Oliver Reed In Paranoic – Enjoy Your Work | The Great Acting Blog
I recently watched Oliver Reed in an old Hammer Horror picture called Paranoic, except that it’s not a horror film but a psychological thriller in the Hitchcockian mould, about an upper-middle class family of brother, sister, auntie, who get a spanner thrown in their works when Oliver Reed’s brother (played by Alexander Davion) , who had apparently died 8 years previously, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of their mansion, apparently alive and well. Reed, playing Simon Ashby, a drunken, womanising, boorish, playboy, and a psychotic to boot, is none too pleased at the reappearance of his long lost brother, as it complicates his efforts to get his hands on the family money. The first thing I noticed about Reed in this film was his youth, Paranoic was made when Reed was 25, and he’s slim, physically agile, and high-cheek boned. My image of Reed (and presumably that of many people of my generation) was of the bloated and beared figure he became in the latter decades of his life, and he didn’t seem committed to his performances – there is little more alienating for a viewer, than watching an actor who doesn’t care about his work – and as such I have always found Reed difficult to love, and never took him too seriously as an actor. Furthermore, I confess I was never quite sure how or why he became a star, and thought that perhaps his name had been made more by his hell-raising reputation than his acting chops.
However, I have had to completely re-think all this after seeing Reed in Paranoic. Here he seems to be enjoying his work, he is alive, his performance is vivid, it’s detailed and precise and he delivers some wonderful lines like; “you’re more stupid than I gave you credit for”, with a bone dry effortlessness, not caring about the effect the words may have on the person they are directed towards, a remark so casual it cant be bothered to summon any proper intent, it’s almost as though he is simply thinking out loud, not quite an insult nor a private joke. Infact, Reed’s entire performance is laced with a laid back irony, as when he refers to the family nurse as; “little miss Florence Nightingale”. And these ironic actions are repeated throughout the film by Reed on behalf of his character in the script, Simon Ashby, and what we witness is a truthful expression of Reed’s lack of concern for the people around him in the film, which is very different to an actor’s lack of concern for the work at hand. Reed also displays genuine power in the film, as when he learns that his attempt to murder his brother by fixing the brakes on his car has failed, he releases an expression which reveals such terror that it is one of the most provocative moments of screen acting I have seen. There is another scene where Reed is getting drunk in some bar, surrounded by tarts and cronies, he suddenly snaps into a rage, grabbing the darts from the dartboard and threatening to kill one of his cohorts with them. Reed is genuinely terrifying here, I cannot imagine what it must have been like for the other actors in the scene, and his face wears an expression of such ugly intensity that he can only have dredged it up from the pit of his soul. This is the Real Mcoy from Reed. Then there is more subtle work from him, as when he slouches on the sofa with a glass of brandy, and decides to stir it up a bit with his auntie, his relaxed physical state and the moment-to-moment detail of his performance reveal that Reed is enjoying his acting choices, choices which are not the result of some directorial conceit (they cannot be), but of Reed’s intuition in response to his understanding of the script.
All too often we see work where the actor is not fully committed, and his performance is broad and bland, it lacks drive, he is merely going through the motions. How often have we heard critics say something like – “oh, he faxed that performance in” – and I’ve heard this comment made about Hollywood stars being paid millions. This “faxing in” of performances, by actors working in whatever milieu, arises largely because the actor does not enjoy the choice he has made, whether that is a choice of how to play the scene, or his choice to accept the job in the first place which he may have done simply for the money (or even his choice to become an actor at all). Either way, the results are usually inferior to those of actors who make choices they enjoy, these actors thrill the audience, and thus their job is done. Therefore, actors have a responsibility to the audience to make choices they enjoy*. * When I say enjoy, I mean that the choice excites the actor, makes him want to , gets his blood up, I don’t mean enjoy as in going on a picnic.
RELATED READING
|
James Devereaux/ 24.06.2011
People better informed than me say Reed got his start in Hammer films. Next, I want to see Curse Of The Werewolf as part of my reappraisal of Reed’s work. Many thanks for your comment.
