Gene Hackman 1930 - 2025

 

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has passed away at 95. 

Born Eugene Allen Hackman in California in 1940, Hackman had an interest in acting as a ten-year old. After time in the U.S. Marine Corps, he began a study of journalism and television production at the University of Illinois before heading back to California. 

 

Pursuing an acting career, he had several TV and Broadway roles before appearing in the epic film HAWAII in 1966. He had his breakthrough in BONNIE AND CLYDE in 1967, which earned him an Oscar nomination. He would receive his second nomination in 1970 for I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER, and then would finally win for Best Actor for his role as “Popeye” Doyle in THE FRENCH CONNECTION in 1971. Over the next three years he would appear in ten films, including YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974), THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972), SCARECROW (1973), and Francis Ford Coppola’s THE CONVERSATION (1974). He would reprise his “Popeye” Doyle character in THE FRENCH CONNECTION II in 1975. In 1978 he would have one of his most iconic roles when he played Lex Luthor in SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE. He would reprise the role two more times. 

He continued a solid run through the 1980's, including SUPERMAN II (1980), HOOSIERS (1986), and MISSISSIPPI BURNING (1988). 

In 1992 he would win his second Oscar for his role in Clint Eastwood’s UNFORGIVEN. Other notable roles would include THE FIRM (1993), WYATT EARP (1994), THE QUICK AND THE DEAD (1995), CRIMSON TIDE (1995), GET SHORTY (1995), THE BIRDCAGE (1996), and ENEMY OF THE STATE (1998). He would reunite with Clint Eastwood in 1997, playing a corrupt U.S. President in ABSOLUTE POWER. 

 

In the 2000’s he would appear in UNDER SUSPICION (2000), THE REPLACEMENTS (2000), BEHIND ENEMY LINES (2001), and HEARTBREAKERS (2001). He would play against type when he appeared in Wes Anderson’s comedy THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (2001), which would earn him a Golden Globe win. In 2003 he would appear in the legal thriller RUNAWAY JURY alongside long-time friend Dustin Hoffman, and in 2004 he would have his final role in WELCOME TO MOOSEPORT. 

 

Overall his career would earn two Oscars, two BAFTA’s, and four Golden Globes. He would write novels late in life. 

 

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This Blogger’s first introduction to Gene Hackman was his role in SUPERMAN in 1978. He played the perfect, thinking-man’s bad guy; executing his takeover plan from within as opposed to attacking from the outside. In addition to being the definitive Lex Luthor, he established himself as capable of playing intelligent and gruff…while earning the top spot as one of the greatest SCREAMERS in movie history. 

His filmography has some of the most iconic films of all time: HOOSIERS is a rousing sports classic, UNFORGIVEN one of the best Westerns of all time, and his uncredited cameo in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is one of the funniest ever. Perhaps it is fitting to close with his award-winning turn in THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, when his character, looking at an elaborate gravestone, quipped: “hell of a damn grave. Wish it were mine.”

 

 

A Reel Opinion: Oscar Picks

The 97^th Academy Awards are this weekend, honoring the best achievements in cinema for the year that was 2024. Unlike last year where there was one dominant film sweeping the precursors, this year there is no clear frontrunner, making for a challenging prediction process. Reel Speak’s strategy has been to follow the lead of the Guilds: The Writers (WGA), Directors (DGA), Producers (PGA), and the Screen Actors (SAG). It is also prudent to follow the Golden Globes, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), which can indicate the vibe of the industry. And of course, the good old fashioned, tried-and-true Movie Gut. Here now are Reel Speak’s picks for the major categories: 

 

 

 

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

 

Zoe Saldana for the controversial EMILIA PEREZ is poised to complete a season sweep, having won this category at BAFTA, SAG, and the Golden Globes. EMILIA PEREZ, despite having the most nominations (13 total), has caused uproar one way or another all year, and that may push some voters away which could allow Ariana Grande for the ever-popular WICKED to sneak in. But that’s a lot of ifs, and it’s rare a sweep is not completed. 

