Monday 24 June 2019

Alternate Best Actor 1963: Patrick McGoohan in Dr. Syn, Alias The Scarecrow

Patrick McGoohan did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Dr. Christopher Syn aka the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh in Dr. Syn, Alias The Scarecrow.

The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh is a very entertaining 3 part adventure mini-series about a pastor who moonlights as a costumed smuggler to thwart the government of King George III and help his impoverished community. I will say the film cut, which qualifies McGoohan for this review, isn't exactly the most inspired cut, though the good qualities of the miniseries are still quite evident, however I'd recommend the three episode version.

This film is technically one the early instances of a masked hero film, though of course there have been others as well a la The Scarlet Pimpernel, a rare exception compared to the modern use of the masked hero. Now the Scarecrow isn't quite a superhero per se, but he isn't too far off of one. This is especially as one could almost see him as a bit of a 1700's England Batman. This is as the masked hero element is strongly emphasized here with the separation of personality between that character and the man who "plays" him. In this we have McGoohan delivering the best Batman performance that has been given, however he is not playing Batman, but nonetheless the qualities of his work realizes that specific duality, if not a bit more. In that we have the monster created that is the Scarecrow, who is the face of the opposition to England, and the known face to his forces made up of local men, except for his fellow masked cohort (or sidekicks) of Mr. Mipps aka Hellspite (George Cole) and the young squire's son John aka Curlew who are part of that duplicity.

McGoohan's portrayal of the Scarecrow begins with his scratchy, almost screeching, voice that is quite befitting of a living Scarecrow. Scarecrow, in that Batman way, is more evocative of fear than of heroism despite his actions and McGoohan's portrayal captures this. His voice that almost of a living monster capable of great misdeeds, but chooses to help the poor. McGoohan's facial work is obviously rather limited given the mask, however one can still see his eyes and in this regard McGoohan does not waste his one place for expression. Obvious technically minor however his eyes are with this nearly dead, haunting quality, that again evokes his Scarecrow as an otherworldly being than simply an outlaw leader. I love that McGoohan presses this point, as much as one can for a generally family friendly film anyways, in creating the idea of a genuine menace within the role. The most notable in this when Scarecrow goes about scaring a traitor to exile. McGoohan is genuinely eerie in his piercing eyes, and cold way of telling the coward "You're dead", followed by that wonderfully mad laugh of his that is more fitting of a creature than a man.

This is of course in sharp contrast to the secret identity of the Scarecrow, in the pastor Christopher Syn. McGoohan already passes the first test in that if you obviously didn't no he played both parts you'd never consider it. He is wholly dissimilar with McGoohan using his oh so wonderfully refined voice of his as Syn. McGoohan accentuates that though in creating really two parts within the idea of Dr. Syn. This is as McGoohan, much like the public/private Bruce Wayne featured in some portrayals of Batman, crafts variations within the two sides of Syn. The Syn where he meets with his two inner circle members, and the public persona of the pastor. Now in both McGoohan brings such a dignified manner however he uses them in two different ways. The public pastor actually could be fairly straight forward, however even in this McGoohan finds a bit of variation. This in moments of genuinely attending his flock McGoohan delivers a calm warmth in his role, with his eyes accentuating a man who cares for these people, even if he's technically deceiving them. This however is only when Syn is interacting directly with the rather unknowing but respectful congregation of his.

One of my favorite aspects of McGoohan's work is as the public persona of Syn as he interacts with those he has a less favorable view of. This is chiefly when he directly speaks with the officials of the crown especially the film's chief villain General Pugh (Geoffrey Keen). McGoohan plays these moments with this certain affable distance, conveying the idea of Syn as essentially an unknowing party when it comes to the politics of the land. This with just the utmost innocence in his delivery, mostly, as the bit of nuance in these moments I absolutely love. This is as McGoohan delivers this sharp wit, as the seemingly guiltless man, with just the most impeccable deliveries. My favorites of these being his moment of dismissing Pugh's accusations that his congregation is helping the smuggler with "you have no proof of that" that he manages to show Syn jesting a bit at the General's expense while being apparently entirely truthful in this. The same feature being realized in a moment of just wishing the general good health after he's caught a cold. McGoohan is cutting in his oh so assuring way with the words of a goodnatured citizen, but his eyes capture this glint of mischievousness that brings such an enjoyable humor within the ruse of the character.

