Before I reply to your post: It’s great to see you posting again, Karl. We never got to know each other, but I’ve read many of your old posts and have always liked to as well. I hope you stick around for a while.
Originally Posted by Karl Childers
In my opinion, this is one of the greatest discussions film lovers can have. I love the idea of the underrated actor.
Below are some of my favorites. Some are truly underrated, some are simply not considered that good because of typecasting or historically poor roles, some are just older and perhaps forgotten because they are not as active or young as they once were.
1) Brad Dourif-- a truly underrated actor. Terrific intensity and perfect execution of expression. Check him out in the Deadwood series as Doc.
It’s hard to say whether guys like Brad are under appreciated since they work all the friggin’ time, but he has never been an A-list celebrity…not pretty enough…but damn if he isn’t great in whatever he does.
2) Kurt Russell-- he really is a very good actor. Excellent in Dark Blue and Miracle On Ice.
Okay…I’m assuming you mean he’s under rated as a talented
actor, and not as a celebrity, because this fella has been worshipped by many for a long time now. I too think that Kurt is a great actor. I have a feeling that now, since he’s gotten older, that more and more often, Kurt will be recognized for his talent.
3) Donald Sutherland-- I love watching him.
Oh yeah, baby. King of quirky cool he definitely was. He and Gould both were.
4) Sam Rockwell-- great character actor.
It’s hard to see him as under appreciated since he’s so popular anymore, but I did like him before it was cool to do so…I assume you did too.
5) Timothy Agoglia Carey-- a B-movie nutjob with a terrific and menacing stage presence. Been dead a long time.
I can’t specifically remember him from much besides
The Killing and
Paths of Glory…I assume this is in your forgotten realm.
6) Chris Cooper-- does a wide range of great roles.
He’s one I would put on my list pre-
Adaptation, but I think he’s doing better now. Always plays a great dad, doesn’t he?
7) J.T. Walsh-- gosh, he was good. Sadly no longer with us.
Yeah, he was awesome. I miss the big lug. He was ALWAYS one of my favorites
8) Christian Bale-- is he considered underrated? I seriously don't know.
Not anymore…especially after
Batman Begins comes out.
9) Gene Wilder-- Love watching him, just great stuff.
Hmm…hard for me to label him as such, but the newest generation seems to forget him a lot…unless they think of Mel Brooks, that is.
10) Clancy Brown-- great presence. Usually plays a bullying or strong-willed character.
YES!!! He has played SO many villains, he’s almost perfectly type-cast…but he also plays the good guy occasionally…that’s when I really dig him. I love to see people used against their type.
11) Powers Boothe-- ditto.
Didn’t you just love his short time in
Sin City? Wicked eyes. I’ve always liked this guy too…great at the strong, dangerous, roles…but can also be largely sympathetic and charming.
Great list, man!