 

Winner: Zoe Saldana for EMILIA PEREZ

 

 

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

 

Just like Zoe, this category also looks like a lock, with Kieran Culkin also about to sweep for his role in the Jesse Eisenberg-directed A REAL PAIN. Culkin has been an awards darling all year, and unlike Zoe, his film has no flies on it. 

 

Winner: Kieran Culkin for A REAL PAIN

 

 

 

BEST ACTRESS

 

The closest race in the acting categories, with Demi Moore for the body-horror THE SUBSTANCE, and Mikey Madison for ANORA. Moore won the Globe and the all-important SAG, but Madison won at BAFTA and her film has more nominations and overall momentum. Moore however has been one of the best stories of this Awards Season, and voters love a good story. 

 

Winner: Demi Moore for THE SUBSTANCE

 

 

BEST ACTOR

 

Adrien Brody seemed ready to sweep for his tremendous role in the towering epic THE BRUTALIST, but hit a speed-bump when he was upset by Timothee Chalamet at SAG. But Brody still seems to be the safe bet, having dominated the awards conversation all year. And voters won’t be able to resist giving him his second Oscar nearly 20 years after he won his first. 

 

Winner: Adrien Brody for THE BRUTALIST

 

 

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

 

The WGA gave their top award in this category to THE NICKEL BOYS, but with that film not getting much love by the Academy, we have to look elsewhere. CONCLAVE won here at BAFTA and at the Globes, and as a dialogue-driven film with not much action, leans heavily on its writing. 

 

Winner: CONCLAVE

 

 

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

 

This is a tight race between A REAL PAIN, THE BRUTALIST, and ANORA. The WGA went with ANORA, and BAFTA went with A REAL PAIN. The solid rule of thumb is to follow the Guilds, and ANORA has more overall nominations which indicates Academy love. 

 

Winner: ANORA

 

 

BEST DIRECTOR

 

Another tight race which comes down to Brady Corbet for THE BRUTALIST and Sean Baker for ANORA. Corbet bested Baker at the Globes and BAFTA, but Baker won the all-important Directors Guild. This Blogger believes THE BRUTALIST to be the better film, but since the DGA’s inception in 1948, there has only been eight occasions where they didn’t match the Oscar’s pick. That’s not happening this year either. 

 

Winner: Sean Baker for ANORA

 

 

BEST PICTURE

 

Anything can happen here. THE BRUTALIST won at the Globes, ANORA won the Producers Guild, and CONCLAVE won at BAFTA and pulled a surprise win at SAG, taking home their top award. CONCLAVE however is missing a nomination for Directing (not a dealbreaker, but still loses points), and ANORA’s PGA win means a lot; that guild has matched Best Picture 7 of the last 10 years. This Blogger wants THE BRUTALIST, but with ANORA poised to take Director and Screenplay, the ol’ Movie Gut says otherwise.

 

Winner: ANORA

 

 

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The 97^th Academy Awards will take place this Sunday, March 2^nd. 

 

 

 

A Reel Birthday

This week marks Reel Speak’s 15th anniversary. 

 

The year was 2010. There was no streaming, there was only the big screen. THE KING’S SPEECH was on its way to be named Best Picture, while the Box Office was won by TOY STORY 3. Christopher Nolan was spinning heads with INCEPTION, and Disney was swinging into our hearts with TANGLED. 

 

During this time, there was an idea; to share my love and passion for film. It was a passion that began in the summer of 1977, when this young padawan saw STAR WARS for the first time. It was love at first sight and it had to be shared, so Reel Speak was founded. The first review was posted on February 24th, 2010: Martin Scorsese’s SHUTTER ISLAND. Since then, over a thousand blogs have been posted: reviews, previews, opinions, Top 10 lists and Oscar picks. 

 

Every year, to celebrate Reel Speak’s birthday, this Blogger looks back on all the reasons why the movies mean so much to me. This was always a way to share, and to perhaps inspire others to look back and remember what they love about the movies too…and here in Year 15, it has reminded this Blogger that there is always magic to be found when the lights dim and the big screen lights up. 

