Unforgiven for me is the role that shows just how brilliant an actor he is, he goes from jovial to utterly terrifying in seconds!!!! the scene with the writer and 'The Duck of Death' (Richard Harris) in the jail cell always gives me CHILLS!
Awesome, spectacular actor. I remember him in The Poseidon Adventure, perhaps a minor film for such an actor, but his performance was brilhant and unforgettable.
By the time he got to Mississippi Burning and the subject matter, he was more than happy to apply the correct intensity and physicality to fit the scene. Perfectly
Definitely in my top 10 of classic must watch movies ... it is so realistic because of the great acting by the main characters and the supporting actors ... Fernando Rey plays his part so well as Frog 1 and is nearly as good as Hackman who was genuinely outstanding
Saw this when I was 10 in Brooklyn N.Y. so I know "new-yorkers". Accent, mannerisms etc. If you would of told me then this was a southern boy, I would of thought you were lying to me. Today, it's still hard to believe. Gene Hackman's performance in my top 3 of all time! Classic!!!
Great film as is Part 2. Gene Hackman is a brilliant actor, he's a really humble, mild-mannered guy, somebody you could share a pint with. Bet he could tell a few stories too.
@@johndoherty4976 *were *actors No. Gene was better than both. Hackman's career took off when he was 40, and he got better as he got older. Great in everything.
totally, it reached a peak in the 70s before other things like effects and marketing took over and from the 80s it started to go downhill, now it's really at an all time low.
Legend. I met him, by accident, on the Main Street of Port Perry where he and ray romano were filming Mooseport. He actually sat down with me and we had this whole conversation about the French connection. He was humble and very sociable, a gentleman . I will never forget him.
Gene Hackman is probably one of the 10 best actors the last 50 years. I miss the French Connection, it's been many years since I saw it and I would like to watch the sequel too.
They really don’t make ‘em like they used to. Gene Hackman was such a riveting/powerful actor. Everything he did, he always gave his 110%. French Connection, Unforgiven, Hoosiers, Mississippi Burning and Get Shorty are some of my favorite performances of his.
He always gave 110% even if he didn't believe the film would be a hit like Hoosiers - a film I'm very much looking forward to seeing by the way, I got myself a copy. He was proved wrong in his initial assessment and it's now considered one of the top sports films
Thank you so much for uploading this! 🥳 Such a rare interview! Seeing him so hesitant to be rough on the role was a huge surprise! I always thought it was in his nature, he seems so earnest and gentle
One of the finest actors of all time and one of the greatest directors in cinema, creating one of the best thrillers ever made. Absolute cinematic perfection. I dare anyone to start watching French Connection and try to tear themselves away from the screen.
He will always be my favorite actor. I'm getting older myself, in my 40's. So being a Gene Hackman fan was probably thanks to my dad taking me to the movie theater, sometimes weekly. I always thought Gene had a way to capture the character, adding grit and charisma, gestures. Always pulled me into his characters, sometimes liking them even when they weren't realistically that likebale. A lot of people my age see actors such as Brad Pitt or Leo as screen favs., but I'm just a fan of the older school. I'm sad not to see him in movies anymore. I miss his talent greatly. I hope only the best for him these days, whatever he's up to. He did a great favor to me. My life has been riddled with hardship, and movies have always been a crutch for me to lean on; an escape. So for that I'm forever grateful. 🙏
I remember my Father took me to the movie theater to see 'The French Connection' . It was around 1974 or 1975 - I was 6 or 7 years old - The Polish Movie Premiere was in 1974. Now I'm 56 and I want to say that Gene Hackman has been my favorite actor since that time. The movie has shaped my movie taste. BTW. Gene Hackman played a role as Major General Stanisław Sosabowski, Polish Brigade Commander, Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, in ' A Bridge Too Far' released in 1977 - great movie as well. I would like to thank my Dad for taking me to the cinema to watch really great films. 🙂
Whatever doubts and hesitancy Hackman had about effectively portraying Popeye's fearless physical bravado and bullying, roughneck nature, we in the audience never detect it. Hackman's performance is seamless and his commitment to the character is fully realized. I think the film seems somewhat dated now - it is very much a movie of its particular historical moment - but Hackman's work holds up exceptionally well. Some might say his greatest performance came in The Conversation in which he plays a character that's vastly more cerebral and emotionally reserved - nearly an inversion of Popeye Doyle - but both performances are a testament to Hackman's considerable range and talent.
