These are the clips that likely assured the late Paul Newman a place alongside the supporting crop of contenders in 2002. Stalwart, sincere, living inside the character with an eerie warmth. Despite my spoken allegiance to “Hud,” I chose to remember Newman this morning by watching “Road to Perdition” for the first time in a number of years. Criminally underrated, it is the shining beacon in Sam Mendes’s arsenal that gives me hope for “Revolutionary Road.” Moreover, it contains a Newman performance for the ages, a subtle but meaningful display from an undeniable legend:
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5 responses to ““Only murderers” and “I’m glad it’s you””
It’s my favourite film of all time. Ever. Bar none.
Can’t believe it isn’t everyone else’s either.
I often think if RTP had been Mendes’ first film it would have swept the top awards. A triumph of editing, production design and obviously cinematography, with absolutely great performances. A shameful absence from the Best Picture lineup.
As close to a perfect film as any of us are likely to see. Riveting stuff from Hanks and Newman. Possibly Jude Law’s best, or at least most interesting, performance. And Daniel Craig as the sniveling, weak, stupid son!
Great editing. Great photography. Great score.
I agree BNick – as close to perfection as one could possible get, if not perfection itself. Hanks at his against-type best, Law giving us an incredibly lecherous villian who keeps you on the edge of your seat whenever he’s onscreen (or off for that matter), and Mr. Newman who gave the film its initial warmth and heart, and really gave a very nuance performance – a great artist at his best.
I loved “Road to Perdition” in 2002, and still enjoy it immensly to this day. Sam Mendes and his sophmore effort were greatly under-rated and under-appreciated in its day (and always much more watchable than “Chicago”) but I think Mr. Newman’s passing will give it a new audience. I think it’ll start to turn into the new “The Shawshank Redemption,” a film you can’t say a bad thing about and just watch whenever it’s on.
~~Thank you Paul – you the epitome of kindness, humanity, and greatness. You gave us so much and we love you all the more for it. You will be dearly missed.~~
Paul Newman was a screen legend. Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy piloted him to the level of stardom that so many actors can only dream of. He had a charming presence that made him very likeable regardless of the character he played. He also wasn’t half bad to look at either.
He threw that all away for this role in Road to Perdition. He became a fearful hitman that does in some way scare me in the beginning of the film. But then (as Z said) gives the film its warmth. You fear him and feel for him at the same time. I can’t recall any other performance that made me feel this way. He is one of the few actors that never lost his touch and never sold out.
If I get into what this man did outside of the movies. Then I will never get to the paper that put off until now. Let’s just leave it that on and off the screen this was an incredible man. I am saddened byhis loss but know that I will never lose him in the movies