The final "face" is the real face of Syn, who is again is based on this quiet dignity though in a different way than the meek pastor we see at his services. McGoohan is fantastic in capturing this unique power in his presence, through his calm certainty. Within this McGoohan conveys what is this overpowering intelligence within the character that is captivating in every moment of his work, particularly when he is outlining a part of his plans. There is this force of personality that he delivers but what I love about it is how McGoohan does so with this grace and ease in his demeanor. In the one major moment of summing of his philosophy McGoohan is incredible, not through some grandiose speech but rather these sincere and direct words of man of unshakable convictions fueled by a pointed, though unassuming, passion. McGoohan shows a man who knows precisely what he is doing and almost always has a plan to make things right. McGoohan however doesn't over do this and does ensure there is still a humanity within the character, even with the certain mystery within Syn in this film. There's a great moment, where I'll cheat since it is cut out of the theatrical cut, where is partially belated by the young John for not showing a great deal of emotion. McGoohan is outstanding in this moment of just the ever so slight exasperation towards his current problem, actually does portray the emotions within the man. Syn follows the line with telling John that it is essential always keep one's head, and in that moment McGoohan brilliantly captures the internalization of concern while also presenting the exact method of Syn. McGoohan, as much as he so effectively realizes the force of the man defined by a careful will and insight, he never forgets the man within that. These are but the moments of slight disruption though as McGoohan is simply spectacular in creating this marvelous hero where every moment of his work is on point. McGoohan finds something different to explore within each side of the man while still crafting it as an extension of a single man with a mission. McGoohan shows us in proper measure the strengths of the confident Dr. Syn, but again within that nuance creating enough of a man in an honest struggle each time. This is again, I'll restate, this is the greatest performance as Batman in terms of the needed virtues of such a role, even though he doesn't play that part. He owns this role in giving such consistently entertaining and compelling portrayal of his masked hero that I wish the miniseries could've had at least a few more installments.

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the cinematography of Roman J. Israel, Esq. and Velvet Buzzsaw. I've seen some people saying that Elswit isn't that good of a cinematographer when he's not working with PTA. Would you say they're exaggerating?

Michael McCarthy said...

A little late, but here's my prediction and personal ratings for the other lineup:

1. Marcello Mastroianni - 5
2. Burt Lancaster - 4.5
3. Robert Shaw - 4.5
4. Maurice Ronet - 4.5
5. Steve McQueen - 4/4.5

Also, I'll say that if we were predicting Pleasence over Shaw he would be my #1.

Matt Mustin said...

Anonymous: I think that's ridiculous. Just look at Nightcrawler and Good Night and Good Luck.

Michael McCarthy said...

Also as much of a mess as Velvet Buzzsaw was, the cinematography was actually pretty solid.

Calvin Law said...

Michael: I could see that. I preferred Shaw slightly between the two but Pleasance is fantastic in his own right.

I’ve probably mentioned this before but I’ve seen it on stage with Timothy Spall in Pleasance’s role (terrific, equally good), Daniel Mays in Robert Shaw’s (decent), George MacKay in Alan Bates’ (phenomenal).

RatedRStar said...

Louis: I saw the film cut version of this on YouTube, I love McGoohans performance here, especially his courtroom scene of sorts when he pretend sentences a man to a hanging.

Luke Higham said...

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

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on Christina Perri's 'A Thousand Years' from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I?

Calvin Law said...