Well said! The idea that the movie is "Dated" strikes me as odd. All period films are "Dated" This is a modern "Period" film. Wouldn't you say? Simply astounding.
@@melsteffano6189 You have a point there. This is something I've been thinking about for a while now. I would agree French Connection is definitely part of the modern period - in other words, it seems more part of our era than distinct from it. But here's the thing. Look at Jimmy Cagney's famous gangster film from 1931: The Public Enemy. As a thought experiment, pretend you're watching it in 1981. Do you think the film, fifty years after the fact, would seem dated? I would definitely think virtually anything from the early thirties - especially movies - would seem dated to a an early eighties audience. Yet, oddly, here we are in 2023 talking about a movie released in 1971 that seems more recognizably contemporary. Something about that 60/70 era - the movies, the music, etc - stays with us. It never becomes "Clara Bow"
I agree, I have always thought of The French Connection and The Conversation as the yin and yang of Hackman performances (extrovert vs. introvert). Yet his physicality remains remarkably consistent: his shambling walk, the way he points his finger, etc. Brando did something similar when he followed-up The Godfather with Last Tango In Paris. Two totally different performances, but the essence of the actor remains in place.
Good comment. It's interesting that Hackman had that hesitancy to portray that bullying and toughness on screen. In real life Gene was a tough guy (an ex-marine), a guy you wouldn't want to mess with, and at times as a young man would go looking for fights. Dustin Hoffman said that about Hackman, as both he and Gene were good friends going back to their early actor days in NYC. "I need to get in a fight," Hackman said (paraphrasing slightly) to Hoffman one time.
Gene Gene The Acting Machine. Hackman's in my top 5, right up there with PSH, Holly Hunter, Barbara Stanwyck & Henry Fonda. Best Hackman films? The Conversation & The Royal Tenenbaums, plus that small but perfect performance he delivered in The Firm.
There’s only a certain number of movies made that I think as a viewer I give it some reverence & respect. On the occasions it shown on TV it gets ones full attention and admiration The French Connection is one of them - a treat - superb cast of actors playing fabulous characters....It is one of the most outstanding films ever made pure brilliance ..intelligent suspenseful gritty dramatic action… I watch it every time it’s on TV even though I’ve got it in my personal collection including the making of it with William Friedman which just like Gene Hackmans interview is a joy & fascinating. 👍🏻
I'm English and would big up English actors but Gene is unique and has never to date been rivalled. He possesses a talent and depth through intelligence alone that could enable him to take on any role in anything. He is as you say truly awesome.
~~ William Friedkin could be difficult & demanding for his cast & crew to deal with - but the results speak for themselves - French Connection still resonates to this day - and that film is what earned him the right to do The Exorcist and he clearly made the most of that opportunity as well ..
Outstanding film in every way. I love that Gene and Roy don’t really feel like they’re acting. Feels very authentic. Would give anything to be able to sit down for a drink with those two. Roy in particular I feel was quite underrated.
I loved William Goldmans story about Roy Scheider in marathon man when he says Dustin Hoffman is griping that his character 'wouldn't look for a flashlight' and they are carrying on with the director and Roy Scheider is just standing there for an hour just being rock solid. I remember he didn't want to do Jaws 2 but was contractually bound, and that movie would have been, well, Jaws 3, if he hadnt been in it. Definitely was an under rated actor. But its amazing that a movie like this could be so good, when its basically about 'well, some french guys smuggling in drugs and they get away'.
@@jamesanthony5681 I watched a documentary on Gene Hackman where Dustin Hoffman (Who roomed with him in the early days) said Gene used to say "I got to go out to a bar for a drink and get in a fight" That's what Gene was like
I feel this movie has fallen off the cultural radar over the last decade or two, which is a real shame, because it deserves its place in the top tier of US cinema.
Hackman was awesome in that role its difficult to reconcile his performance with his recollection. And Eddie Egan was outstanding - who would have believed he was not an actor? Very interesting also that the bar reference suggests those taking part were cops? Such a realistic performance. Tour de force of a movie.
