For the 40 years prior to his retirement in 2004, Gene Hackman was a force of nature on film. No other actor, before or since, has had the ability to both be wholly recognizable as himself while also committing so deeply to a character. Hackman could pull off high drama and broad comedy with equal perfection. He developed a boiling, roiling ball of rage that translated to each medium with ease and familiarity.
With his unique abilities, Hackman attempted to show us the depths of tough guys and the nuances of masculinity with his rugged everyman quality. It didn’t always work, but when he found that ferocious spark or when you could see the mischievous twinkle in the corner of his eye, it was an arresting sensation. You were hooked.
Within his insurmountable well of talent he created and perfected many indelible roles. The doggedness of Popeye Doyle in The French Connection. The paranoia of Harry Caul in The Conversation. The campy glee of Lex Luthor in Superman and its sequels. The pride and determination of Norman Dale in Hoosiers. The menace of Little Bill Daggett and Herod in Unforgiven and The Quick and the Dead respectfully. The steadfast commitment to duty of Ramsey in Crimson Tide. The jealousy and pettiness of Royal Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums.
We all have a role of his that we will always revisit. For me, it’s Royal Tenenbaum. Royal is the kind of late career role that showcases the breadth of an actor’s many talents. It’s a bit softer and more esoteric than many of Hackman’s roles. He seamlessly and believably moves Royal from cad to dad without ever dropping who Royal is at his core. It’s the kind of role that proves forgiveness is possible if the one in need of it puts in the work.
In the coming days, many of us will revisit favorites or discover films we may have missed. Gene Hackman has left behind a breadth of work that is powerfully affecting and furiously funny. He was an actor who defied expectations and made films better by being a part of them.
