Robert Ryan did not receive an Oscar nomination, despite being nominated for a BAFTA, for portraying John Claggart, Master d'Arms in Billy Budd.
Robert Ryan is of course known for being the heavy in so many films, and he once again fulfills this role in Billy Budd. Here he plays one the officers on a British warship, the Master d'Arms who in charge of keeping in line and disciplining the crew. We are introduced to John Claggart at the swearing in of the ship's new recruit, a former merchant seaman, Billy Budd (Terence Stamp). It interesting to note that Ryan is top billed, and I can't help wonder if he was campaigned lead since Stamp was place in supporting. Anyway Ryan instantly establishes Claggart as a man with really the stiffness of authority about him. Ryan's whole manner here is particularly tight and restrictive as he reveals Claggart to be a man who seems as though he is always on duty, that's because he is. In the early scenes aboard the ship Claggart orders around the crew and they instantly comply to any orders that Claggart demands of them. Ryan makes this particularly convincing in the way he effortlessly exudes the menace of Claggart as he seems in charge of the men to the point that they stand up straight from his mere presence. Ryan earns this through the cold dominance he is able to project so well.
As the film progresses we are given more insight into Claggart's methods of controlling the crew. Ryan is extremely effective as he reveals Claggart's way of control, which is very specific in that he only infrequently uses direct physical punishment from himself. Ryan instead reflects a disturbing assurance in Claggart whenever he speaks to the men as he incisively alludes to them his ability to have them flogged whenever he would wish. Ryan is excellent in the way he portrays the way Claggart's cruelty comes with this definite ease since he is a man who is well aware of the power his position gives him. Claggart is occasionally "needed" to rise to more aggressive action though whenever one of the men becomes a bit too free-spirited or worse tries to lay a hand on him. When these moments occur Ryan is downright chilling by bringing this twinkle in his eye as though Claggart has found himself a new project. Ryan is terrific in the way he presents Claggart narrowing on whoever this unlikely man might be, as his glare seems to be squarely on the individual as he takes any chance to inflict pain on the man, occasionally sneaking in something physical when he can.
What is most terrible of all of this is that these targets are shown by Ryan to be when Claggart has found a little way to get what he desires the most. The problem with that is Claggart is a pure sadist who only wishes to use his position to fulfill those desires. There is a great scene for Ryan as he tries to explain why a man must be flogged to the ship's Captain, Vere (Peter Ustinov). Claggart explains the reasons, which the Captain accepts, but attempts to argue to the Captain that the man should get more lashes due to it being war time. Ryan's fantastic because he plays the scene with Claggart giving the report as a proper Naval officer, however Ryan shows this as the facade which wains a bit as he so eagerly attempts to get the number of lashes raised. The flogging itself is brilliantly performed scene by Ryan finding the intense joy in Claggart as he calls out every flog as though he is a man living out a fantasy. The best moment of the scene is when he reaches ten as Ryan presents sheer ecstasy as he almost names an eleventh lash, but must stop himself. Ryan's marvelous by showing the effort Claggart puts in stopping himself as he clenches his teeth hard to keep the words from coming out of his mouth.
Now as being the sadistic authoritarian it can already be said that Ryan gives a great performance, but that's not all there is to his Claggart. We find this out through his relationship with Billy, a man who seems out of place within the grit of the ship through his simple grace and eternal optimism. I love one of Ryan's earliest reactions to Billy as he stares for a rather long time as though he is completely unsure of what to make out of this man. The problem is Billy is just such a unassuming yet perpetually charming individual who almost everyone comes to love because of just how honest his goodness is. He's a man who obviously loves life. This is in striking opposition to Ryan's portrayal of Claggart. Of course Claggart is an unpleasant man to begin with, but Ryan goes further than that. Whenever he's not inflicting pain on another there is a subtle pain Ryan suggests in Claggart himself, as a man who seems to hate the very idea of existence. His causing of suffering for others ends up being the only way to relieve his own. Billy though notices this and there is an amazing scene where Billy attempts basically to cheer Claggart up. Ryan actually manages to be rather moving in this scene as for just a moment shows a glint of pure happiness, as Claggart smiles at Billy's suggestion to keep him company during his lonely watches. Ryan depicts so well that mess of man that Claggart is as he forces himself to reject the notion, and decides that Billy's goodness must be proven false. Ryan finds a sick passion in Claggart as he does his best to break Billy down to his level, a passion like that of zealot trying desperately to affirm his failing beliefs. Ryan is outstanding in his final scene as he presents Claggart giving all of his vile beliefs in a moment as he makes up a story to the captain about Billy being the leader of an attempted mutiny against him. This technically breaks down Billy, not to a bad man, but to commit a violent act simply because he cannot come up with any verbal response to Claggart's lies. Ryan's brief reaction to the attack is perfection as his expression brings a final euphoria to Claggart as though he's been assured in his view of the world. This is an outstanding performance by Robert Ryan, his best villainous turn which is really saying something. He fulfills the need of being the film's fiendish sadist, yet goes much further finding the complexity needed for the character in his portrait of the personal desperation which compels the man.