Billy Friedkin originally wanted Jackie Gleason to play Popeye, and when you see Eddie Egan (the real Popeye) it is hard to imagine anyone but Gleason in the role (if it was a year or two later, Charles Durning would have fit the bill). Gene Hackman brought a different skill set to the performance. First, his physicality lent itself to this most physical of leading man performances, his innate charm and likeability took the edge off of Egan's racism. What Hackman lacked was, not as he says, the anger, but Eddie Egan's Brooklynese way of speaking. That voice was the character's signature and Hackman found out quickly he couldn't master that "deez, dem and doze" dialect. So what he did instead was take a cue from his old Marine drill instructor and that helped make Popeye his own (Egan was a Marine as well, and when he told Hackman he was, the actor knew he could find Popeye's core). You will note that when Popeye raids Roy's Bar ("Popeye's here!"), Hackman spouts it from the side of his mouth. That's straight up "hut-hut" Marine style.
No one could've played that role better than Hackman . When Hackman talks about how the Character was a bigot...That scene was edited by (Disney I'm sure ) i guess it played on The Criterion Collection channel and that scene was edited causing an outrage. So i think if someone streams it it will be that edited version( i have it on disc - thank goodness for physical media). You can't change the way things were or how people talked and act like it didn't exist. The French Connection is perfect the way it is.
One of the greatest actors of all time. I'll watch a Hackman movie simply because he's in it.
Gene Hackman is truly an Actor’s Actor
A long time favorite. Still with us at 93. Bless him.
He’s a tough ol’ boy is Gene. Lot of respect due!
Barely. Life is not easy.
The finest US screen actor ever, bar none.
Unforgiven for me is the role that shows just how brilliant an actor he is, he goes from jovial to utterly terrifying in seconds!!!! the scene with the writer and 'The Duck of Death' (Richard Harris) in the jail cell always gives me CHILLS!
Awesome, spectacular actor. I remember him in The Poseidon Adventure, perhaps a minor film for such an actor, but his performance was brilhant and unforgettable.
No way. Robert DeNiro all the way.
@@bungle3912don't be an imbecile. It's all subjective.
Marlon Brando
By the time he got to Mississippi Burning and the subject matter, he was more than happy to apply the correct intensity and physicality to fit the scene. Perfectly
Classic actor. Classic film. One of my favourite top 10 films.
Definitely in my top 10 of classic must watch movies ... it is so realistic because of the great acting by the main characters and the supporting actors ... Fernando Rey plays his part so well as Frog 1 and is nearly as good as Hackman who was genuinely outstanding
Saw this when I was 10 in Brooklyn N.Y. so I know "new-yorkers". Accent, mannerisms etc. If you would of told me then this was a southern boy, I would of thought you were lying to me.
Today, it's still hard to believe.
Gene Hackman's performance in my top 3 of all time!
Classic!!!
He's not a southern boy. Born in Southern California and grew up in Illinois.
@@jakerson181 Non-Newyorker then.
Only place on earth that have that accent.
Great film as is Part 2. Gene Hackman is a brilliant actor, he's a really humble, mild-mannered guy, somebody you could share a pint with. Bet he could tell a few stories too.
Part 2 detox scene is incredible and so sadly overlooked.
I totally agree. FC2 is hugely overlooked.
My favourite actor of all time Gene
Charles Bronson and Steve McQueen where better actor's then Gene Hackman
@@johndoherty4976That's hilarious. Good joke!
@@johndoherty4976
*were
*actors
No. Gene was better than both. Hackman's career took off when he was 40, and he got better as he got older. Great in everything.
Great actor is Gene Hackman. Brilliant.
I could listen to this guy all day
He's wonderful. I first realized this on the movie Hoosiers.
Part 1 is a MASTERPIECE. The ending is one of the most memorable for me, and I've seen plenty of films in my time.
Such a great interview. He's a charming gentleman.
Great film and interview.... one of my favourite films ever!!!! 😎
Gene is such a classy guy and a superb actor. French Connection and him were made for each other. My top 5 movie.
One of the shinning jewels in the acting crown.
One of Gene Hackman‘s best
Another example of why the 70's was the greatest decade for movies, whatever the genre and whatever the language.