Last Night in Soho adds Diana Rigg and Terrence Stamp. Edgar Wright always makes good use of British vets so let’s hope this’ll be the case here too.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the audition scene in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang? I especially love how the script that Harry is reading from says "Reality and fiction blur", just as the casting lady gets more intense XD

Matt Mustin said...

Bryan L: That's actually probably one of Downey's best moments honestly, but the cherry on top for me is Larry Miller mouthing "wow".

Bryan L. said...

Matt: Agreed, not to mention him and the casting lady also not knowing how to react to Harry "acting."

Calvin Law said...

Saw Parasite. Less said about the plot the better, but it's actually a pretty interesting companion piece to Us. I rather dug it on the whole, especially for the editing and ensemble, though whether or not you buy into Bong's VERY overt stylistic approach time around (this is more Snowpiercer style than Memories of Murder Bong) is rather essential.

Song: 4.5
Jang: 4
Choi: 4.5
Park So-dam: 4.5
Lee Sun-kyun: 3
Cho: 3
Jung: 3.5
Lee Jung-eun: 4
Park Myung-hoon: 4

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Your rating and thoughts on Richard Cordery (Uncle Desmond) in About Time?

Emi Grant said...

Louis: Also, what did you make of Richard E. Grant's little cameo on About Time?

Mitchell Murray said...

Everyone: Thoughts on "The Good Liar" trailer?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-EPzEoDq_o

On a different note, I just watched "Broadcast News" for the first time, which I rather liked. I'd say I enjoyed it more than "Terms of Endearment" and "As Good as it Gets", and I'm also confident in saying its my favourite Holly Hunter performance that I've seen.

Emi Grant said...

Mitchell: I have heard nothing but great things about Broadcast News. What did you make of the cast?

Mitchell Murray said...

Emi:

Hunter - 4.5 (I just thought she was great here, as she makes a strong impression in what really was her breakout role. The part allows Hunter to use all her most appealing traits as an actress, namely that wry charisma, impeccable comedic timing and notable dramatic range. What should be mentioned right out the gate is that Hunter is very charming in this performance. She finds the needed tone throughout her turn, and effectively elevates the "lighter" scenes in the film. That said, she also leaves room for earnesty in her characterization, both in the ambition she gives to Jane's own arc, and her interactions opposite Brooks and Hurt. As the story goes along, Hunter is terrific at alluding to the conflict within Jane, as on the one hand her friendship with Aaron is incredibly genuine, but then so is her sexual attraction to Tom. It's to her credit, though, that this is never simplified into any extreme shifts within the role, or made into the defining element of the performance. Hunter instead succeeds so well at granting a cohesion to her moments of wit and vulnerability, by again realizing just the right approach for this kind of character, and the problems she faces. I was simply won over by this performance so I could actually go higher with my score.)

Hurt - 4.5 (Well Hurt's performance is perhaps less impressive on the surface than Hunter's or Brook's, and that mainly comes down to the purposely shallow character of Tom. As portrayed in the movie Tom really is not that bright or complex, but the interesting thing about this performance is how Hurt plays those notes. He allows a certain awareness in the character so as to hint at Tom's own perception of his shortcomings. The role could've honestly been quite dull in lesser hands, but Hurt is actually rather measured in his portrayal, and doesn't simply play Tom as a man going through the motions. He does in fact become a defined character all his own, thanks to the small touches Hurt includes throughout. For instance, there is a real introspection in Tom's eyes whenever Jane directly talks insults or contradicts him, suggesting the man's true insecurities buried inside. Additionally, Hurt still brings the same charm shown in many of his performances from the 80's decade, but its appropriately subverted in a more artificial fashion. This allows Tom to be convincingly likable, but also helps the audience to know the calculated nature of his public shell. All in all a very good performance that suits the character, and another example of the skill Hurt demonstrated in his prime.)

Mitchell Murray said...