147 comments:
Ryan was such a great actor, very underrated. Do you prefer this performance to the one in Iceman Cometh?
Maybe but they're on a very even keel.
Louis: Peck thought that Huston should have played Ahab himself. I think that Huston would have been perfect for that role. What do you think?
Anonymous:
I'd agree.
To respond to your comment on Redmayne form last post, I honestly thought the fact that he played the character with no joy was still meant for a laugh. Especially considering the fey mannerisms and ridiculous gestures. I'm starting to truly believe he was secretly tanking it so the Wachowskis would release him from contract. Instead the probably were okay with it, just like they were okay with whatever accent Tom Hanks was doing in 3/4 of Cloud Atlas.
Louis: Who do you prefer out of these two actors: Douglas or Lancaster?
People need to see Billy Budd!!!! an underrated gem.
Who is watching the ceremony tonight?
I am, with beer and Boston Creme Pie.
Robert: Well I do enjoy that theory. Kind of like the guy who purposefully pointed the gun at himself in Plan 9 from Outer Space to see if Ed Wood would notice.
Anonymous:
Douglas since, from what I've seen, he's more consistent though their heights are similair.
RatedRStar:
Agreed. Also I will be pseudo watching the ceremony.
Honestly think Tatum and Kunis did the same thing. Hell, Tatum didn't even TRY to hide his embarrassment.
I can't believe Redmayne kept a straight face in that performance.
I would kill to see that film's outtakes.
I wonder if Tom Hardy will turn up to the ceremony?
I am actually curious to see how many nominees will turn up, my prediction, nearly all of them lol =D it would be great if Hardy did show up.
RatedRStar: I have seen Redmayne, Rampling, Ronan, Mara, and Leigh so far. Along with Jacob Tremblay.
What are your overall thoughts on the film, Louis?
John Smith: It's about to begin
Welp. The Big Short is now an OScar winner
John Smith: Yep... It kind of makes you sting. Carol should have won that!
Oh Alicia, I love you but you won for the wrong film completely!!!!
John Smith: I know right!!! Mara or Leigh should have won that. They are so fucking predictable...
Yeah. I kind of agree that Mara or Vikander just shouldn't have been allowed into the nominations on principle (how can anyone think they're supporting) but Leigh should've won.
Everything is going as expected unfortunately. Though I certainly can support Spotlight's win.
John Smith: Spotlight did it research well
John Smith: Louis, you wanted leigh to win... right or wrong?
John Smith:
You are correct.
I still say that Garbo and Bergman would very proud of Vikander
John Smith: Mad MAX WINS!
Ruthie: They would have, as a swede I'm proud. But she did not deserve the win...
Keep the Mad Max love coming please.
John Smith: It won production design!!!
And hairstyling. :)
John Smith: Yes (:
But i wish The Revenant had won, not complaining to much tough.
John Smith: Finally a win for The Revenant, well deserved
I believe Mad Max is guaranteed the most wins now.
This is all rather pleasing
It's pretty funny that the guy who played the worst effect in Star Wars is presenting the award.
Ex Machina!!!!
I did not see that coming.
Oooh Ex Machina, a surprise indeed.
Please keep the minions far away from me.
Holy crap what just happened
Rylance!!!
Great choice too, I can't complain.
Mark Rylance winning is a genuine shock to me.
Can't complain either, but still wished Stallone won.
I, uh, didn't react well to Stallone losing. Like, I nearly started crying bitterly. Not kidding.
Poor Sly. Rylance was ok, but better than Stallone or Hardy? Nope.
No one in that lineup even came close to Stallone for me.
Robert:
Understandable, I fear something similair may happen to me with Best Score.
On the other hand, my heart jumped up for a while there, when I heard Arquette say "Mark R".
I actually had to leave the room. Didn't hear Rylance's speech.
