Spotlight

Spotlight Date: 11-August-02
 

Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967 -- )

I love a good "character actor." Unlike the gorgeous, pampered, larger-than-life star of a film, the character actor, unencumbered by the obligations of an adoring populace, seems more embedded in his craft, more free to explore all the shades and shadows a script has to offer. He dazzles, when he's good, not by his chiseled cheekbones or megawatt smile, but because he can suddenly reach out and grab you, make you laugh, pity, or cringe, and leave you with an impression that will linger long after the star has finalized his or her 4th divorce, logged weeks at the Betty Ford Clinic, and emerged with a second wind on the comeback trail. The character actor can rarely break a film, but he can certainly make one; and Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of the best actors working today, does exactly that almost every time he steps in front of a camera.

I know you know who he is: the pudgy, slightly impish, usually scruffy, open-mouthed redhead has been very active over the past several years, playing a multitude of diverse roles in independent films (e.g., all of P.T. Anderson's work) and blockbusters (e.g., "Twister"), and everything in between. There was also his hugely acclaimed Broadway run in the two-man play "True West" a couple years back, during which he and John C. Reilly (another exemplary character actor and P.T. Anderson staple) traded roles so that the audience never knew on any given night who was playing whom. (What wouldn't I have given to see that!)

Hollywood notions of beauty aside, Phil Hoffman falls into the character actor category by the slimmest of margins. He often conveys the gravity and presence of the biggest stars of the screen, even when he's playing slovenly losers; and like some of the big stars — Daniel Day-Lewis comes to mind — he seems at times almost too talented and intelligent to really be as pathetic or lowly as his character's actions suggest. Perhaps this is why he is so interesting to watch: something extraordinary shines through the faults, failings, and foibles of whatever person he is playing. Be that as it may, Hoffman always manages to keep his personal strengths in check enough to produce riveting and convincing portrayals of slobs and preppies, smart men and fools, straight and gay lovers, and lost souls of every variety.

Must-See Phil Hoffman Movies to Date

• Boogie Nights (1997) -- Hoffman has a small role as a dumpy porn-film crew member with a big crush in P.T. Anderson's brilliant sophomore effort.
• The Big Lebowski (1998) -- The Coen brothers' finest hour (I think) includes a hilarious Hoffman as a simpering, fastidious personal secretary.
• Magnolia (1999) -- For his third movie, P.T. Anderson wrote the role of a kindly nurse named "Phil" just for Hoffman. To heighten the honor, Hoffman got to work with the late Jason Robards in his last film appearance.
• Flawless (1999) -- The movie is mediocre, but Hoffman is wondrous as a drag queen who forms a strange friendship with surly neighbor Robert De Niro. Don't forget to watch the credits --- Hoffman is hilarious!

Recommended Phil Hoffman Movies to Date

• Hard Eight (aka "Sydney") (1996) -- Hoffman plays, briefly but memorably, a redneck casino-goer in P.T. Anderson's debut.
• Happiness (1998) -- Our man breathes disturbing life into the role of a pathetic pervert in this, one of the most cynical movies ever made. The scene on Lara Flynn Boyle's couch is high on the list of unforgettable Hoffman moments.
• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) -- Hoffman goes full-throttle obnoxious as Jude Law's stinking-rich, frat-boy buddy looking for debauchery but finding a much less pleasurable fate in grand old Italy.
• Almost Famous (2000) -- In a small but important role, Hoffman plays real-life rock critic Lester Bangs, who mentors the young star in his quest to become a Rolling Stone writer.
• State and Main (2000) -- Hoffman headlines an ensemble cast as a first-time screenwriter in David Mamet's farcical stab at the movie industry.

Other Movies To Round Out Your Phil Hoffman Experience

• Scent of a Woman (1992) -- I intensely disliked this movie and don't remember Hoffman being in it, but it won some Oscars and helped to send our man on his way to stardom, so maybe it's worth a rental.
• Twister (1996) -- See Hoffman leave serious, independent films behind and slum it as a puerile storm chaser named "Rusty!"
• Patch Adams (1998) -- Did I just say "slum it?" Not fully: from what I understand of this film, "Patch Adams" was a career low for all involved. Says Hoffman, "Obviously, it wasn't the most artistic film I've ever done . . . ." (GQ, January 2001)

Copyright © 2002 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.