

First thing I remember seeing him in was October Sky, as Jake Gyllenhall's father. Quiet understatement, saying more with a look than most actors can with pages of dialog. Then came Seabiscuit, and the only thing that disappointed me about that film was that Chris was not up for another Oscar for Tom Smith. The scene where he's looking at Biscuit, fighting his handlers, then looking over at Red, fighting whoever comes within arm's reach, then back again, and you can see the light bulb go on ... lol. And the total sincerity of the character, the true 'man of few words, so you'd best listen to everyone of them'. then recently in Breach, another Oscar worthy role that is hard to categorize -- he's a traitor and a pervert, and you should hate him, but somehow you don't, and again, all it takes is a look to get his point across. I've gotten to the point of being ready to see a film just because he's in it now, and I'm going to check out a few of the ones others have mentioned. Thanks for the tips!

[–] lyndalooo 17 years ago

Lonestar is still one of my absolute favourite films (l loved the emotional vunlerability of his character). And yes, if you realise Chris Cooper is in a film - you simply just must see it - he is a fabulous actor. Exactly the same with Edward Norton.

[–] hbailie 17 years ago

What is it about Chris Cooper? He's absolutely, quiveratingly, loin-tingling sexy, that's what. You had to ask?

h.

This is my *boomstick*!

[–] Filmrabid 12 years ago

He is a true character actor who loses his own traits in the role. Yet, he is sufficiently mesmerizing to play the lead and gives a performance that is complex enough to hold your complete attention. F@#king fantastic actor!!!

[–] Franco_Zed 14 years ago

lol. It's nice to see someone like Chris Cooper getting some serious love in this thread. Next time he's feeling low, he should totally read this thread, and he'll be completely cheered up. I hope somebody somewhere is saying or thinking these types of things about me. haha.

_________
Nobody thinks you’re cool for hating Avatar.

[–] SJiangsu 13 years ago

Chris Cooper was Fabulous in Breach.

[–] canuckteach 12 years ago

Fabulous in Breach and wonderful in the Bourne series. I loved his supporting work in Horse Whisperer - a great voice, and a gnarled visual appearance, full of character.

:-) canuckteach (--:

[–] 12 years ago

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