Aubrey/ 24.01.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Great content!
Carlton/ 04.02.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, You always provide useful information.
Roma/ 04.02.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, You always provide great insights.
Elana/ 05.02.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Your posts are always well structured and easy to follow.
Kasha/ 05.02.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Keep sharing your knowledge!
Patsy/ 06.02.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Keep the good content coming!
Rick/ 11.02.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com administrator, You always provide useful tips and best practices.
Tresa/ 11.02.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Thanks for the well-organized and comprehensive post!
Russ/ 13.02.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com administrator, You always provide clear explanations and step-by-step instructions.
Tanya/ 13.02.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com owner, Your posts are always well-received and appreciated.
Ophelia/ 22.02.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com owner, Good job!
Shannon/ 22.02.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Thanks for the informative post!
Audra/ 28.02.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com owner, Your posts are always well received by the community.
Rosa/ 01.03.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Keep up the good work, admin!
Fidelia/ 01.03.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com admin, Your posts are always well-cited and reliable.
Dinah/ 08.03.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Keep up the good work!
Ulrike/ 11.03.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com admin, Thanks for the well-researched and well-written post!
where to buy social signals/ 18.03.2023
fdpsiqljn djyuk vqqihat darl gmwcjcqfvifgxob
Arlette/ 24.03.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Good to see your posts!
Lanora/ 24.03.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Your posts are always well-written and engaging.
Lionel/ 26.03.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Your posts are always interesting.
Forrest/ 26.03.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-cited and reliable.
bonanza178/ 27.03.2023
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-enjoy-your-work/ […]
Bernie/ 28.03.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Thanks for the well written post!
Abel/ 30.03.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com admin, Your posts are always well-structured and logical.
Lyle/ 30.03.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com owner, You always provide clear explanations and definitions.
Phillip/ 30.03.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, You always provide valuable feedback and suggestions.
Ashlee/ 30.03.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Thanks for the in-depth post!
Joesph/ 05.04.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com admin, You always provide great examples and case studies.
Thelma/ 06.04.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Thanks for the in-depth post!
Frankie/ 06.04.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Well done!
Ciara/ 08.04.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com owner, Your posts are always well presented.
Kari/ 11.04.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com admin, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.
Cameron/ 14.04.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com admin, Thanks for the detailed post!
Stacie/ 16.04.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com admin, You always provide valuable information.
Sunny/ 21.04.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com admin, Your posts are always well-delivered and engaging.
Twila/ 21.05.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com admin, Your posts are always well-received and appreciated.
Jesenia/ 09.06.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com admin, You always provide great examples and real-world applications.
Microdosing Retreats Australia/ 21.07.2023
… [Trackback]
[…] Info on that Topic: jamesdevereaux.com/the-great-acting-blog-enjoy-your-work/ […]
Violet/ 14.08.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Keep up the good work, admin!
Violet/ 19.09.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Thanks for the in-depth post!
Jame/ 19.10.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com owner, Thanks for the well-organized post!
Justin/ 24.10.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com administrator, You always provide practical solutions and recommendations.
Ashton/ 29.10.2023
Dear jamesdevereaux.com webmaster, Your posts are always thought-provoking and inspiring.
Zora/ 01.11.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com admin, Your posts are always informative and up-to-date.
Shoshana/ 04.11.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com owner, Thanks for the detailed post!
Jannie/ 11.11.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Your posts are always well-balanced and objective.
Iona/ 23.11.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com admin, You always provide valuable information.
Antoinette/ 13.12.2023
Hi jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Good job!
Zara/ 27.12.2023
To the jamesdevereaux.com owner, Your posts are always informative and well-explained.
Arianne/ 31.12.2023
Hello jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Your posts are always well-structured and logical.
Camille/ 10.01.2024
To the jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Your posts are always a great source of knowledge.
Patsy/ 07.05.2024
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable knowledge about unpredicted emotions.
Vida/ 14.05.2024
Dear jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Thanks for the informative post!
Georgianna/ 23.05.2024
Hi jamesdevereaux.com admin, Keep up the good work!
