I think what is notable about this performance, which is relatively brief within the scheme of the film, is the amount of warmth of Scofield's performance. This was even when watching the film the first time, as Scofield often played striking authority figures, I expected as much this time as the poet father of Ralph Fiennes's quiz show pawn Charles Van Doren. This is anything but the case from the first scenes of Scofield just in the presence of the high society. Scofield brings of course that powerful presence of his, but he actually just lets that be a rather light given. It's there but he doesn't accentuate. This makes him an ideal fit for a notable academic, as he just seems like a great man, and no more needs to be said. Scofield though is remarkably warm within that. This as he speaks to his son it is with just a sincere love and affection. This as his whole manner is that of the supportive caring father, who seems genuinely interested in his son and is very much eager to express the utmost pride in his accomplishments.
Now as Charles's fame grows, due to knowing the answers to popular game show 21, Scofield is wonderful in almost silently expressing the mix of feelings. There's a great birthday scene for Scofield where the attention turns from his poem to Charles's current quiz show success. Scofield's great in that he shows that there is less jealousy but more just a slightly taken aback quality. Still even as he expresses this sort of surprise there is still a sense of affection even in his looks to his son in this moment. This as Scofield's powerful consistent emphasis is his love for his son. This is even as he finally watches the show, due to being given a tv by Charles, the nervousness that Scofield presents is of a father being only naturally invested in his son. I love how sweet Scofield makes the moment, like a father seeing his kid perform a difficult recital. It's of a father who absolutely cares for his son and only wants the best, to the point it creates that concern. This setting up then is just a powerful scene when Charles has to reveal his culpability in the quiz show scheme. Scofield is fantastic in this scene at first with only that calm ferocity that Scofield could do as he denounces the idea without knowing his son is part of it. When Charles reveals Scofield is exceptional, this as his reaction is of disappointment and concern equally. This makes it all the more potent as that disappointment is all the greater as the father still only sincerely wishes the best for his son. Scofield's work is absolutely essential in making Mark van Doren quietly the heart of the film, and the fundamental sin of Charles isn't his failure to live up to his father's accomplishments, but rather his failure to live up to his father's belief in him.
1 comment:
I thought he was very good, but you are right that is a small role and a quiet performance. When I saw this in the theaters at the time, I thought John Tuturro would be nominated.
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