Louis: Your rating for Analeigh Tipton in Missisipi Grind.
4 really stood out for me on re-watch.
Just talked to someone lamenting Ruffalo losing and I may or may not have hid their body in an oil drum.
Finally Finally. The greatest film composer of all time.
How is this his first win? I had assumed he'd won like 3 oscars in the past
Sam Smith just won. The despair is real. God is dead.
Were any of those songs good though? I'm afraid it will be difficult to get me off the high of seeing Morricone win.
I am so fucking unhappy right now.
As a music major, I can honestly say I think Sam Smith deserved the win. Even though the performance was horrible....
I'm going to hide in a hole for 40 years.
GUYS. BRIE.
A deserving win to be sure.
Leo. Finally.
Spotlight!
Thank God Spotlight won. Could NOT deal with a Revenant win for Picture.
So. Between the Iñárritu win and Stallone losing, my energy had dropped to a flatline, but Spotlight at least made me go to bed happy.
Did not see Spolight coming, I was expecting The Big Short or The Revenant. But then again, I could not have stomached the latter winning.
Twitter is going crazy?
Ignore that "?"
Miller :'(
I actually enjoyed the ceremony this year, better than last year, Chris Rock was fine as the host, better than last year also.
The one person I would like to see Oscar Nominated next year...Casey Affleck, its time for him to return =).
I'm Incredibly pleased for Rylance, though I do feel bad for Stallone.
I just googled "Manchester by the sea", glad to see Lonergan is the director (I love "You Can Count on Me" and Bill The Butcher's lines). With Affleck and Williams, it could be very good.
Oh and that Sam Smith song is terrible, one of the worst things to ever win an Oscar in recent times
The reviews for Manchester by the Sea and Affleck's performance were ECSTATIC from Sundance. I'm ultra excited.
And yes, the Sam Smith song was a horrid dirge.
I'm satisfied with most winners, especially Spotlight, DiCaprio, Inarritu, Morricone and Rylance.
I'm gonna pretend Vikander's Oscar is for her work in Ex Machina, which is an actually great movie
And although I preferred Leigh, I'm satisfied with Vikander winning. Garbo and Bergman are proud of her.
Louis: Your thoughts and hopes for the films of 2016?
I'm very curious about "The Coldest City"
I'm thinking that, if a third season of True Detective was made (and I guess that's going to happen), Gyllenhaal and/or Foster would be perfect as the lead(s).
Eh, I say let True Detective die.
Final thoughts on the Oscars is that it was a fine set of winners other than Big Short's Adapted screenplay win, and to a lesser extent Vikander winning for the wrong film. I think it is unfortunate how much hatred Rylance is receiving.
Anonymous:
Thoughts unsure as it's hard to really know what to expect from the year's slate this early.
Hopes though:
- The superhero films, since there are so many, will be better than last year's efforts. They're off to a good start on that front since Deadpool was much better than Age of Ultron and Antman.
- Silence will live up to its potential.
Hmm that's about all I have at the moment.
Louis: Cagney was originally the main choice for Strasberg's role in Godfather II and Carney's role in Harry and Tonto. What are your thoughts on this?
Really, you're hopeful about the superhero movies? But Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad look so... bad.
Anonymous:
I think he would have been great in both roles.
Robert:
Of course I'm hopeful I'd much rather anything be good than bad.
Year after Year, I care more for the nominations than the ceremony itself. The only wins, I take issue with are The Big Short, Vikander (Wrong Performance) and Sam Smith. (The song gets worse and worse, every time I hear it)
To all the haters, RYLANCE FTW. :)
Leto's Joker design isn't resonating well with me. He looks more like a random Joker thug on drugs than the real Joker.
And Rock was fine, I guess.
I think Batman Vs. Superman will be the worst superhero film of the year.
Robert:
I'd say True Detective could work again. Back to two detectives only, get Fukunaga back or at the very least a single director with a unique vision, and get an actor who can sell Pizzolatto's most ridiculous prose. McConaughey was able to do it, Vince Vaughn was not.
I suggest Michael B. Jordan and Emory Cohen for True Detective 3.
Louis: Is the Lawrence Of Arabia Cast review coming tonight.
Also rewatched Bridge of Spies to refresh my thoughts on it today. Not only has Rylance held up (although I still think Stallone was best of the loy, Rylance is a great winner for so many reasons), but I'm upgrading Hanks to a 5 now.
Luke: quite frankly I'm more excited for that review than I was for the Oscars.