And for music too.
totally, it reached a peak in the 70s before other things like effects and marketing took over and from the 80s it started to go downhill, now it's really at an all time low.
A bona fide Masterpiece
Love the Irish Goodbye upon exiting the bar! ☘️
Legend. I met him, by accident, on the Main Street of Port Perry where he and ray romano were filming Mooseport. He actually sat down with me and we had this whole conversation about the French connection. He was humble and very sociable, a gentleman . I will never forget him.
Friedkin has such a brilliant sense of the oddness of streets in the city that was always there in the 70s !
Is he any relation to Dan Friedkin who is about to become the next owner of Everton FC?
Gene Hackman is probably one of the 10 best actors the last 50 years. I miss the French Connection, it's been many years since I saw it and I would like to watch the sequel too.
For me he's a strong contender for the best film actor America's ever produced. He's that good
@@maxbowie6074 He's one of the best for sure and I like him when he plays tough guys.
F.C II is terrific as well!
@@melsteffano6189 I've never watched it but I believe you!
I've watched both films at least 10 times each. I just love them both.
They really don’t make ‘em like they used to. Gene Hackman was such a riveting/powerful actor. Everything he did, he always gave his 110%. French Connection, Unforgiven, Hoosiers, Mississippi Burning and Get Shorty are some of my favorite performances of his.
He’s great in the birdcage too ha
Scarecrow from 1973 the conversation from 1974 two of his other great ones.
He always gave 110% even if he didn't believe the film would be a hit like Hoosiers - a film I'm very much looking forward to seeing by the way, I got myself a copy. He was proved wrong in his initial assessment and it's now considered one of the top sports films
Brilliant actor, brilliant film. Ahhh the 1970's.
Wow! What an interview.
Huge amount of respect to that man
"Whether you like him or not, he is who he is" on his character
Gold
Such a great movie
Thank you very much for this! Gene was funny, serious and matter of fact about the film. He was relaxed and well spoken here. Enjoy your retirement😀
Great actor. The eerie film score of TFC was great as well, especially during the end scene.
Thank you so much for uploading this! 🥳 Such a rare interview! Seeing him so hesitant to be rough on the role was a huge surprise! I always thought it was in his nature, he seems so earnest and gentle
One of the finest actors of all time and one of the greatest directors in cinema, creating one of the best thrillers ever made. Absolute cinematic perfection. I dare anyone to start watching French Connection and try to tear themselves away from the screen.
Best actor ever
Great film good actor still goung strong at 94 years old bless him . I enjoyed watching him in The Convention .
The greatest police/crime drama in cinema history, bar none.
He will always be my favorite actor. I'm getting older myself, in my 40's. So being a Gene Hackman fan was probably thanks to my dad taking me to the movie theater, sometimes weekly. I always thought Gene had a way to capture the character, adding grit and charisma, gestures. Always pulled me into his characters, sometimes liking them even when they weren't realistically that likebale. A lot of people my age see actors such as Brad Pitt or Leo as screen favs., but I'm just a fan of the older school.
I'm sad not to see him in movies anymore. I miss his talent greatly. I hope only the best for him these days, whatever he's up to. He did a great favor to me. My life has been riddled with hardship, and movies have always been a crutch for me to lean on; an escape. So for that I'm forever grateful. 🙏
His regular speaking voice is a lot different from films. A true chameleon.
I remember my Father took me to the movie theater to see 'The French Connection' . It was around 1974 or 1975 - I was 6 or 7 years old - The Polish Movie Premiere was in 1974. Now I'm 56 and I want to say that Gene Hackman has been my favorite actor since that time. The movie has shaped my movie taste. BTW. Gene Hackman played a role as Major General Stanisław Sosabowski, Polish Brigade Commander, Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, in ' A Bridge Too Far' released in 1977 - great movie as well. I would like to thank my Dad for taking me to the cinema to watch really great films. 🙂
Whatever doubts and hesitancy Hackman had about effectively portraying Popeye's fearless physical bravado and bullying, roughneck nature, we in the audience never detect it. Hackman's performance is seamless and his commitment to the character is fully realized. I think the film seems somewhat dated now - it is very much a movie of its particular historical moment - but Hackman's work holds up exceptionally well. Some might say his greatest performance came in The Conversation in which he plays a character that's vastly more cerebral and emotionally reserved - nearly an inversion of Popeye Doyle - but both performances are a testament to Hackman's considerable range and talent.
