My "Cinematical" post from 01/30

Ransom?! I have to say that I am more than a little shocked at this choice. Although I agree with the reviewer that Gibson is effective in it, I don't agree with his opinion that it is Mel Gibson's finest performance. In my opinion, it is only a minor entry in his vast body of work. If you want to see high caliber acting, and not just overwrought and manipulative emotional scenes, witness his daring performance in Franco Zeffirelli's 1990 film, Hamlet. The pedigree of actors who have essayed the role is astounding, ranging from Olivier's introspective turn to Branagh's more audacious, modern interpretation. Gibson brought pathos, energy and incredulity to the role that presages Branagh. Gibson's performance displays all the behavioral vagaries of youth- a wide-eyed incredulity, an unabashed sensitivity, as well as sporadic fits of rage. In fact, the scene when he lashes out in rage at his mother Gertrude for her carnal proclivities has the cathartic effect of the best Greek drama (Oedipus Rex comes to mind).

Gibson, I believe, did his best work in the eighties. He gave powerful performances in two films directed by the great Australian director Peter Weir. These films are Gallipoli and The Year of the Living Dangerously. The latter is the better known of the two because it costars Sigourney Weaver and another costar, the diminutive actress Linda Hunt, won the supporting actress Oscar for her role as male (yes that's right) wartime photographer Billy Kwan. In it, Gibson plays an Australian journalist in Indonesia who is reporting on the tumultuous events which occurred during Sukarno's presidency. The film contains powerful acting all around, cogent writing and direction, and some of the best uses of location ever in the history of cinema. Another not-so-well-known gem in Gibson's cannon is The Bounty from 1984. This is a a wonderful remake of "The Mutiny on the Bounty", beautiful as well as visceral. Both Gibson, as Fletcher Christian, and Anthony Hopkins, as Captain Bligh, are brilliant. The scene when he finally faces Hopkins and takes over the boat is a master class in acting and will send chills down your spine!

I now discuss Lethal Weapon with ambivalence. Yes, it is a powerful piece of acting, a beguiling blend of pathos and humor, but unfortunately, the complexity of his performance wasn't given its due respect. Admittedly, it made him a star and a household name, but excepting Hamlet, he really hasn't been given a role since that has flexed his acting chops. He seems now to be pigeonholed into playing the taciturn but sympathetic action hero. One sees abundant evidence of this in both Braveheart and the Patriot. Personally, I know that Mel Gibson is a gifted enough actor to give us something new, with delicate shadings, that we have hitherto not been privy. For evidence of this, watch the films he has directed such as The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto. In his directing, he gives us depth, originality, and verisimilitude. It's about time we see it in his acting!

To return to Ransom, I believe that this is not a high point in Ron Howard's career either. From a man who has brought us Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Frost/ Nixon, this is an exercise in skillful mediocrity. So, look at these films with Mr. Gibson and you will gain an appreciation for what he can do in front of the camera. I wish some filmmaker would disregard Gibson's personal rhetoric and other offscreen antics and give him a role that will utilize his considerable talents as an actor. It can be done. It is possible. Do you want proof? Okay...how about... THE WRESTLER with Mickey Rourke! 'Nuff said.