The Top 10 Gene Hackman Performances
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Written by: Ryan McNally
He's starred in some of the best films of the last five decades, scored a slew of awards, and is still going strong. Gene Hackman has created some of the most memorable characters in cinematic history, and in honor of his work Film Frat revisits his 10 finest performances -- listed here in chronological order. |
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| 1. |
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
In this groundbreaking film about two lovers (Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway) robbing banks and on the run from the law, Hackman stars as Buck Barrow, brother of bank robber Clyde (Beatty). Hackman scored his first Oscar nomination (Best Supporting) for his excellent performance, and the film is considered one of the most influential in U.S. cinema history. |
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| 2. |
The French Connection (1971)
Hackman graduates to leading man status with his visceral, unforgettable portrayal of relentless cop Popeye Doyle. The French Connection won the Oscar for Best Picture and also scored Hackman his first Oscar (Best Actor). It also boasts one of the most thrilling chase sequences you'll ever see. |
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| 3. |
Scarecrow (1973)
This quirky, often overlooked road movie features the pairing of two future legends: Hackman and Al Pacino. Hackman plays Max, a hot-headed ex-con; Pacino is the more congenial Lionel, a sailor recently returned from the sea. Together they form an unlikely bond, and Hackman once again excels. |
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| 4. |
The Conversation (1974)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola in between The Godfather I and II, this is one of the decade's greatest films. Anchoring the film is Hackman, who breaks from his usual macho persona to give a startlingly brilliant performance as an introverted surveillance expert. Part thriller, part character story, this is Coppola at his best. |
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| 5. |
Superman (1978)
Hackman deliveres one of his most recognizable turns as the villanous Lex Luthor, nemesis to Superman, in this blockbuster smash. Hackman pulls out all the stops in his portrait of this evil genius, and the result is a character that ranks as many viewers' favorite aspect of this film. |
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| 6. |
Hoosiers (1986)
After some largely forgettable fare in the early '80s, Hackman returned to form in this classic sports film about redemption and the triumph of the underdog. As Coach Norman Dale, a hard-ass disciplinarian with an ugly past, Hackman has the opportunity to deliver many memorable tirades to his players, referees, and just about everyone else. |
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| 7. |
Mississippi Burning (1988)
In this award-winning tale of the Civil Rights movement circa 1964, two FBI agents (Hackman, Williams Defoe) investigate the disappearance of some Civil Rights activists in Mississippi. As a character forced to battle his stubborn partner, prejudiced local police and his own demons, Hackman is superlative, and the result was another Oscar nomination. | |
| 8. |
Unforgiven (1992)
In this brilliant revisionist western, Hackman joins Clint Eastwood (who also directed), Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris in an all-star cast for the ages. Hackman plays Little Bill Daggett, a small-town sheriff who isn't afraid to resort to violence to keep order in his community. It's a complex character played to perfection by Hackman, who won his second Oscar for his efforts. |
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| 9. |
Under Suspicion (2000)
Hackman reteams with Freeman in this underrated, unusual crime drama set in the decadent streets of Puerto Rico. Freeman is the police chief investigating Hackman's character, an old acquaintance and potential suspect in the murder of a young girl. As a wealthy but morally corrupt businessman, Hackman does a superb job of slowly peeling away the layers of his character, right up to the film's shocking ending. (Click here for a full review of this film.) |
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| 10. |
The Royal Tenenbaums (2002)
Hackman took a bold risk in teaming with indie director Wes Anderson (Rushmore) for this quirky comedy, and the result was one of his greatest successes. He plays Royal Tenenbaum, a man trying to come to terms with the prestigious-but-troubled family that he neglected throughout most of his life. Hackman's wise, funny, sad and ultimately brilliant performance won him the Golden Globe for Best Actor.Honorable mention: I Never Sang for My Father (1970), Young Frankenstein (1974), Night Moves (1975), Another Woman (1988), The Birdcage (1996) Don't forget to check out Film Frat's other actor showcases, the Top 10 Eastwood, the Top 10 Deniro, the Top 10 Pacino, the Top 10 Hanks, the Top 10 Nicholson, and the Top 10 Streep. Hackman fans won't want to miss Film Frat's Gene Hackman Top 10 poster store. For buying info on any of the Top 10 Hackman films, click on the images above. Did we overlook your favorite Hackman flick? Drop us a line and tell us which selections you agreed with, and which classic Hackman you think we missed. |
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