Gene Hackman’s tragic death at 95 On February 26, 2025, the world shocked and many film fans reminded that he was one of the best actors in his generation. In fact, an argument could be presented Hackman was the best actor everAnd his two Oscar Prize for “The French Connection” (1971) and “unforgives” (1991) – among his three other nominations for “Bonnie and Clyde” (1968), “I never sung for my father” (1970) and “Mississippi Burning” (1988) – certainly again in this kind of conversations. But what did Hackman think of his work himself and what did he see for his favorite role? The answer may not be what you think.
In an interview with 1988 with Film howHackman was asked what his favorite film is from his own work. Based on the strength of his own performance, the choice of the actor was strange: Jerry Schatzberg’s “Scarecrow” (1973), a street film in which Hackman and Al Pacino Max and Lion play, a peculiar couple of worried buddies to travel together from California to Detroit. The reason for Hackman’s choice was to make this specific film with the process:
“Yes, ‘Scarecrow ‘. It is the only film that I have ever made in absolute continuity, and that made it possible for me to use all possible chances and really build my character. “
Gene Hackman sees his favorite performances differently than film fans
While Hackman was happy to describe “Scarecrow” as a personal favorite, he is also aware of his more famous roles and her generally respected role in his filmography. In an interview with 1989 with The New York TimesHe viewed his most general role as an uncertain listening of the listening of Harry Caul in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation” (1974), which is probably comfortable The best gene Hackman film always. He appreciates the character due to the minimalist approach to his role:
That was the highlight of my acting career in terms of character development. Caul was stuffed. The character didn’t broke out. There was no satisfactory cathartic moment in the film. “
Although this admission confirms that Hackman clearly kept its heart to his successful and nuanced large profile rolls, there is one reason why he had some really surprising roles and scenes in higher consideration than the average cinema -goer who would ever suspect. In the film commentary interview, the actor listed some of his favorite moments of the Gene Hackman film -which differ significantly from the average list of average Hackman fan, simply because he knows what was necessary to create them and how they came out of his point of view:
“Actors have moments in films that are less commercially successful that they love. I had a scene with Candice Bergen in ‘Bite the ball ‘ This is one of my favorites. I told her about my ex-wife while I was in the middle of the desert around a water hole. I played it on horseback. I think some of my best work were in ‘The French connection, part II ‘ – The retreat scene. I saw a lot of films about drug addiction and withdrawal and selected myself for me. “