Calvin: I'm glad you feel the same way I do. :)
So was I the only one who actually loved Chris Rock?
Calvin: At the end of the day, there's more things to worry about in life than another award show. :)
Robert: I didn't get to see it live and watched the ceremony on Putlocker, but he was probably the best host of the decade so far, which is good. :)
Robert: I'm right there with you, I thought Chris Rock killed it.
Louis: What are your thoughts on Burl Ives, Burgess Meredith and Hume Cronyn as actors?
Robert: I thought he was the best in years. I don't think he can take all of the credit, though, since he had such good material to work with.
Michael Patison: I'm fairly certain he wrote a good deal of it himself.
He wrote the opening monologue. He even threw out the original draft one the all-white nominees were announced.
*once
Rock wasn't fine actually he was certainly very good, I kinda wanted to see more of him.
Michael Keaton must have the best agent in the world at the moment, two best picture winners in a row lol and another contender in The Founder lol.
If Chris Rock hosted next year I would be cool with that, Louis C.K would be a good choice also if he wanted it.
I love to look back at Bob Hopes intros to each Oscar ceremony he did lol, he was just a master, Billy Crystal 2 in the early years.
I thought Rock was alright.
Robert: Did you see The Witch, If so, can I have your thoughts on it and your thoughts on the cast.
Louis: Your ratings & thoughts on:
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)
Snow White And The Seven Dwarves
The Lion King
Beauty And The Beast
Mulan
Sleeping Beauty
Frozen
The Incredibles
And Ratatouille
*Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Has anyone seen Casey Afflecks very strange interview with Stephen Colbert?
Anonymous: Nah
Louis: Oh surely you must be excited about Affleck getting glowing reviews for his latest film for a usually great performance of a man running from his demons, sounds like the kind of performance you would give an easy 5 to considering who it is and what kind of film it is =D.
I honestly believe Casey is a very underrated actor.
R.I.P. George Kennedy
R.I.P. George Kennedy
If Casey Affleck comes close to his work in The Assassination, it will be an incredible performance.
Matt & Robert: What I meant was that he had that controversy to work with, which provided him with terrific material. I had absolutely no doubt he wrote it all himself.
I rather enjoyed the ceremony except for the following things (in no particular order):
1. The Big Short winning something
2. The Minions presenting
3. Abe Vigoda's absence from the In Memoriam segment
4. The Kohl's commercials (idk if that store even exists outside the US)
5. Sacha Baron Cohen presenting at all, much less as Ali G
6. Dev Patel as Daisy Ridley's presenting partner
On a side note, best speech of the night was definitely Pete Docter's.
And, in addition to Vigoda, I thought (looking back at who all had died after the fact) the following omissions were odd considering some of the other inclusions (though none of them annoyed me by any means):
Rod Taylor
Samuel Goldwyn, Jr.
Anita Ekberg
Louis Jourdan (perhaps no one remembers he was once a thing, which is probably for the best)
Gregory Walcott (more of a never-in-a-million-years kind of thing)
Anne Meara
Ron Moody (especially since Theodore Bikel got a mention)
Uggie (the dog from The Artist)
John Guillermin
Joan Leslie
Rick Ducommun (Why Alex Rocco and not him?)
Fred Thompson
Gabriele Ferzetti
Frank Finlay (I mean, really? Deserving performance or not, it just seems natural to mention former nominees)
Actually, you're right about Moody, Finley, and actually Jourdan, they were all icons (or in Finlay's case a respected nominee) in their own way whether one likes it or not, so it seems odd to omit them.
Louis: What are your thoughts and rating on All the King's Men (1949)?
Luke:
Unlikely.
Luke & Anonymous:
Noted.
Anonymous:
Ives - (Quite possibly the greatest musician turned actor. He had such a tremendous and unique screen presence. No one has ever been quite like Ives. He had such a voice but proved himself always to be an extremely capable performer. He not only stood toe to toe with career actors, he often overshadowed them)
Meredith - (A fascinating character actor always and could be so captivating in his very specific fashion. An underrated performer to as I feel only ever remembers him as Mickey, where he was always good, but I've yet to see a underwhelming performance from him)
Cronyn - (Another underrated actor really as he almost tricked you with his unassuming appearance to quietly reveal often quite the ability within him. He successfully turned in fine work throughout his career. If there was anything odd I'd note is that he strangely had to play much older than himself early on, and I would say those were his weakest performances, though not usually bad.)
