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Something struck me while watching Todd Solondz’s “Life During Wartime” earlier this morning. Actor Michael K. Williams is having a coming out moment this year with powerful supporting performances both here and in John Hillcoat’s “The Road.”
Fans of HBO’s “The Wire” are no stranger to Williams, who dazzled viewers for five seasons as stick-up man Omar Little, offering an on-the-money characterization that probably should have seen its day in the Emmy sun. Characterized by a pronounced facial scar (a reminder of a bar fight many years ago), Williams has always been something of a go-to guy for intimidating gangster types.
In “The Road,” he brings a quiet humanity to the role of The Thief, stealing for survival, rendered sympathetic by the circumstances that forced his hand.
But in “Life During Wartime,” a film that falls short of its ambitions but makes one glad that Solondz is making films, Williams shows a completely different side in an opening scene that sets a tone of forgiveness and empathy. In fact, the two roles could be seen as flip sides of the same coin, insightful looks into the soul of men who are playing the hands they’ve been dealt as best they can.
Each is merely a cameo, but the talent, if not apparent enough in “The Wire,” is difficult to disregard. Williams deserves a real shot at a role with meat on his bones, and hopefully, this year’s festival circuit will prove as much out to an industry always hungry for fresh talent.
12 responses so far
1 9-06-2009 at 1:12 am
Josh said...
He is excellent in Gone Baby Gone. One scene but he has a great monologue.
2 9-06-2009 at 1:16 am
BDM said...
Very cool to hear he shines in his short roles in these movies. He was definitely one of my favorite characters on The Wire, and his acting was very delightful. One could only hope he lands a role that can showcase more in the upcoming years.
3 9-06-2009 at 1:19 am
Robert Hamer said...
…”offering an on-the-money characterization that probably should have seen its day in the Emmy sun.”
That whole show should have seen its day in the Emmy sun.
4 9-06-2009 at 1:57 am
Jeremy said...
Not to quibble, but he was a major player in all five seasons of “The Wire”, not just four.
I enjoyed his cameo in “Gone Baby Gone” as well and am looking forward to seeing him in “The Road”.
5 9-06-2009 at 2:10 am
Jonathan Spuij said...
I’ve just started watching The Wire and I couldn’t agree more, he’s stunning. But he’s not alone at that with the amazing show.
6 9-06-2009 at 6:15 am
James D. said...
I wouldn’t have pegged you for a fan of the Wire, Kris, but hopefully good things come for Williams.
7 9-06-2009 at 6:34 am
twinzin said...
The Wire was a very detailed and intense show. Seemed more realistic than CSI or any of the law shows. Williams was a stand out in every season and he really showed out in the first season…
Don’t know much about those two movies he’s in this year but I’m pretty sure he’s going to be good in whatever he’s in because he’s such a good actor.
8 9-06-2009 at 6:45 am
Kristopher Tapley said...
Typo, Jeremy. Thanks.
9 9-06-2009 at 7:43 am
snowballa said...
Excellent actor whose snub from the Emmys just prove how stupid and pointless awards are.
10 9-06-2009 at 8:23 am
congealed loaf said...
One of the things I’m most excited to see on TV is that new HBO series that Scorsese directed the pilot for and is producing called “Boardwalk Empire.” The cast includes Steve Buscemi, Kelly MacDonald, Michael Shannon, Michael Pitt, Paz De La Huerta, Michael Stuhlbarg and last but certainly not least Michael K. Williams. That’s the cast of the pilot Scorsese directed, let’s just hope it keeps most of it’s cast through the series…
11 9-06-2009 at 9:57 am
Johnny Doubles said...
Just want to share in the sentiments. He’s an incredibly talented actor. Omar was one of the richest characters in television over the past decade, and Williams’ characterization was all-time. Reason #867 why I don’t take the Emmys seriously.
12 9-06-2009 at 5:32 pm
alex said...
I think it’s up to him if he wants to come out