An astonishing actor, and a mesmerising, terrifying presence onscreen. His habit of turning up drunk on British TV in later life has tended to cloud his reputation, but his films will last.
I rate his work for Ken Russell as his very best - there are some great stories in Russell's autobiography - but check out his J.D. role in The Damned, which almost got him the role of Alex in Clockwork Orange, and I'll always treasure The Assassination Bureau, a steampunk extravaganza with Diana Rigg.
I have been on an Oliver Reed kick again lately, though I am astonished at how few of his films I have seen. I just made it through "Gor" last night. So sad to have seen him in that, though he was easily the best part and did not phone it in.
Hell yeah, man--one of the all time best! That last picture says it all.
ReplyDeleteAn astonishing actor, and a mesmerising, terrifying presence onscreen. His habit of turning up drunk on British TV in later life has tended to cloud his reputation, but his films will last.
ReplyDeleteI rate his work for Ken Russell as his very best - there are some great stories in Russell's autobiography - but check out his J.D. role in The Damned, which almost got him the role of Alex in Clockwork Orange, and I'll always treasure The Assassination Bureau, a steampunk extravaganza with Diana Rigg.
What? No Burnt Offerings? Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Thanks for posting
ReplyDeleteI knowwwww Case... it'll have to wait for Volume 2!
ReplyDeleteWhat no The Hunting Party one of my favorites
ReplyDeleteI have been on an Oliver Reed kick again lately, though I am astonished at how few of his films I have seen. I just made it through "Gor" last night. So sad to have seen him in that, though he was easily the best part and did not phone it in.
ReplyDeleteA great, underrated British actor. Curse of the Werewolf will always be my favorite.
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