Michael Patison:
Those omissions I would say are rather annoying. Louis Jourdan might not be a favorite of mine, but he still deserved a spot. Even if they included everyone the In Memoriam it still would not have to be that long, just cut a few bad presenter jokes and you'd free more than enough time.
Really sad not to have seen Joan Leslie, Coleen Gray, Anita Ekberg, or Ron Moody (Who is this year's Peggy Lee and Dorothy McGuire).
RIP George Kennedy
RatedRStar: You asked this question of Duvall + Peters' review, but Richardson was my request and he's supporting in The Four Feathers, though I would say that he COULD potentially be argued as a co-lead since he is given a fair amount of perspective, in a Tom Hardy-in-The Revenant sort of way.
Louis: How's this for a 1970's Bridge of Spies
James Donovan: Peter Falk
Rudolf Abel: Richard Attenborough
I know Falk probably wouldn't have had nearly the level of Hanks' star presence but I would've loved to see his easygoing style and manner contrasting, in a reactive way, to Attenborough who no doubt would've given a very unique depiction of Abel, I'm thinking a resemblance to John Christie with a twist being the inspirational factor of the film.
Alternatively, Gene Hackman.
Louis: I just realized, you forgot to list Richard Kind's voice work in Inside Out.
Calvin: Sorry I had forgotten lol
Louis: Your top ten film songs of the 1990s and 2000s.
I hope the review comes out tonight im excited for the final year of the Alternates =D.
Ah I love the 90s, even though too much music in the 90s was painful.
RatedRStar: Although I'm excited for 1939, I really just want to get to the bonus rounds now and I'd rather have 5 instead of 10 for both lineups.
RatedRStar: Is the 1990-1999 spreadsheet complete?
Anonymous: Not quite, 87 to 94 will likely be next from how its laid out.
Louis: How would you define acting range and versatility? People say that Cooper and Peck are better actors than Wayne (he's always dismissed for always making Westerns and war movies, although he did The Quiet Man and some dramas) because they played in more genres.
John Smith: Time to watch Seven Samurai for the first time
Louis: Who would you cast in a live-action musical version of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (2010s).
Ewan McGregor as Quasimodo. Has the perfect vocal range for the role.
Robert: Did you see The Witch.
No, I will alert you when I do. It's been hectic lately.
Robert: Thanks. :)
Calvin:
Interesting case. I also like the supposed real cast for the story when they considered making in the 60's which was Gregory Peck as Donovan and Alec Guinness as Abel.
Luke:
90's:
1. "Hellfire" - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
2. "The Bells of Notre Dame" - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
3. "Beauty and the Beast" - Beauty and the Beast
4. "Be Prepared" - The Lion King
5. "Mountain Town" - South Park
6. "I'll Make a Man Out of You" - Mulan
7. "La Resistance" - South Park
8. "Gaston" - Beauty and the Beast
9. "That Thing You Do" - That Thing You Do!
10. "Love Song for a Vampire" - Bram Stoker's Dracula
2000's:
1. "The Rider Song" - The Proposition
2. "Falling Slowly" - Once
3. "Going Home" - Gods and Generals
4. "The Weary Kind" - Crazy Heart
5. "Things Have Changed" - Wonder Boys
6. "You Know My Name" - Casino Royale
7. "The End of the Act" - Team America: World Police
8. "That's How You Know" - Enchanted
9. "May It Be" - The Fellowship of the Ring
10. "Walk Hard" - Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
The Hunchback of Notre Dame:
Quasimodo: Ewan McGregor (Great choice Robert)
Pheobus: Hugh Jackman
Esmeralda: Emily Blunt(And before anyone says anything remember Esmeralda isn't actually a gypsy by birth)
Clopin: Alan Cumming
Frollo: Tim Curry (if he's recovered enough)
The Archdeacon: David Ogden Stiers
Louis: Is the review coming tomorrow.
I was going to suggest Simon Russell Beale for Frollo. Trust me, he'd be perfect.
Robert: He's great in The Hollow Crown. :)
Anonymous:
I would not say range would be defined by specific genre unless but the broader definitions. Someone could play almost the same exact role through western, sci-fi, a horror, a war film. I would say range would include if one can excel in drama, or comedy. There versatility also would be around what sort of roles they can play, villain, heroes, anything in between, as well as why type of people, meek, commanding, and of course what sort of emotions they reach with any given part.
Robert: Haven't seen anything from him I believe, but he certainly has the right look for the part.
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