Gene Hackman

We received news today that Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their three dogs were found dead in their New Mexico home. There is no evidence of any foul play.

Hackman started acting in 1961 with his first uncredited role and in 1964 with Lilith.

Here are my favorite five performances by one of the great actors of our time:

5. The Conversation - Directed by Francis For Coppola (1974)

   There is no world where suspense films come up in CONVERSATION and this film isn't discussed. Some say it set the bar. I just say it is a phenomenal film with a perfect performance by Hackman about a man fighting a moral battle with himself. Mr. Hackman was nominated for many awards and won a few, but was not nominated for an Oscar this year. Mistake? I think so... but he gets his due on the next film of the list.

4. The French Connection - Directed by William Friedkin (1971)

   As Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, Hackman gives one of the grittiest performances of all time announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the acting world. Raw and realistic is one of the ways to describe this film, and the apex of this film, the car chase, is still copied to this day. The film won five academy awards... and gave Hackman the first win of his career. Legendary film action/thriller that truly put Hackman on the map.

3. Crimson Tide - Directed by Tony Scott (1995)

   "You do qualify your remarks. If someone asked me if we should bomb Japan, a simple "Yes." By all means sir, drop that fucker, twice! I don't mean to suggest that you're indecisive, Mr Hunter. Not at all. Just, uh... complicated. 'course, that's the way the Navy wants you. Me, they wanted simple." This scene, in the first act of Crimson Tide, sets the stage for the future acts of the film. And Hackman is terrifying at that table because of his steadfastness of his beliefs. This film does not work with anyone else in the role of Capt. Ramsey

2. Unforgiven - Directed by Clint Eastwood (1992)

   Gene Hackman was good at playing a sonuva bitch and his portrayal of Sheriff "Little" Bill Daggett speaks volumes. From the first scene we see how Daggett rules his town with a strong moral code but uses violence to achieve his goals. If you don't want to jump through the screen and punch Hackman in the face, something is wrong with you.

1. The Royal Tenenbaums - Directed by Wes Anderson (2001)

   There is a reason this is my favorite Wes Anderson film and while it is the whole ensemble that does a masterful job of becoming this family, it is the performance from Hackman that ties it all together. Hackman’s performance balances Royal’s comedic antics with moments of genuine emotion, contributing significantly to the film’s quirky yet poignant exploration of family dynamics. His portrayal is both memorable and essential to the film's heart.