Sarah/ 27.05.2024
Hi jamesdevereaux.com owner, You always provide great insights.
Jaimie/ 27.06.2024
To the jamesdevereaux.com administrator, Great post!
Jada/ 28.06.2024
Hi jamesdevereaux.com admin, Thanks for the well-researched and well-written post!
vorbelutrioperbir/ 07.07.2024
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!
Felix Meyer/ 07.08.2024
Having read your blog, you obviously know what you are talking about. I’m sure visiting my page Webemail24 about Senior Health will be worth your time!
Seoranko/ 07.08.2024
An excellent read that will keep readers – particularly me – coming back for more! Also, I’d genuinely appreciate if you check my website Seoranko about PR Marketing. Thank you and best of luck!
Kann man mysimba ohne Rezept bekommen/ 11.08.2024
no se requiere receta para comprar medicamentos en México Generis San Salvador de
Jujuy Medicamentos baratos sin receta
betoptic bez recepty medycznej w Wrocławiu/ 15.08.2024
leki na receptę lekarską 1A Pharma Concepcion pharmacie en ligne en Espagne vendant médicaments
ditropan in offerta online/ 16.08.2024
médicaments sans ordonnance requise Qualigen Affoltern am Albis pharmacie en ligne vendant médicaments Espagne
пушкинский музей в москве часы работы завтра/ 19.08.2024
работа вакансия воронеж работа поваром солигорск мособлеирц в королеве адрес и график работы
резюме педагога по творчеству вакансии
специалист имущественных отношений
agoxin preisvergleich schweiz/ 19.08.2024
Commandez votre médicaments en quelques clics Ebewe Campana farmaci senza prescrizione e spedizione veloce
acquista ciplaindivan in Italia senza prescrizione/ 21.08.2024
medicijnen tegen concurrerende prijs in België Gedeon Richter
Bisamberg acheter des tablettes pas chères
Conseils d'utilisation de la médicaments en ligne Evolupharm Calvizzano/ 21.08.2024
médicaments en vente en Belgique Farmoz Ulm Acheter de la médicaments avec assurance et fiabilité
Meilleurs endroits pour commander médicaments en ligne en France Medac Thônex/ 23.08.2024
medicijnen zonder recept in Amsterdam, Nederland Ranbaxy
Vicente López Partido Medikamente online verkaufen in der Schweiz
koop medicijnen online in Brussel Pharlab Angers/ 29.08.2024
achat médicaments en Espagne sur internet Davur Cham Comprar medicamentos en línea en los Estados Unidos
Nohu/ 04.09.2024
Nohu là nhà cái tiên phong tại Việt Nam trong việc ứng dụng công nghệ mới, tân tiến trong ngành đổi thưởng trực tuyến. http://topnohu.in
Vic Club/ 06.09.2024
Vic Club so huu kho game bai da dang voi nhieu the loai nhu Tien Len, Phom, Mau Binh, Lieng, Xi To, Xi Dach, Poker… Moi game deu duoc thiet ke do hoa 3D sinh dong , de su dung phu hop voi moi doi tuong tu nguoi moi bat dau den cao thu. Diem dac biet la chung toi dang ap dung cong nghe AI giup ban choi cong bang khong co hien tuong gian lan.https://playvicclub.com/
xix ғасырда дін философия ретінде болу мүмкіндігі мәселесі оның себептері/ 06.09.2024
10 процентов на депозиты в казахстане,
выплата компенсации по депозитам в казахстане сурет бойынша
бирнеше сурак дайында, матин мазмуны бойынша сурактарга
жауап бер конференция логистов, логистика
обучение самостоятельно электр өрісінің күш сызықтары,
электр өрісінің кернеулігі формуласы
уип енпф что это/ 15.09.2024
көз тура мағына, ауыспалы
мағына 5 мысал өрлеу онлайн
кз, өрлеу алматы во сколько открывается биржа в казахстане, онлайн торги касе балаларды санауға үйрету әдістемесіне бірнеше мысалдар, 1
ден 10ға дейінгі сандар балабақшада
sominex διαθέσιμο στο διαδίκτυο με ασφαλή παράδοση/ 17.09.2024
There’s definately a lot to learn about this issue. I love all the points you’ve made.
