Today I took glance at my options in case I wanted to take in a movie this extended Holiday weekend. Among my options were two films that starred a pair I have grown to appreciate over the years.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman in “Charlie Wilson’s War” and John C Reilly in “Walk Hard” are two men in their young 40’s who have really advanced their careers by picking terrific secondary roles in a wide spectrum of movies that have were either Blockbuster hits or cult classics. In an industry where looks can sometimes be valued over acting ability and bigger paychecks can lead ambitious actors astray from solid projects, its great to see Hoffman and Reilly reaping the benefits of years of shrewd project selection.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman- age 40
Starring in: Charlie Wilson’s War with Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks
Officially blew up when: Won Best Actor for role in Capote
Movies/Roles he was smart to take in chronological order:
Scent of a Women, Twister, Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Patch Adams, Magnolia, Talented Mr. Ripley, Punch Drunk Love, Almost Famous, Cold Mountain, Along Came Polly, Capote, Mission Impossible 3, Charlie Wilson’s War
Analysis:
Although it wasn’t until recently that Hoffman had mainstream name recognition, he was continuously in a wide assortment of classic films throughout the nineties before moving onto bigger and better things of late. Boogie Nights and Big Lebowski are two comedic cult classics that elevated his status to younger viewers. Magnolia, Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain, and Punch Drunk Love really were films that really showed his ability to act to the art house movie connoisseur type viewer.
Hoffman was hilarious in Along Came Polly and followed it up with his award winning Capote performance. With Mission Impossible 3 under his belt, Hoffman has shown the diversity and talent to star in any role that suits his fancy.
John C Reilly- 42
Starring in- Walk Hard
Officially Blew Up When – Nowish
Movies/Roles he was smart to take in chronological order:
The River Wild, Boogie Nights, The Thin Red Line, Never Been Kissed, Magnolia, The Perfect Storm, Gangs of New York, Chicago, The Aviator, Talladega Nights
Analysis:
Reilly had some hit and misses in the nineties but was smart to team with Hoffman in movies like Magnolia and Boogie Nights. He played co starring roles in Gangs of New York, Chicago, and The Aviator, all three of which were nominated for best picture with Chicago winning. Although many think he is more of a pure comedic role actor with his roles in Judd Appatow movies (Talledga Nights and Walk Hard), Reilly has a good portfolio in critically acclaimed dramas as well.
Reilly seems content for now to make his living in comedies co starring with Will Ferrel in Step Brothers and co starring with Sean William Scott (Stiffler) in Quebec. Why mess with a good thing?