Brooks - 5 (An excellent performance from a criminally underrated actor, and although I've only seen Sean Connery out of his fellow nominees, he seems like an easy winner out of 1987's supporting actor field. In any case, Brooks deserves major praise given the challenge of his part - a challenge not often acknowledged, frankly - which is making an annoying character somehow engaging. Brooks is up to such a task, as he portrays Aaron's specific personality in a honest manner. He doesn't ever attempt to shy away from the man's snobbery, but at the same time, he also reveals a definite awareness in the character much like Hurt's performance. Brooks portrays Aaron as a guy who can form social relationships, as evidenced by his affection for Jane, but still has to work at it quite hard and is not always the most polite or charismatic fellow. Where this performance really excels, though, is in that dynamic with Hunter, and the scenes between Brooks and Hunter are possibly my favourite in the film. For his part, Brooks is on target in showing Aaron's complicated love for Jane. He makes the man very sympathetic in his advances as the connection between the two is certainly there, but Jane unfortunately doesn't reciprocate the same level of intimacy. It also helps that Brook's comedic instincts are put to good use whenever possible, resulting in some of the funniest lines in the film. Even with the strength of his two co-stars, I can still say Brooks is the standout of the movie. He gives a memorable performance that in its very nature lends to being somewhat overlooked, which is quite sad considering Brook's pitch perfect efforts.)

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Yes that is a definite exaggeration, does PTA help, obviously, especially when looks at the film he shot "himself", but that doesn't mean he didn't learn lessons from Elswit to achieve that. That view though is unfair to Elswit, who isn't Deakins, Lubezki or Storaro when it comes to consistency across filmmakers, but few cinematographers are. Those are Elswit's best shot films, but rare do you go, I can't believe Elswit shot that in terms of quality. PTA though is the one who pushes him most stylistically, but Elswit was there to deliver each time.

Roman J. Israel's work after all is clearly going for a straight, but pristine, realism in terms of how it is shot. In that sense it is well shot. It isn't an extraordinary effort however Elswit creates dynamic compositions within standards talking scenes, realizes some simple but effective lighting. It doesn't bring attention to itself, but it is a fine looking film particularly for its intention.

Now compare that to Velvet buzzsaw, which needed quite frankly a more alluring overarching stylistic idea on Gilroy's part. For much of the film it is again that well done though standard, pristine. The cursed paintings moments though he lets Elswit loose, and he excels in creating some remarkable imagery. This is with a true eye in crafting the horror in the more dynamic palettes, and composition of a proper work of art.

Luke:

I'll actually hold onto Keen, Cole and Wymark for the moment.

Hordern - 3.5(Mostly there just to be properly dignified as the squire, with a quite morality within that manner that Hordern delivers well. He balances effectively in creating both a greater warmth in moments of the loving father, and a more direct intensity with his scenes as the protective father.)

Walsh - 3(An enjoyable little bit from her in bringing a bit of character to what could've been a throwaway role.)

Louis Morgan said...

Pohlmann - 3.5(I'd actually love to see his deleted scene, evidenced by the introduction scene that we never see, as I think he makes quite the impact with his one scene in delivering a real power to the personality of the king. This is as he effectively shows the one man who can wholly out menace Keen's Pugh.)

Scully - 3(Slightly bland at times, however he hits his young earnest notes well enough.)

Dobie - 3.5(Some enjoyable smugness from him with a quite unlikable intensity that serves the character so well. This is as he falls apart in the "court" scene where his reactions are pretty fantastic throughout.)

Flynn - (Ser Bronn of the Blackwater's dad, just for a fun fact. Flynn is quietly enjoyable as the foppish dweeb underling at first, though he does it so earnestly he makes Brackenbury likable even as he's the enemy. He's then though very good in completely selling his character's turn in the the third episode (act) of the story mainly through some very effective reaction shot. I especially love his silent discontent after seeing Pugh's refusal for humanity.)

Tahmeed:

NEVER!

