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Beatty and Schreiver--other greats?


This film is perfect and I think Ned Beatty is one of the greatest actors of our time. In every scene, he's completely in the moment, absolutely present and simply awe-inspiring. I can imagine it was both amazing and intimidating for Liev to work with him, but he also holds his own and gives a beautiful performance. This film is a rare opportunity to see acting at its finest in a script that is neither contrived or condescending. I'd love to see Gene Hackman--another of our greatest actors who came of age around the same time--in a role like Ned's in this film. What other actors (male and female) "get it" like these two do? Walter Matthau, Geraldine Page and Jean Stapleton were this great. Who else?

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Brando!!! Always there in the moment. I wonder if Beatty is from the actor's studio. Although from all that I have read about Brando, he was beyond the Actor's studio. He just had it. Beatty does too, and I'll tell you something, I fell in love with Liev as an actor in this film, and now have seen all his films. He is highly skilled and trained, and you do not see it, much like Spencer Tracy, both of these guys, they just ARE.

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Wow, comparing Liev to Tracy...I see it. Well done.
I think there is such great things in Liev's future, even considering some of the great things he has already done; especially Everything is Illuminated (as director).
He is certainly a true artist; not just a film guy.




"In our wings that bark, flashing teeth of brass, standing tall in the dark" - David Bowie

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one actor that i think steals every scene he's in, in every movie, is the late robert shaw. another i like a lot is michael caine. as for great character actors working today, wm. macy, and john torturo come to mind.

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