This is great stuff, and explains why Night Moves, which I coincidentally just rewatched a few weeks back, has always seemed incomplete to me. I agree with Mr. Banks that it’s a worthy watch, but certainly not anywhere close to Chinatown or The Long Goodbye. For me, the value of the picture is contained in Hackman imho the greatest screen actor of his generation. His legendary on-set irascibility notwithstanding, he elevates the work of everyone around him, especially decent actors not near his level (Jennifer Warren in this film.) More importantly, he never plays bigger than the screen, which is more than I can say for George C. Scott, whose theatrical gestures and bad habits invariably cause me to roll my eyes at the worst moments. I’ve stayed away from The Last Run for this reason but this essay has me curious. Thanks Ethan and Mr. Banks!
Great comment, Chuck!
This is great stuff, and explains why Night Moves, which I coincidentally just rewatched a few weeks back, has always seemed incomplete to me. I agree with Mr. Banks that it’s a worthy watch, but certainly not anywhere close to Chinatown or The Long Goodbye. For me, the value of the picture is contained in Hackman imho the greatest screen actor of his generation. His legendary on-set irascibility notwithstanding, he elevates the work of everyone around him, especially decent actors not near his level (Jennifer Warren in this film.) More importantly, he never plays bigger than the screen, which is more than I can say for George C. Scott, whose theatrical gestures and bad habits invariably cause me to roll my eyes at the worst moments. I’ve stayed away from The Last Run for this reason but this essay has me curious. Thanks Ethan and Mr. Banks!