I means sure why not. Not at all a horrible song I'll grant, I won't even try to think about the context and in that regard the lyrics might be a little repetitive. Having said that though the song forms quite the rather pleasant swell of mixed instrumentation, balanced with the singular strum of the guitar with the verses. A nice tune, completely on its own merits.

Cordery - 3.5(I found he managed to find just the right balance in creating the state of the man as both humorous in the daffiness but with a definite pathos within the mindlessness as the same time. He never overplays either side.)

Emi Grant:

Just wonderful in his reunion with Uncle Monty (though where was Paul McGann?). Grant's moment though of an assured confidence to complete befuddlement in a moments notice is absolutely hilarious, especially with him reverting back to that confidence once he has some very nice cue cards.

Mitchell:

Much darker than I expected, though also a lot pulpier than I expected as well. Could be a train wreck (as any psychological thriller can be), though hopefully not, but McKellen looks like he'll be having a lot of fun either way.

Louis Morgan said...

Bryan:

Well more than anything some great acting from Robert Downey Jr. in sort of double playing the scene and pulling it off both ways. Love the dramatic music scene underlining with that fantastic and hilarious reaction from Larry Miller (whatever happened to his run as rather questionable authority figures/bosses anyways?).

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your cast and director for a 90's Velvet Buzzsaw.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your 80s and 90s cast and director for East of Eden?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: What are the five performances you have found very difficult to settle on an exact rating for? Two which come to my mind are Brad Dourif in Wise Blood and Chris Pine in Stretch.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Thoughts on these clips of Stanley Kubrick at his house.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54hrLTpsO5g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlsZoZLlwC8

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ChH0YK15JA

Calvin Law said...

Alright, I have to admit: I thought season 7 of Thrones was worse than season 5. Also, I can't be alone in thinking that making Varys and Tyrion 'good' characters was a HUGE mistake? If they'd sent Tyrion down the route of bitterness descending into hatred and malice after season 4, and Varys continuing to egg him on in this regard, could've created a more compelling conflict between them and say, Jon Snow, with Danerys in the middle. Anyway on the whole I thought the season was a complete mess in terms of pacing and storytelling structure. Individual scenes were strong, even great, but honestly it rarely ever reached a cohesive whole. Battle of the Goldroad was pretty good, I'll admit, but still nowhere near the great GOT battles.

1. Lena Headey
2. Diana Rigg
3. Liam Cunningham
4. Richard Dormer
5. Emilia Clarke
6. Sophie Turner
7. Maisie Williams
8. Rory McCann
9. Jerome Flynn
10. Iain Glen

HM: Aidan Gillen, Alfie Allen, Kristofer Hivju

Stupidest use of a character: good ol' Uncle Benjen. Love you, but they did you dirty.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Velvet Buzzsaw directed by Robert Altman:

Morf: Johnny Depp
Haze: Elizabeth Taylor
Gretchen: Catherine O'Hara
Josephina: Sarita Choudhury
Coco: Linda Cardellini
Damrish: Mos Def
Bryson: Steve Zahn
Piers: Alan Bates

Bryan:

East of Eden 1980's directed by Peter Weir:

Caleb: Timothy Hutton
Aron: Eric Stoltz
Adam: Martin Landau
Cathy: Charlotte Rampling
Abra: Caroline Goodall
Sam the Sheriff: Stacy Keach

East of Eden 90's directed by Anthony Minghella:

Caleb: River Phoenix
Aron: Ethan Hawke
Adam: Tom Skerritt
Cathy: Anjelica Huston
Abra: Jennifer Jason Leigh
Sam the Sheriff: Powers Boothe

Anonymous:

Always funny to see Kubrick clips, in that for his enigmatic sort of reputation, he comes off as so decidedly average in just a typical conversation, though not in a bad way.

Tahmeed:

Eric Roberts - Star 80
Chris Pine - Stretch
Brad Dourif - Wise Blood
Ian McDiarmid - Revenge of the Sith
Eddie Murphy - Dream Girls

Quite the striking and rather powerful poem I must say.

