... you can learn from:
A Star in Born (1954)
Norman: Do you ever go fishing? Well, do you
like prizefi... have you ever watched a great fighter?
Esther: I-I uh--
Norman: I'm trying to tell you how you sing.
Esther: Do you mean like a prizefighter or a fish?
Norman: Look. There are certain pleasures that you get...
There are certain pleasures you get, little-little jabs of
pleasure when a swordfish take a hook, or-or when
you see a great fighter get in right for the kill, see?
You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you?
Esther: No, not yet. Why don't you try bullfights?
The great James Mason was born 110 years ago today!
What is you favorite James Mason performance?
7 comments:
1. Georgy Girl. He's marvelous as the man in love with Lynn Redgrave. And what a supporting cast: Charlotte Rampling, Alan Bates and Lynn's mother, Rachel Kempson
2.A Star is Born. He and Judy have great chemistry together.
3. North By Northwest. Shows what versatility he has.
4. Murder by Decree. He's a terrific Dr. Watson
5. 20000 Leagues Under the Sea. He's a marvelous Captain Nemo.
Not to mention that exquisite voice!
Forever, Darling
A Star Is Born
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
North By Northwest.
Lolita
The Last of Shelia
There remains a lot of Mason which I've never seen but there is one film which turns up on TCM sometimes the name of which I cannot remember, but he plays a man who takes I believe an experimental drug for illness which results in almost madness to the best of my recollection. But it's a very subtle performance for the period.
A Star Is Born
Journey to the Center of the Earth
20000 Leagues Under the Sea
Georgy Girl
Heaven Can Wait
Movie about the experimental drug is Nicholas Ray's Bigger than Life.
Mason was one of those rare actors who gave excellent performances throughout his 50-year career.
Early: Odd Man Out
Mid-Career: Lolita
Near the end of his career: The Verdict and The Shooting Party
Child's Play.
A huge favorite of mine. Always reliably good, often great which is why he was rarely nominated and never won an Oscar.
So many excellent performances to choose from but I think my top ten would be:
A Star is Born-It's Judy's show but he gives her everything to play off of and manages to make Norman Maine very sympathetic despite his often selfish hurtful behavior.
North by Northwest-Few did silky villainy as well as he.
Odd Man Out
5 Fingers
Heaven Can Wait
The Reckless Moment
One Way Street
Bigger Than Life
The Last of Sheila
The Shooting Party
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