 

Why do I love the movies? Let us count the ways: 

 

20. Because the trick is not minding that it hurts. 

19. Because if they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you. 

18. Because a Jaguar Shark ate my best friend. 

17. Because all you have to do is think of a wonderful thought.  

16. Because of John Williams.

15. Because I have been, and always shall be your friend. 

14. Because what we do in life echoes in eternity. 

13. Because Red October was hunted.

12. Because the only Virtue is Vengeance. A Vendetta. 

11. Because Crom laughs at your four winds! 

10. Because it’s a wonderful night for Oscar.

9. Because they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

8. Because “I love you”, and “I know”.

7. Because if someone asks me if I’m a god, I say yes.

6. Because I will drink your milkshake.

5. Because every man dies, not every man really lives. 

4. Because they needed a bigger boat.

3. Because there had to be snakes.

2. Because the Fellowship will not fail. 

1. Because the Force will be with you, always. 

 

A Reel 25: The Year in Film 2000

Twenty-five years ago at about this time, the cinematic year of 2000 was just getting warmed up. Looking back, it could be considered the final year before the modern era. Here’s how it unspooled: 

 

The worldwide box office winner for the year 2000 A.D. would be the John Woo-directed MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2. The action film would be the only movie in the top 10 that was a sequel. Also at the box office, CHICKEN RUN became the highest-grossing film done in stop-motion style, and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, directed by Ron Howard and starring Jim Carrey, had the highest debut for a Christmas-themed film. 

 

On the awards circuit, Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR was the big winner at the Oscars, taking home Best Picture and Best Actor (Russell Crowe). The historical epic had good competition from Ang Lee’s CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, Lasse Hollstrom’s CHOCOLAT, and two films from Steven Soderbergh: TRAFFIC and ERIN BROCKOVICH. 

 

The cold winter months of 2000 got off to a hot start, with THE BOONDOCK SAINTS blasting into theatres and becoming a cult favorite. SCREAM 3 was rightfully dumped in February, and it was joined by the sci-fi thriller PITCH BLACK, the Bruce Willis-led THE WHOLE NINE YARDS, Disney’s AN EXTREMELY GOOFY MOVIE, and REINDEER GAMES…which would be the final film from director John Frankenheimer. 

 

The spring months would deliver the Brian De Palma-helmed MISSION TO MARS, Roman Polanski’s supernatural THE NINTH GATE, the first of the FINAL DESTINATION series, and the rom-com HIGH FIDELITY.

 

Later in the spring Sandra Bullock and future King Viggo Mortensen would appear in 28 DAYS, future Batman Christian Bale would thrill in AMERICAN PSYCHO, and an ensemble cast would travel the depths in the submarine thriller U-571. 

 

GLADIATOR would arrive in May, and it was joined later by the big stinker that was BATTLEFIELD EARTH. Disney’s DINOSAUR would also stomp in, and the rest of the early summer would include GONE IN 60 SECONDS, SHAFT, TITAN A.E., THE PATRIOT, and THE PERFECT STORM. 

 

In July, the superhero genre would re-ignite for good with Bryan Singer’s X-MEN. And the rest of the summer brought us the Bruce Willis-led Disney flick THE KID, the horror-comedy SCARY MOVIE, and the Harrison Ford-led WHAT LIES BENEATH. Also arriving would be COYOTE UGLY, HOLLOW MAN, SPACE COWBOYS, THE TAO OF STEVE, THE REPLACEMENTS, THE CELL, and BRING IT ON. 

 

In the early fall months, Cameron Crowe would deliver the acclaimed ALMOST FAMOUS, Denzel Washington would hit the gridiron in REMEMBER THE TITANS, Sylvester Stallone would appear in the big flop GET CARTER, Gary Oldman would thrill in THE CONTENDER, and the sweet little film PAY IT FORWARD would release. 

 

As the fall grew cooler, Darren Aronofsky would spin heads with REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, and CHARLIE’S ANGELS would turn up the heat. Robert Redford would direct THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE, Adam Sandler would bomb with LITTLE NICKY, and the second of two Mars-related films, THE RED PLANET, would also bomb. Also arriving would be the military drama MEN OF HONOR, the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led THE 6^TH DAY, along with QUILLS and M. Night Shyamalan’s best film, UNBREAKABLE. 