Calvin:

That uses of Benjen.....ehhhhhhhhh...so bad.

Yes in regards to Tyrion and Varys. Tyrion frankly seemed a victim of his own popularity in that they basically became precious towards his character, who made such a strong impression by being anything but that. I actually could foresee him almost having a reverse Jamie in a certain sense, especially since he is already tilted a bit darker in the books.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Louis: This reminds me, do you think the omission of the Tysha revelation was a gigantic mistake? I’ve been trying to wrap my head around its absence in the show for years, wondering why D&D thought it unnecessary to Tyrion’s (and Jaime’s) arc.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

With how everything turned out, without a doubt it was. Although I think there was enough motivation to kill Tywin for him without that, it left Tyrion without a sense of direction or motivation for his character after that point. Where a darker path should've been created, and really they should've probably kept his murder of Shae rather than that pseudo-self-defense switch. Leaving it out just marginalized opportunities for the character, which you'd think they would've wanted to avoid.

Calvin Law said...

Not having read the books but having read about that Tysha revelation, I couldn’t agree more. I feel like Dinklage could’ve excelled with that sort of darkness. Plus it even could’ve allowed Barristan Selmy to stay on longer.

Bryan L. said...

I graduated University today! :D

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Bryan: Congratulations! :)

RatedRStar said...

Bryan: Great job Bryan =D, what you graduate in?

Bryan L. said...

Tahmeed and RatedRStar: Thanks! :D

Emi Grant said...

Congrats, Bryan!

Mitchell Murray said...

Bryan: Nice, man!

Also, guys, what are some of your least favourite impersonations of real life people, from high profile biopics and/or oscar nominated turns?

For myself, these are the ones that I think of;

Will Smith as Muhammad Ali/Bennett Omalu
Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles (His work hasn't been aging well for me, to be honest.)
Frank Langella as Richard Nixon (The performance is fine, but his Nixon isn't even close.)
Reese Witherspoon as June Carter (Was she even attempting to imitate her? Because I just heard Elle Woods).

I mean, there have been plenty of biopic impersonations that were flawed or very loose, but those are the ones that I was actively distracted by.

Emi Grant said...

Mitchell: Timothy Spall in The King's Speech was incredibly distracting to me.

Bryan L. said...

Emi: Thanks!

Mitchell: Thanks! The performances you mentioned as well for me, and Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Louis: Of the following ASOIAF characters who weren’t in the show, who would you have cast?

Jon Connington
Young Griff
Patchface
The Kindly Old Man
Val
Genna Lannister
Dacey Mormont

Omar Franini said...

1. Shaw
2. Lancaster
3. Mastroianni
4. Ronet
5. McQueen

Bryan: Congratulations!

Louis: before you finish with 1963 could you also watch Il Demonio and La Baie des Anges? Both Daliah Levi and Jeanne Moreau would make my best actress top 10.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts and ratings for the cast of The Spirit (2008).

Calvin Law said...

Congrats Brian!

Everyone: can we all agree that if they weren’t going to be able to use Jerome Flynn and Lena Headey in any scenes together, they might’ve as well killed off Bronn in Season 7?

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

Jon Connington - Gabriel Byrne
Young Griff - Harry Treadaway
Patchface - Peter Wight
The Kindly Old Man - David Warner
Val - Juliet Stevenson
Genna Lannister - Michele Dotrice
Dacey Mormont - Phoebe Fox

Bryan:

Kudos

Omar:

Will do.

Anonymous:

Everyone is hideously bland, except for Jackson who is a one note ham, in sadly a completely non-entertaining way.

Calvin:

Bronn is another character they became way too precious about as well. He probably should've died in the field of fire, in fact I thought he was going to when I originally watched the episode (when he dropped his gold, I thought he was going to be killed for going back for it).

Bryan L. said...

Omar, Calvin and Louis: Thank you.