Gene Hackman, a name that has left an indelible mark in the Hollywood landscape, always hoped others would perceive him as ‘a decent actor’. He asserted this view in 2011 in an interview with GQ, clarifying his objective to deliver honest performances based on the materials he was given. Today, as we contemplate on his momentous career, following the news of his, his wife Betsy Arakawa’s, and their pet’s untimely death under ‘mysterious’ circumstances at their New Mexico residence, we understand that Hackman was far more than a ‘decent actor’. In fact, his two Oscar-winning roles serve as proof of his exceptional talent. Here’s a look at eight of his most significant roles that substantiate this perception.
In the realm of Hollywood, where stars often blaze quite early, Hackman emerged surprisingly late. His breakthrough was not until 1967 when he was 37 years old, taking on the role of Buck Barrow, Clyde Barrow’s older sibling, in the iconic movie, ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. He shared screenspace with Warren Betty, who was portraying Clyde Barrow. With this performance, Hackman earned himself an Oscar nod for the best supporting actor. His chilling portrayal of malevolence blended deftly with civility in his character of Buck Barrow, creating an unshakeable performance.
Next, Hackman embodied the gritty character of Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle, a resolute detective, in ‘The French Connection’. This 1972 film won him his first of two Oscars. Regarded as one of the finest crime dramas ever made, Hackman’s portrayal was highly praised despite the actor’s initial insecurities about executing the demanding part of a ruthless detective. The role required a certain level of aggressiveness which he managed beautifully.
Proving his versatility, Hackman began exploring the other side of the law, landing a role that many may find unexpected for the actor: the villainous Lex Luthor in ‘Superman’. This character from the DC comics universe is often acknowledged as ‘the greatest criminal mind’. In 1978’s ‘Superman’, Hackman added a comedic layer to his overblown rendering of Lex Luthor. Despite this humorous undertone, the essence of Hackman’s stalwart acting prowess remained strongly visible alongside the protagonist, Christopher Reeves as Clark Kent/Superman.
‘The Conversation’, a 1974 classic film, saw Hackman portraying Harry Caul, a surveillance expert. This role cemented Hackman’s place as an actor who could deliver powerful performances consistently. His portrayal masterfully reflected the character’s neurotic brilliance and isolation, often with minimal dialogue – Hackman instead relied upon non-verbal cues, like nervous tics and particular expressions, to present a convincingly terrified introvert, in one of his most nuanced yet impactful performances.
In ‘Mississippi Burning’, a suspenseful crime thriller, Hackman worked alongside Willem Dafoe as one half of an FBI agent duo set to investigate the vanishing of three civil rights workers from the 1960s. His character, agent Rupert Anderson, has one unforgettable interaction with natives who remember his desertion and are unwelcoming of his return. The way Hackman delivers his powerful line – ‘Don’t you go mistaking me for some whole other body’ – proves that his single sentence had more weight than entire performances by other actors.
In a departure from his regular roles, Hackman, in the dark comedy ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’, got to exercise his comic prowess. Alongside a stellar cast that included Ben Stiller, Danny Glover, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Bill Murray, among others, Hackman portrayed the patriarch Royal Tenenbaum with a panache that was both engaging and endearing. His impeccable delivery made the character relatable, and even after two decades since its 2001 release, audiences continue to resonate with Royal Tenenbaum thanks to Hackman’s captivating humanity.
Joining forces with Denzel Washington in the crime thriller ‘Crimson Tide’, Hackman played Capt. Franklin ‘Frank’ Ramsey, a submarine commander. His character goes through intense debates with Washington’s Lt. Cmdr. Ronald ‘Ron’ Hunter on whether to initiate a nuclear strike, making their scenes incredibly tense. Despite being in the tail-end of his career, Hackman rose to the occasion, portraying a nuanced and dignified character with the same zeal as always.
The 1992 Western movie ‘Unforgiven’, which starred Clint Eastwood (also the director), won Hackman his second Academy Award, two decades after his first. He played the ruthless sheriff ‘Little’ Bill Daggett, reminding audiences that villains are often more complex and multidimensional. Interestingly, this is a role that Hackman admitted he was initially reluctant to play. His ability to fully embody the character, he said, was largely due to the effective ambiance created by the director, Clint Eastwood.