Sunday 22 May 2016

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1971: Alain Delon in Red Sun

Alain Delon did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Gauche in Red Sun.

Yojimbo, Le Samourai, and Harmonica walk into a film and you get a pretty entertaining western about a Samurai, Kuroda, and a bandit, Link, teaming up to track down the bandit's treacherous partner.

The film is notable already through its pairing of Charles Bronson and Toshiro Mifune. The film ups the ante all the more by throwing in Alain Delon as the main antagonist for the film. Delon plays Gauche who begins as Link's partner in crime, and thankfully it is not long for us to see these three onscreen definitions of cool interact with one another. The three are perfectly in tune in that each take a different approach in portraying their characters so there's no override. Mifune takes an intense stoic determination, Bronson takes a sardonic approach, while Delon goes for being a personification of one word, smooth. Now all three are very physical actors, in that they can say a whole lot without speaking. This was already for Delon when he played a modern gunslinger of sorts in his most famous role. What's fascinating in potentially a similair role, Delon manages a unique approach even in this quality. Where Delon portrayed his movements in that role as very exact, almost ritualistic, Delon here instead does something that seems far more relaxed. Delon finds this innate confidence in the character of Gauche from the first scene we see him, because of how at ease Delon is in the frame. There is never a question that Gauche is in danger in the opening robbery, as Delon shows a man in his element. The most remarkable part of this is that, even as the villain, Delon earn this overconfidence.

In the robbery Gauche sets himself up as the chief villain by taking two actions. The first by killing Kuroda's friend in order to steal a gold encrusted samurai sword the second by trying to literally blow up his partner in crime Link in order to steal the bounty from the robbery for himself. What I love about Delon's approach here is in the moment where he kills Kuroda friend is that he does not play it as pleasurable for Gauche, nor is it an exact psychotic detachment. Delon instead keeps with the calm cool of the character as Delon shows that Gauche kills since they happen to be in his way in some way. Delon though creates the right sense of danger in this by portraying not even a second thought in the character, creating an effective sense of a selfish view that best defines the man. Delon is excellent by being just so despicable, yet doing it in such cool way somehow, that he leaves the right impression. This impression being pivotal to the film since Gauche only infrequently appears after this point, but remains as the objective for our two leads for the rest of the film. Delon is often missing but never forgotten as he does not waste an instance of his screen time in the first act.

The film proceeds with a very enjoyable road trip between Bronson and Mifune to try to find Gauche. Delon occasionally appears though only in brief cutaways in order for the film to remind us of what a badass he is, which Delon delivers with every time, it must be said. Eventually though Kuroda and Link come across him,  Delon's entrance in the final act is pretty amazing thanks to again that ridiculous confidence that Delon projects so well, which only is multiplied by Gauche's casual twirling of his pocket watch. Another party though interrupts the three's showdown, leaving the three to team up against a common foe. Delon's performance makes this action particularly convincing since the self-absorption was always at the center of the character, which would of course include self-preservation. Delon's little asides to his two opponents throughout the scene are great since there is such a lack of concern in his expression. Once again this should not work, yet Delon realizes Gauche's personality so well that this in the end should be his only reaction. This is terrific villainous turn from Delon as he earns his place as a worthy opponent for Bronson and Mifune, which is already quite an achievement, and crafts a memorable villain out of a role that in the wrong hands, considering the character is rather thin as written, would have been forgettable.

47 comments:

Calvin Law said...

YES. I'm so glad you loved him, even more than I did, and that you liked the film.

Even disregarding the (excellent) quality of the film overall, it's great how they somehow managed to get the three coolest cats of the time to make a film together. I kept getting flashbacks to Once Upon a Time in the West while watching this, with Mifune as a rougher, coarser brand of Robards' character and Delon doing a more one-note version of Fonda's.

Calvin Law said...

Also, it's a darn shame Delon never played a Bond villain (or maybe he still could, at some point).

Calvin Law said...

Louis: thoughts and ratings on the rest of the cast.

Michael McCarthy said...

This movie is worth it just to hear Toshiro Mifune shout at Charles Bronson "You are one son of a bitch!"

Calvin Law said...

Lastly:

1970's Leon the Professional

Leon: Alain Delon
Mathilda: Tatum O'Neal
Stansfield: Dennis Hopper

Alex Marqués said...

While Oldman is unique in that role, Hopper would have been awesome as Stansfield. Cool choice!

Anonymous said...

Hopper as Stansfield is just brilliant.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your rating for Ursula Andress.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I'd say Delon could still pull off a Bond villain.