Sunwin/ 18.09.2024
Sunwin.prof là một nhà cái trực tuyến uy tín tại Việt Nam, nổi bật với các dịch vụ cá cược đa dạng. Người chơi có thể tham gia cá cược thể thao, game casino, và nhiều trò chơi khác. Giao diện nền tảng thân thiện và dễ sử dụng giúp người dùng dễ dàng tìm kiếm trò chơi yêu thích. Sunwin.prof cũng thường xuyên có khuyến mãi hấp dẫn, mang lại nhiều cơ hội thắng lớn cho người chơi. https://sunwin.prof/
Hitclub/ 18.09.2024
Hitclub.kaufen là một nhà cái trực tuyến được ưa chuộng tại Việt Nam, nổi bật với các loại hình cá cược đa dạng và phong phú. Người chơi có thể tham gia cá cược thể thao, casino trực tuyến, và nhiều trò chơi khác. Giao diện website thân thiện, dễ dàng sử dụng giúp người dùng có trải nghiệm mượt mà. Hitclub.kaufen cũng cung cấp nhiều khuyến mãi hấp dẫn, thu hút người chơi mới tham gia. https://hitclub.kaufen/
күй құдіреті 3 сынып әдебиеттік оқу/ 23.09.2024
тәуекел той шерхан мұртаза композициялық талдау, тәуекел той оқу ақ киімді
денелі ақ сақалды текст, абай көктем
өлеңі текст регрессиялық талдау деген не, регрессия деген не пираньи 3d скачать, пираньи 3dd фильм
2012
сырғанақта шығарма 2 сынып/ 02.10.2024
200 метр қашықтыққа жүгіру, қысқа қашықтық түрлері қр жекешелендіру бағыттары,
қр-ғы жекешелендіру бағыттарын айқындау махаббат махаббат деген, махаббат деген
мейрамбек айдана меденова анашым ай текст, анашым текст нурлан
айтыс туралы ашық сабақтар/ 03.10.2024
работа в англии на ферме для казахстанцев, сезонная работа
в великобритании отзывы қазақстаным жасыл орманым, елім менің авторы жоңғар хандығы нешінші жылы құрылды,
жоңғар хандығының күшеюі украина
демографиясы, украина туралы қызықты
мәліметтер
cbd shop deutschland/ 12.10.2024
Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the excellent work!
process server near gramercy la/ 13.10.2024
Its wonderful as your other posts : D, appreciate it for putting up. “History is a pact between the dead, the living, and the yet unborn.” by Edmund Burke.
әділет 184 бұйрық/ 15.10.2024
театр сөзіне сұрақ, театр туралы мақала томирис
уикипедия, томирис деген кім оқушылардың қимыл белсенділігі және
гиподинамия зияны, гипокинезия және гиподинамия шымкент құлсары поезд, шымкент
– атырау поезд
брада/ 15.10.2024
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
window blinds/ 22.10.2024
he blog was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Thanks
Cleo/ 24.10.2024
great issues altogether, you just received a new reader.
What might you recommend about your put up that you just made some days
ago? Any certain?
ғылыми дүниетаным-оқушының интеллектуалды дамудың негізі/ 30.10.2024
мобильді құрылғыларға не жатады,
мобильді құрылғылар 4 элементтерін белгілеңдер онлайн заработок алматы, фриланс алматы ондық бөлшектерді
көбейту есептер, ондық бөлшектерді көбейту 1 сабақ польша обучение,
обучение в польше бесплатно
работа удаленно чтецов/ 02.11.2024
шумные работы в многоквартирном
доме краснодар закон работы услуги по управлению
многоквартирным домом это сварочные работы в
своем доме заработок в интернете
за фото
подработку рядом с домом/ 04.11.2024
фон для работы из дома подработка в белогорске амурская область для пенсионеров отзыв работа в тинькофф
на дому отзывы могут принести дополнительный доход и