Sir Laurence Olivier was born 105 years ago today, and what better way to appreciate that fact than to post a bunch of pictures of him and John Gavin in towels in Spartacus? In all honesty
I'm kind of hoping somebody can turn me on to Olivier here. I've never gotten him, but then I've never given him much of a chance - I've only seen him in a couple of movies (Rebecca, Spartacus, Marathon Man, and Clash of the Titans of course). If I were going to program myself an Olivier marathon that would keen me onto why he was such a celebrated thespian, synonymous with Acting for such a long time, what should I watch? I imagine his Shakespeare movies (none of which I've seen) since that's the foundation upon which Branagh clambered. I don't think I've ever seen his Wuthering Heights, either.
Yadda yadda tell me what I should see in the comments if you please, and for your efforts after the jump there are several more pictures of John Gavin and Olivier... although mainly Gavin cuz come on...
I'm kind of hoping somebody can turn me on to Olivier here. I've never gotten him, but then I've never given him much of a chance - I've only seen him in a couple of movies (Rebecca, Spartacus, Marathon Man, and Clash of the Titans of course). If I were going to program myself an Olivier marathon that would keen me onto why he was such a celebrated thespian, synonymous with Acting for such a long time, what should I watch? I imagine his Shakespeare movies (none of which I've seen) since that's the foundation upon which Branagh clambered. I don't think I've ever seen his Wuthering Heights, either.
Yadda yadda tell me what I should see in the comments if you please, and for your efforts after the jump there are several more pictures of John Gavin and Olivier... although mainly Gavin cuz come on...
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7 comments:
Fuck Shakespeare, his best performance is in Carrie (1952).
Olivier is such a homo in this movie. And who wouldn't be for John Gavin? Hot.
Olivier can be hard to take in movies sometimes. Apparently, he was born to be on the stage.
Anyhoo, Wuthering Heights is good old Hollywood tragic-romance fun.
Bunny Lake Is Missing is a spooky 60s artifact. (his part is kind of minor, though)
and if you feel like a Shakespeare, Richard III is a legendary gonzo performance in a somewhat static movie.
I actually think you've already seen 2 of his most effective movie performances: Rebecca and Marathon Man. Evidently he was much more suited to the stage (although I'm far too young to have seen him myself) :-). Many swear by THE ENTERTAINER, which I have not seen. And his HENRY V is supposed to be quite impressive - again, something I have only seens parts of. And, yes, CARRIE was pretty good too. I did not like his Heathcliff - not masculine enough for me. And I do think he got just a little too mannered as he got older. SLEUTH wasn't terrible but...eh. And Jee Jay is right - RICHARD III is totally gonzo. A hoot! I suppose we're all duty bound to see his HAMLET but I haven't performed that duty yet either. How about YOU watch it and let me know. :-)
He's brooding and intense,the whole movie is actually, in Wuthering Heights as well as very good looking at that point.
He's a bit much in That Hamilton Woman but if you're a Vivien Leigh fan its worth catching for her, she's great in it.
Loved him in Marathon Man, very sinister but the best thing I've ever seen him in was a TV version of King Lear with Diana Rigg that I think is on DVD.
Have to say Wuthering Heights. I saw it in a retro cinema in college and stayed through it a second time. Granted I was younger, but it is also from what is arguably the greatest year in the history of cinema 1939. It is sweepingly romantic, Larry has never looked better and less and a bit less "theatrical" than he became, and that wonderful music, primarily Kathy's Theme. It's a must see.
Just one thing: John Gavin is so hot!! I dream every time if I see him coming out the bath with all his beauty.....how beautiful to see! Smile
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