The loss of Philip Seymour Hoffman hit me like Wu’s peeing on the rug in The Big Lebowski hit the Dude.
Hoffman really tied a movie together.
Perhaps I’m a little late with the homage. But, I’ve seen plenty of his films, and looking back there were roles he had that we’ve forgotten about, like appearing as George Willis, Jr. in Scent of a Woman, or Dustin Davis in Twister.
Hoffman was truly a versatile actor. Sometimes I get the feeling Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood and Matthew McConaghey play variations of the same character. But with Hoffman, he played a different person every film he was in.
Hoffman, no matter how he left the world, will be missed. So here are my five favourite roles he played on the silver screen.
| 5. |  |
Movie: Moneyball (2011) Character: Art Howe Quote: “I disagree with you, plain and simple. And moreover, I’m playing my team in a way that I can explain in job interviews next winter.” Why: I never expected to see Hoffman playing a jock, or for that matter a manager of jocks, but in Moneyball he played the hard-nosed bench boss well, despite what the real Art Howe balks at. |
|---|---|---|
| 4. |  |
Movie: Twister (1996) Character: Dustin Davis Quote: “It’s a wonder of nature, baby!” Why: Driven to the brink of ecstasy whenever near a storm cell, Hoffman portrayed a rock-and-roll stormchaser to a T. |
| 3. |  |
Movie: Along Came Polly (2004) Character: Sandy Lyle Quote: “I tried to fart and a little shit came out. I just sharted. Now let’s go.” Why: Has-been child actor Sandy Lyle is probably one of the most memorable characters from a buddy comedy. Who can forget his game-saver speech for Ben Stiller, his portrayal of both Jesus and Judas in Godspell or the shart scene? |
| 2. |  |
Movie: The Big Lebowski (1998) Character: Brandt Quote: “Her life is in your hands, Dude.” Why: The other Jeffrey Lebowski’s toady. Though Brandt wasn’t in the film often, he was there every time the Dude conversed with Jeffrey Lebowski. His unspoken words, and sheepish laugh when Bunny makes The Dude an offer he can’t refuse, are priceless. |
| 1. |  |
Movie: Almost Famous (2000) Character: Lester Bangs Quote: “Music, you now, true music – not just rock n roll – it chooses you. It lives in your car, or alone listening to your headphones, you know, with the cast scenic bridges and angelic choirs in your brain. It’s a place apart from the vast, benign lap of America.” Why: When rock music and the silver screen combine it’s a beautiful thing. When rock journalists get involved, it’s scintillating. And Hoffman nailed his job as Lester Bangs. |