Bronson and Mifune - 4.5(Mifune once again reminds me why he's my favorite actor in that he somehow finds a variation on a character that is similair. That being the samurai warrior with a quest, but he's not just doing his general from The Hidden Fortress. He wisely internalizes himself more, and frankly allows himself to be far less amusing directly, though still getting a few deadpan laughs, which nicely sets up his co-star for some great punch lines. He course still carries that same power in his stoicism that is remarkable. As for Bronson he also reminds me why he's quite underrated as an actor through his frequently hilarious portrayal of Link. I love how he plays him essentially as a troll who gets a kick out of getting the best of others, while managing to easily walk off his defeats. I especially love his reaction after Mifune proves his greater physical ability again and again. Mifune and Bronson have great chemistry as a true odd couple, and know exactly how to play off each other. What's really special is even though they keep a light touch throughout they both manage to honestly convey a growing companionship between the two, making the poignant ending of the film surprisingly affecting particularly due to Bronson's final reactions.)

Andress - 3(She's entertaining enough in being close to being one note as Gauche's vapid girlfriend, and succeeds in being appropriately aggravating in a way that allows Bronson to play off against quite well.)

Anonymous said...

Louis: Out of these three actors, who do you think is the most badass? Douglas, Lancaster or Mitchum?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

In terms of onscreen presence Mitchum.

Calvin Law said...

I think Charles Bronson is easily the most badass actor to ever walk through earth.

Calvin Law said...

And yes it's actually been a while since we've had an older Bond villain.

Louis and everyone else, speaking of Bond what do we think about Tom Hiddleston (apparently) being the frontrunner for Bond? I must say after watching The Night Manager I kind of love this potential choice. And yeah make Delon the villain.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I like Hiddleston as a choice as I think his casting could offer a potentially interesting new path for Bond.

Calvin Law said...

Based on what I've heard from friends all the GOT watchers on here must be/will be grieving.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Indeed.....sob.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Meh. I'm more annoyed I lost ten bucks on the death pool. I'll have to go double or nothing on High Sparrow next week.

Giuseppe Fadda said...

@Louis: thoughts on the episode?

Louis Morgan said...

Giuseppe:

I liked the episode. Hiccups in there though. The players scene went on a bit too long, Summer's exit seemed like an afterthought (what's going on with the Dire Wolves?), the origin of the White Walkers (though it made more than enough sense) seemed just kind of thrown in there, Euron, though not terrible, left something to be desired. Also is it just me or are the showrunners still trying to stick it to Stannis any chance they get even after their butchering of his character arc?

However I rather liked the rest of it. The north build up is going well, it better go better than last season's, and again I love just everyone whose together there. I felt that was one Aidan Gillen's strongest scenes in the series(even if it seems distance is no obstacle these days in the show). I also liked a Daenerys scene fully for once with both Glen and Clarke bringing their A-game (though she's always been best at portraying emotional vulnerability). Finally I found the ending very effective, particularly in the demise of everyone's favorite half-giant, and one should give credit to the show as they manage to actually make zombies(well ice zombies) terrifying.

Robert:

I have a feeling one does not kill Jonathan Pryce so easily.

Anonymous said...

John Smith: I just saw "The Godfather"... Wow

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I was really moved with that final scene. Now there are two direwolves remaining (Ghost and Nymeria).

Anonymous said...

I agree about the direwolves (I hope Ghost continues well and Nymeria back). I also enjoyed the Greyjoys scene more than Louis, my only complaint about it is that I found it a bit too fast in the beginning. But I liked Euron and I thought Pilou Asbæk gave the right perfomance to the character showing how he is charismatic, crazy and a big jerk, I particularly loved the part that he says about killing his nephews as if they were making a trip to Disneyworld... I also loved Gemma Whelan and especially Alfie Allen when Theon defends his sister. I think it will be very interesting to see how the Greyjoys storyline will join with the Daenerys storyline.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your Top Ten Deaths in Game Of Thrones.

Luke Higham said...

*I was really moved by that final scene.

Anonymous said...

With Oberyn death, Ned Stark death and the Red Wedding, this one of the most moving and sad deaths in the show. Amazing. Hodor is great.

Calvin Law said...

Anyone here seen Super (2010)? Pretty good superhero parody with a great central performance by Rian Johnson. Another The Office alumni who's proved to have a great deal of dramatic chops.

Calvin Law said...

I meant Rainn Wilson, oops.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I turned off Super halfway through.

Alex Marqués said...

Ewan McGregor will be playing a double leading role in the next season of Fargo.

Giuseppe Fadda said...

@Alex: I'm so glad about it! I love McGregor and I love Fargo (I really hope for a Kirsten Dunst's win at the Emmys)

Anonymous said...

John Smith:

Louis: Pacinor or de niro? Who is the better actor in your opinion? Also, you top 10 Pacino perfomances would be appreciated

Alex Marqués said...

@Giuseppe: She was great ("It's just a flying saucer, hon").

