What a great range he had as an actor: from the silent Boo Radley of “To Kill a Mockingbird” to the articulate, and verbose, (but ambitious and ruthless executive) Frank Hackett of “Network.”I’m with Sonny on Network, the Hackett character was the financial focus of Network, the Diana character was the “creative” focus. He was Tom Hagen, the clever lawyer for the Corleone family making sure its “soldiers” had legal gun permits, to the murderous preacher who gives powerful sermons in “The Apostle.” But he also had great television roles including characters as diverse as Eisenhower and Eichmann. But for me, his most memorable and most striking role, for which he earned an Emmy, was “Stalin.” Most folks probably haven’t seen it, but his portrayal of one the great monsters of the 20th century was chilling, accurate and almost scary.
I've always thought this guy was way underrated. Never a leading man, but always indispensable in many supporting roles where he added exactly the right punch. One forgotten but uncommonly moving film that made an impression on me, is "Tender Mercies." He plays a has-been alcoholic country music star who, while in recovery, is having to cope with tragic loss of a child. During the same time he had already begun trying to reconcile a past marked both by great professional success, but also much personal trouble. Trying now to achieve positive transition, new life and new love. This movie is not for casual viewing. It did not do well box office wise, but was a winner in critical evaluation, after the fact. And Duvall's performance, IMHO, was simply incredible. I think time will favor our regard for this wonderful actor who gave so much to his industry over a long career.
He was marvellous in southern roles. *The Apostle* caught the rhythm. He had to pay for that one as he couldn't get funding. In *Widows* he was so Rudy I'm surprised Rudy didn't sue.
Actors like Duvall are a marker that, no matter if the film is a dud, there’s something that will entertain in the flick. Hackman was like that too. Maggie Smith.
Just came back from watching Send Help. I’ve just decided to promote Rachel McAdams, belatedly, into that category. Permanent benefit of the doubt.
I remember when they announced Duvall would be in "Lonesome Dove". I expected him to play Woodrow Call, not Gus. Boy was I wrong. That was perfect. RIP Thank you for so many marvelous roles.
His farm is in Fauquier County - specifically in The Plains - where he also owned (for several years) the Rail Stop restaurant. Long life, tremendous loss.
I was raised on and have always loved westerns. Lonesome Dove may be my faborite novel of all time but I only read it after I'd seen the miniseries and been completely captivated by Duvall's Gus McCrae, whose chemistry with Tommy Lee Jones was off the charts. Time for a rewatch.
A great actor.
Was his shortest movie role the cab driver in Bullit?
What a great range he had as an actor: from the silent Boo Radley of “To Kill a Mockingbird” to the articulate, and verbose, (but ambitious and ruthless executive) Frank Hackett of “Network.”I’m with Sonny on Network, the Hackett character was the financial focus of Network, the Diana character was the “creative” focus. He was Tom Hagen, the clever lawyer for the Corleone family making sure its “soldiers” had legal gun permits, to the murderous preacher who gives powerful sermons in “The Apostle.” But he also had great television roles including characters as diverse as Eisenhower and Eichmann. But for me, his most memorable and most striking role, for which he earned an Emmy, was “Stalin.” Most folks probably haven’t seen it, but his portrayal of one the great monsters of the 20th century was chilling, accurate and almost scary.
I've always thought this guy was way underrated. Never a leading man, but always indispensable in many supporting roles where he added exactly the right punch. One forgotten but uncommonly moving film that made an impression on me, is "Tender Mercies." He plays a has-been alcoholic country music star who, while in recovery, is having to cope with tragic loss of a child. During the same time he had already begun trying to reconcile a past marked both by great professional success, but also much personal trouble. Trying now to achieve positive transition, new life and new love. This movie is not for casual viewing. It did not do well box office wise, but was a winner in critical evaluation, after the fact. And Duvall's performance, IMHO, was simply incredible. I think time will favor our regard for this wonderful actor who gave so much to his industry over a long career.
He was marvellous in southern roles. *The Apostle* caught the rhythm. He had to pay for that one as he couldn't get funding. In *Widows* he was so Rudy I'm surprised Rudy didn't sue.
A much earned rest. My fav To Kill A Mockingbird introduced me to your abilities. God’s Speed Mr Duvall.
Actors like Duvall are a marker that, no matter if the film is a dud, there’s something that will entertain in the flick. Hackman was like that too. Maggie Smith.
Just came back from watching Send Help. I’ve just decided to promote Rachel McAdams, belatedly, into that category. Permanent benefit of the doubt.
Ill remember him most for Apocalypse Now and THX 1138.
I remember when they announced Duvall would be in "Lonesome Dove". I expected him to play Woodrow Call, not Gus. Boy was I wrong. That was perfect. RIP Thank you for so many marvelous roles.
I love "Tomorrow" - not much dialogue, and a story that I will never forget. Based on a William Faulkner story.
His farm is in Fauquier County - specifically in The Plains - where he also owned (for several years) the Rail Stop restaurant. Long life, tremendous loss.
Goodby Boo ...
Very moving and spot on Sonny. We watched Duvall in the God Father’s through this weekend. Sad news. He deserves all the glory. RIP Robert Duvall
A moving tribute to a great actor - many thanks.
Dr John Watson AND Generals Lee and Eisenhower!
NOOOOOOOOOOO.
I was raised on and have always loved westerns. Lonesome Dove may be my faborite novel of all time but I only read it after I'd seen the miniseries and been completely captivated by Duvall's Gus McCrae, whose chemistry with Tommy Lee Jones was off the charts. Time for a rewatch.