Well said! The idea that the movie is "Dated" strikes me as odd. All period films are "Dated" This is a modern "Period" film. Wouldn't you say? Simply astounding.
@@melsteffano6189 You have a point there. This is something I've been thinking about for a while now. I would agree French Connection is definitely part of the modern period - in other words, it seems more part of our era than distinct from it. But here's the thing. Look at Jimmy Cagney's famous gangster film from 1931: The Public Enemy. As a thought experiment, pretend you're watching it in 1981. Do you think the film, fifty years after the fact, would seem dated? I would definitely think virtually anything from the early thirties - especially movies - would seem dated to a an early eighties audience. Yet, oddly, here we are in 2023 talking about a movie released in 1971 that seems more recognizably contemporary. Something about that 60/70 era - the movies, the music, etc - stays with us. It never becomes "Clara Bow"
I agree, I have always thought of The French Connection and The Conversation as the yin and yang of Hackman performances (extrovert vs. introvert). Yet his physicality remains remarkably consistent: his shambling walk, the way he points his finger, etc. Brando did something similar when he followed-up The Godfather with Last Tango In Paris. Two totally different performances, but the essence of the actor remains in place.
Very well said.
Good comment.
It's interesting that Hackman had that hesitancy to portray that bullying and toughness on screen. In real life Gene was a tough guy (an ex-marine), a guy you wouldn't want to mess with, and at times as a young man would go looking for fights. Dustin Hoffman said that about Hackman, as both he and Gene were good friends going back to their early actor days in NYC. "I need to get in a fight," Hackman said (paraphrasing slightly) to Hoffman one time.
RIP Billy
What a perfect actor cast in a perfect role in a perfect movie
One of the best movies I have ever seen. Excellent role.
one of my favourite movies
One of those actors whose presence simply takes over the entire screen.
Insane film. A miracle. Gene Hackman owns the movie.
A truly great actor
I watched this last week for the first time all the way through and really loved the shots of New York.
I adore this film. I can watch it over and over. Perfection
Love Gene 🇮🇪
A great actor. Kevin Costner said he was arguably the best actor he’s ever worked with!
Isn't he lovely.
I was a student in New York at that time, protesting the war. French Connection (1971) has the look and feel. Still a favorite.
Gene Gene The Acting Machine.
Hackman's in my top 5, right up there with PSH, Holly Hunter, Barbara Stanwyck & Henry Fonda.
Best Hackman films? The Conversation & The Royal Tenenbaums, plus that small but perfect performance he delivered in The Firm.
There’s only a certain number of movies made that I think as a viewer I give it some reverence & respect.
On the occasions it shown on TV it gets ones full attention and admiration The French Connection is one of them - a treat - superb cast of actors playing fabulous characters....It is one of the most outstanding films ever made pure brilliance ..intelligent suspenseful gritty dramatic action… I watch it every time it’s on TV even though I’ve got it in my personal collection including the making of it with William Friedman which just like Gene Hackmans interview is a joy & fascinating. 👍🏻
I'm English and would big up English actors but Gene is unique and has never to date been
rivalled. He possesses a talent and depth through intelligence alone that could enable him
to take on any role in anything. He is as you say truly awesome.
Awesome film, Hackman is awesome too.
~~ William Friedkin could be difficult & demanding for his cast & crew to deal with - but the results speak for themselves - French Connection still resonates to this day - and that film is what earned him the right to do The Exorcist and he clearly made the most of that opportunity as well ..
Very cool interview and thank you Gene for all that you have delivered.
Absolutely one of my favorite actors.
His work is always spot on, never a false moment. One of the best, right up there with Spencer Tracey.
Outstanding film in every way. I love that Gene and Roy don’t really feel like they’re acting. Feels very authentic. Would give anything to be able to sit down for a drink with those two. Roy in particular I feel was quite underrated.
An absolute shocker of a film.
As a teenager I watched in in the 70ies-One of the 3 most badass movies of all time.
Great actor. Great Movie! Won 5 Oscars. You should see this film. It's a great ride.
Gene is a real legend
Love it!
