There are celebrities and many popular movie stars working in Hollywood today.   It’s hard to find and match the talent of a generation ago.  February 26th of this year Gene Hackman, an incredible talent from a generation ago, unexpectedly passed away.  The talented actor retired two decades ago but before he did created a legacy second to none. 

    The first Gene Hackman film I saw was Enemy of the State.  The film was a run of the mill action thriller and he co starred with Will Smith. Those facts were what drew me to the movie.

    To be completely honest it wasn’t until I saw him as Lex Luther in 1978’s Superman that really put him on my radar. In a film that was stocked with celebrities and talented performers Gene Hackman was the standout for me, in the ultimate superhero film.

   I wanted to see more of his films. Over time I was enthralled with his his two Oscar winning performances. The first was in the crime drama The French Connection.  His second Oscar win would be for one of my favorite westerns, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.  Both films would also go on to win the award for best picture. 

    I always look forward to the hilarious cameo that he has in Young Frankenstein, every time I watch this film.  The comedic timing of this performance is first rate.  I laugh every tine I see it, without fail!

   There is a standout moment in his career for me. In Runaway Jury, what is ultimately his penultimate film, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman have a tense stand off over the trail, in the courthouse men’s room.  This intense exchange between two legends is truly a moment in an incredible career.

   Though Gene Hackman has not made a film in twenty years his presence from film is now glong to be truly missed.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!