When I first viewed this film, I found in increasingly difficult to watch for the sole reason of S.P.'s inability to socially communicate with pretty much anybody. But after some thinking, I realized that this his portrayal of sam bycke and his awkward personality is what really sets this film apart from the others...
Agreed?
Hauntingly good performance, and I'm not even a SPenn fan. I found myself truly invested in Sam. Very complex character, and Penn was almost perfect.
shareIt was a great performance. His character was so pathetic, it was hard to watch. It was hard even before he unraveled and became a killer. I don't know why they had to put "Richard Nixon" in the title. He was practically irrelevant to the story.
I agree. Sean Penn was simply amazing as Sam Bicke; he astutely nailed the pain and anguish of this bumbling, awkward and oversensitive everyman loser. Watching Bicke come apart at the seems was often difficult and excruciating to behold, but Penn's remarkable restraint in the role made Bicke a riveting and poignant portrait of everyday madness and despair.
"We're all part Shatner/And part James Dean/Part Warren Oates/And Steven McQueen"
I agree. I thought Penn's performance was astonishing.
What other performances of Penn or his contemporaries are as fine as this? (I've just finished watching the film and am so stunned I can't think of any.)
Agreed. One of his all-time great performances. He made the movie what it is.
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