You the man G ! We will never forget to Remember you ! ❤
Hackman's interview in James Lipton's 'At the Actor's Studio' is still the best episode by a wide margin.
Gene Hackman is the greatest actor of all time in my opinion.
I loved William Goldmans story about Roy Scheider in marathon man when he says Dustin Hoffman is griping that his character 'wouldn't look for a flashlight' and they are carrying on with the director and Roy Scheider is just standing there for an hour just being rock solid. I remember he didn't want to do Jaws 2 but was contractually bound, and that movie would have been, well, Jaws 3, if he hadnt been in it. Definitely was an under rated actor.
But its amazing that a movie like this could be so good, when its basically about 'well, some french guys smuggling in drugs and they get away'.
Great Interview 💯 💯 💯
What a great actor.
What an absolute legend!
I’m surprised he would do an interview he lives a very secluded life style.
Wow, he was going to quit and gave up on himself in that role for the movie. Big thanks to Friedkin to make Hackman stay in it and see it through.
Hackman is one of the greats, almost all of his performances are fantastic.
_Scarecrow_ (1973) with Pacino is an underrated movie.
He's a great actor.
Gene and Roy are some of the best.
Gene Hackman didn’t think he could play Popeye Doyle convincingly. Good thing he did-it's one of his best roles! 🎭💪
Back when they made REAL films. Not the shit they make now.
Marvel
Exactly Good cinema and great actors.
This was a period when the guys running the studios were the movie guys, the ones that loved film, before the accountants and lawyers took over.
@@jamesanthony5681 You got it. A different era. And I miss it terribly. They made films then
@@jamesanthony5681 I watched a documentary on Gene Hackman where Dustin Hoffman (Who roomed with him in the early days) said Gene used to say "I got to go out to a bar for a drink and get in a fight" That's what Gene was like
Just love Gene Hackman🎉🎉🎉🎉
I feel this movie has fallen off the cultural radar over the last decade or two, which is a real shame, because it deserves its place in the top tier of US cinema.
Amazing actor Hollywood legend
One of the best movies ever made.
my favorite actor
A seriously brilliant actor.
Assisti Missi sip em chamas com Gene Hacmam que ator tslentoso demais
Hackman was awesome in that role its difficult to reconcile his performance with his recollection.
And Eddie Egan was outstanding - who would have believed he was not an actor?
Very interesting also that the bar reference suggests those taking part were cops? Such a realistic performance.
Tour de force of a movie.
The movies released in 1971 show the sheer creative poverty now, an awesome list.
Billy Friedkin originally wanted Jackie Gleason to play Popeye, and when you see Eddie Egan (the real Popeye) it is hard to imagine anyone but Gleason in the role (if it was a year or two later, Charles Durning would have fit the bill). Gene Hackman brought a different skill set to the performance. First, his physicality lent itself to this most physical of leading man performances, his innate charm and likeability took the edge off of Egan's racism. What Hackman lacked was, not as he says, the anger, but Eddie Egan's Brooklynese way of speaking. That voice was the character's signature and Hackman found out quickly he couldn't master that "deez, dem and doze" dialect. So what he did instead was take a cue from his old Marine drill instructor and that helped make Popeye his own (Egan was a Marine as well, and when he told Hackman he was, the actor knew he could find Popeye's core). You will note that when Popeye raids Roy's Bar ("Popeye's here!"), Hackman spouts it from the side of his mouth. That's straight up "hut-hut" Marine style.
Hackman was GREAT as Popeye
Hackman did his own stunt driving? Wow.
Bill Hickman did !
No one could've played that role better than Hackman . When Hackman talks about how the Character was a bigot...That scene was edited by (Disney I'm sure ) i guess it played on The Criterion Collection channel and that scene was edited causing an outrage. So i think if someone streams it it will be that edited version( i have it on disc - thank goodness for physical media). You can't change the way things were or how people talked and act like it didn't exist. The French Connection is perfect the way it is.
Total pro. "You been pickin' your toes in Poukipsee" scene is a MASTERPIECE.
He looks like a lovely gentleman.😊
Gene Hackman is a GREAT Actor. I've never seen him give a poor performance.
His performance in birdcage so underrated. He’s such a wonderful human being. Not too many like him. Authentic, integrity, humility, genius.
Still looks great
Interview 2008.