MovieChat Forums > Holy Smoke (1999) Discussion > Jane Campion's love of Harvey Keitel

Jane Campion's love of Harvey Keitel

posted 14 years ago by phoenix1570
7 replies | jump to latest

I don't get it. I just don't.

Harvey Keitel is an amazing actor, but as a "sex symbol" not so much, but yet Campion keeps putting him out there as this object of lust.

no thank you...

[–] caroledelm 14 years ago

Oh, I don't know about that...I found him sexy in The Piano. Matter of fact, I can't forget that nude scene. There was a man's body that wasn't fat or overly-developed. It seemed so natural that it was a plus for nudity in film.

[–] mimi6000 12 years ago

He may not be the typical sex symbol but I find him sexy (in Bad lieutenant, Piano Lesson and Holy Smoke at least). There's something about him, the way he embraces his masculinity, with its strengths and its flaws, sometimes in a slightly deviant way, that I find being highly attractive.

[–] Bladerunner 12 years ago

Every time I think I'm ready to give up on the human race, I read a comment like this and I'm rejuvenated. I watched the new version of Jane Eyre last night and it occurred to me that no woman in the world is more beautiful than her. The world's idea of beauty now is so repulsively vapid and meaningless, but Jane is the truest form of physical beauty, because one cannot separate a person's heart and soul from their countenance, it is simply impossible and her heart, mind and soul are gorgeous. What a complete woman she is, so independent and true, especially given the time she was written in.

Thanks for your comment, I hope there are many women like you, but I know that isn't true.

"...nothing is left of me, each time I see her..." - Catullus

[–] NuYorkie 12 years ago

I think Campion discovered a very unique side of Harvey Keitel, as a male lead and an actor which she successfully used for both "The Piano' and " Holly Smoke". He is real and unafraid of being vulnerable, ridiculous or even pathetic. He can be both macho and sensitive, ugly and handsome, sexy and repulsive, devoted and sleazy, desperate and overconfident. PJ's weaknesses and sexual corruptibility make his character believable and also interesting, funny and pitiful in some moments.

[–] rumipoet24 12 years ago

Well said nycoolgirl , it worked for me as did the movie but might not work for fundamenatlist morons from the US Midwest or Aussie outback ...& Annie Lennox's song "Primitve" was incredible .

"Want to know how to make God Laugh? Tell Her your plans...."

[–] photog-12 12 years ago

thanks for pointing out song, just bought it. Keitel was for me very sexy in Piano but then the script built up incredible tension and tenderness. This was crass and confusing and humiliating for all involved. The script was meant to be that way I am quite sure but this relationship for me wasn't sexy. Keitel is very underappreciated as an actor.

[–] BillyWombat 9 years ago

I love Keitel's penis, balls, ass, and everything else. Amazing, amazing actor. And incredibly sexy. He really goes all the way for his art. Don't think I've ever seen him give a bad performance. He totally deserved an Oscar nomination for his emotionally (and physically) naked performance in Bad Lieutenant. I loved drinking in the sight of his goods!

Go Harvey!