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

1. Ned
2. Robert
3. Maester Luwin
4. Grenn
5. Oberyn
6. Hodor
7. Joffrey
8. Robb & Cat
9. Tywin
10. Khal Drogo

John Smith:

I've said it before that they're about on an even keel for me, though I hear if I watched Pacino's television work I'd probably lean towards Pacino.

Top Ten:

1.Dog Day Afternoon
2.The Godfather
3.The Godfather Part II
4.Scarecrow
5.Donnie Brasco
6.Glengarry Glen Ross
7.The Insider
8.The Panic in Needle Park
9.Insomnia
10.The Godfather Part III

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

I did think both Allen and Whelan were great, and I'll admit I did enjoy the way Euron said that line in particular.

Anonymous said...

Louis and everyone else what are your top five performances from this season of Game of Thrones so far?

Robert MacFarlane said...

1. Harrington
2. Turner
3. Pryce
4. Glen
5. van Houten

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

1. Sophie Turner
2. Carice van Houten
3. Kit Harington
4. Ben Crompton
5. Jonathan Pryce

Anonymous said...

John Smith:

Louis: Your ratings and thoughts on Max Von Sydow in Fanny And Alexander

Anonymous said...

John Smith:

Louis:I mean your ratings and thoughts on Max Von Sydow in Hannah And Her Sisters

Calvin Law said...

Kill Bill (1980's directed by John Carpenter)

The Bride: Sigourney Weaver
Bill: Charles Bronson
O-Ren Ishii: Joan Chen
Vernitia Green: Angela Bassett
Elle Driver: Miranda Richardson
Budd: M Emmet Walsh
Earl McGraw/Esteban Vihaio: Wilfred Brimley
Hattori Hanzo: Toshiro Mifune

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Have you watched the new Hollow Crown films yet.

Calvin Law said...

Luke: Haven't yet though I really should. Apparently Okendo and Cumberbatch are the overall MVP's though which I'm glad about.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Apart from The Firm, will you be watching other TV Films from their respective years, such as Conspiracy (2001), The Hollow Crown (2012 & 2016), The Normal Heart (2014), Behind The Candelabra (2013), You Don't Know Jack (2010), Stuart: A Life Backwards (2007), Boy A (2007) and Bloody Sunday (2002).

Giuseppe Fadda said...

1. Turner
2. Harington
3. van Houten
4. Pryce
As for the fifth place, I don't quite know. Maybe Liam Cunningham, he is fantastic. Maisie Williams has had some rather strong moments, and I thought Lena Headey was amazing in the first episode. Also, despite not having that much screen-time, I think Natalie Dormer is doing great this season.

Anonymous said...

John Smith:

Louis: Your thoughts on Micael Caine as an actor. Also what you consider to be his top 10 performances

Anonymous said...

Louis: Ratings and thoughts on:
Wallace Ford in The Lost Patrol
Boris Karloff and Charles Laughton in The Old Dark House
Lee J. Cobb in Call Northside 777
Victor McLaglen in Fort Apache and She Wore A Yellow Ribbon

Louis Morgan said...

John Smith:

von Sydow - 3.5(It's a good scene stealing performance from two scenes, and does the indulgent intellectual incredibly well. Then he pivots very effectively to a more emotional strand when he is faced with something human to deal with, and von Sydow reveals a far more vulnerable soul.)

Caine - (Getting the negativity out of the way first is that he really can coast very badly at times, and he's a bit like Richard Burton, though to a less extreme quality, in that the more of his lesser works you see the less impressive of an actor he becomes. However from what I've seen there's less of these for Caine, and when he's on he's a considerable talent, showing both a great charm as well as dramatic range. When he's in the right part, with apparently the right personal motivation, he's a great performer.)

1. Get Carter
2. The Man Who Would Be King
3. Alfie
4. Children of Men
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol
6. Sleuth
7. Hannah and Her Sisters
8. Mona Lisa
9. The Ipcress File
10. The Prestige

Luke:

Some of those I suppose.

Anonymous:

Ford - (He occasionally goes a bit big too many times yet I find he does well to portray the right incisiveness in his cynicism, while still routing it in the honesty of a man concerned with his own life. He's particularly good in his scenes with Karloff)

Karloff - (Straight forward spooky Karloff, a pretty simple example of it, but a rather good example of it)

Laughton - (Finds just the right tone for his performance as he finds humor in his performance, though never undercuts the film's horror intentions either still reflecting an honesty towards the situation)

Cobb - (Mostly there to facilitate exposition, he does that very well though, adding a bit of character whenever he can.)

McLaglen - Fort Apache & She Wore a Yellow Ribbon(Both he plays very similair characters, brash hard drinking sergeants and both he adds a lot with his sheer presence. He adds a nice bit of comic energy whenever he can, and in Yellow Ribbon he has some rather splendid chemistry with Wayne)