 

December would deliver the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS bomb, the hit SNATCH, the comedy DUDE, WHERE’S MY CAR?, and the Disney animated flick THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE. Ed Harris would earn an Oscar nomination for his lead role in POLLOCK, and Tom Hanks would be his competitor for his role in CAST AWAY. The year would close out with FINDING FORRESTER, DRACULA 2000, THE GIFT, O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?, THIRTEEN DAYS, and SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE. 

 

The year 2000 would see the film debuts of Jamie Bell, Martin Freeman, Topher Grace, John Krasinski, Aaron Paul, Zoe Saldana, Bill Skarsgard, Kristen Stewart, Sam Worthington, Juno Temple, and Anton Yelchin. The year would also say farewell and adieu to Jim Varney, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Walter Matthau, Jason Robards, and Alec Guinness. 

 

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In 2000, the industry was on the verge of a major change. Three years before, James Cameron’s TITANIC showed that a big-budget epic could earn back its money and be acclaimed. This would show with GLADIATOR…and in just one year’s time Peter Jackson’s THE LORD OF THE RINGS would begin and take things a step further. Sci-fi and fantasy franchises suddenly became coveted, and that would lead us to long-form storytelling with HARRY POTTER, and THE HUNGER GAMES. The success of X-MEN would get the capes and masks going for real, sparking SPIDER-MAN in 2002 and eventually the mighty and endless Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

 

Since then, Hollywood has gone heavy on the franchises. In 2000, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2 was the only sequel in the top 10 worldwide box office. In 2024, all of the top 10 were sequels, remakes, or part of a franchise. Audiences have shown their appetite for the familiar, and studios have responded. And while it may the tail wagging the dog, the numbers do speak volumes. Despite this, the most acclaimed films are still the smaller ones. Of the ten Best Picture nominees for 2024, only two earned more than $100 million, with eight of them original. Hollywood is top heavy right now, and wherever it goes next can be traced back to what we were seeing in the year 2000. 

 

 

 

A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2025 - Episode II

February is the second and final month of Movie Siberia. The month is traditionally a dumping ground, although this year there are a few high-profile films to look forward to. Here is what’s coming to the big screen this month: 

 

 

 

HEART EYES – Upcoming horror director Josh Ruben (WEREWOLVES WITHIN), helms this slasher about a Valentine’s Day killer. Olivia Holt and Jordana Brewster star. 

 

 

 

LOVE HURTS – Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan (EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE), plays a former hitman whose past comes back to haunt him in this action and romance flick. Ariana DeBose co-stars. 

 

 

 

BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN – This documentary film that charts the formation and early years of famed classic rock group Led Zeppelin will see an IMAX release.

 

 

 

BRING THEM DOWN – Barry Keoghan stars in this Irish drama about a shepherding family thrust into battle on several fronts. 

 

 

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD – Anthony Mackie accepts the shield in the fourth CAPTAIN AMERICA film and the 35^th (!) film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Harrison Ford takes over the role of (now President), Ross…which was played by the late great William Hurt. Giancarlo Esposito co-stars. 

 

 

 

PADDINGTON IN PERU – The third film in the acclaimed PADDINGTON series, which sees the lovable bear traveling across the world to see family. 

 

 

 

CLEANER – Daisy Ridley (THE FORCE AWAKENS), plays an ex-soldier who gets caught up in a terrorist takeover of a high-rise. Clive Owen co-stars. 

 

 

 

THE MONKEY – Osgood Perkins, who directed the acclaimed LONGLEGS in 2024, adapts this Stephen King short story for the big screen where deaths occur after the discovery of a toy monkey in an attic. It stars Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood. 

 

 

 

THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE – Daffy Duck and Porky Pig work together to stop aliens form taking over the Earth, in what is being hailed as the first original Looney Tunes film to get a worldwide theatrical release. 

 

 

 

LAST BREATH – Deep Sea divers battle the elements in this rescue drama. Woody Harrelson stars. 

 

 

 

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Next month, Reel Speak previews March.