Classic Film : Peter O'Toole films

Peter O'Toole films

Oddly enough, the movie that brought my attention to this legendary actor was that dumb movie Supergirl. Even while starring in that awful movie, Peter O'Toole still brought something special to that character even though Zaltare was kind of absurd. Then I watched him as Becket and that performance made me adore him. What were your favorite performance from Peter O'Toole. My guess is that most people will list Lawrence of Arabia. Am I right?

Re: Peter O'Toole films

Svengali with Jodi Foster.

Re: Peter O'Toole films

He was so wonderful in so many things. But I have three particular favorites:

Becket
A Lion in Winter
Lawrence of Arabia


(I often loved him even in films that weren't so good, or films that I hoped would be better, like Lord Jim.)

Re: Peter O'Toole films

My favourite O’Toole performance in a bad film is his psycho nazi in The Night of the Generals. If it wasn’t for him the DVD would have gone to a charity shop.

Re: Peter O'Toole films

Troy

Re: Peter O'Toole films

It was a small role, but he gave his A-game. He had some of the best lines in that film too and his delivery of those lines were like a Shakespeare play.

Re: Peter O'Toole films

My Favorite Year (1982)

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It's Going To Be A Bumpy Night!

My Favorite Year

Oh, I forgot about that one! I love it, too.

My Favorite Year

Some very funny moments. Some very sweet ones too. He is always interesting to watch, but he just seemed so special in My Favorite Year.
The time period it was set in is a favorite of mine. They got the 50s down just right.

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It's Going To Be A Bumpy Night!

Re: Peter O'Toole films

I often alternate between Becket and The Lion in Winter as my most favorites. There's something very special about Becket, a poignance, an intimacy; not sure, really. Just something. I haven't seen it in such a long time. . .

Re: Peter O'Toole films

Lion in Winter is another of what I label as one of my favourite films, but mostly due to Katharine Hepburn. Superb film.

Here's another:



"Life is tough. Get a helmet." – Candace Owens
"Not today, Satan!" – Blaire White

The Lion in Winter

Not to take anything away from O'Toole, but I really think it's one of Hepburn's finest performances - one in which she really lost herself in the character, something she rarely did.

The Lion in Winter

Totally agree. I don't think there's any movie of hers that I don't thoroughly enjoy, but this is by far one of her best.

"Life is tough. Get a helmet." – Candace Owens
"Not today, Satan!" – Blaire White

Re: Peter O'Toole films

I watched Lion in the Winter with a friend of mine. It was the only time I'd ever watched that movie. She raved about it before the movie actually aired on TCM. She wanted us to watch it together. I'm glad I did although the subject matter turned me off a little. On the bright side, it was a rare treat watching Kate Hepburn, Peter O'Toole and Anthony Hopkins in one of his very first major films(?)

Okay I just checked imdb. So, yes. It was very early in his film career.

She focused on Kate Hepburn and Peter O'Toole whereas I was mostly intrigued with Sir Anthony Hopkins performance. At that time, I was already familiar with the great Kate Hepburn and Peter O'Toole, so obviously both of those actors met my level of expectation.

I could tell Anthony Hopkins was matching his co-stars acting technique. His style blending with theirs, like absorbing it. I particularly enjoy watching actors in roles before they become superstars or critically acclaimed. I cannot really explain why it fascinates me so much. I suppose I would compare watching the process to watching a flower bud grow and blossom into a unique flower with beautiful petals.

It's just an observation of mine. I don't know anything about Sir Anthony Hopkins off-camera experience during the filming of Lion in the Winter. I know nothing of his approach to playing Richard.

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

Very insightful, well-articulated post, alpha. And you're so right. Hopkins has long stated in interviews that he took his cues from Hepburn and O'Toole and credits them with teaching him so much about acting for camera. I imagine they were both glad to be instrumental in his later success.

I particularly enjoy watching actors in roles before they become superstars or critically acclaimed. I cannot really explain why it fascinates me so much. I suppose I would compare watching the process to watching a flower bud grow and blossom into a unique flower with beautiful petals.

I love this! Thank you for saying in such a poetic way what is fundamentally and profoundly true about the creative process. That is what all artists strive for, I think.

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

Very insightful, well-articulated post, alpha. And you're so right. Hopkins has long stated in interviews that he took his cues from Hepburn and O'Toole and credits them with teaching him so much about acting for camera. I imagine they were both glad to be instrumental in his later success.
Oh that's great to know. I'm sure Kate and Peter were. I would have been if that were me. Also, I would imagine that Hopkins may have been somewhat nevous working alongside Hepburn and O'Toole but it looked as though that experience gave him the confidence needed because like I said, he really shined. I'll never forget it.

I love this! Thank you for saying in such a poetic way what is fundamentally and profoundly true about the creative process. That is what all artists strive for, I think.

For the serious actors though. So many of them aren't. Most are movie stars which is alright if that movie star is someone like Tom Cruise, Amy Adams, Brad Pitt etc

And you're welcome

but I really think it's one of Hepburn's finest performances - one in which she really lost herself in the character, something she rarely did.

I'd imagine to portray a woman like Eleanor, the screen actor must totally submerse themselves into character.

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

👍

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

I know. I wrote way too much. Sorry about that.

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

Absolutely not! You did not write too much. I wish more people would write more so we can have conversations instead of just making lists. I appreciate the lists, too, don't get me wrong, but I really like to talk about what we're thinking, too. 🙂

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

Excuse me for butting in here. I agree. Lists was a big thing on MovieChat. I hated the fact that nobody wanted to have a conversation about these lists of songs, movies, actors and actresses. It's nice to exchange opinions. Sometimes it leads to a better understanding of what a movie was about or you may see an actor or an actress in a whole different light.

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Fasten Your Seatbelts….
It's Going To Be A Bumpy Night!

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

👍 Thank you!

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

You made a great thread! It got people discussing actors and movies. You have some good ideas!

You asked a pretty question; I've given you the ugly answer.
Fasten Your Seatbelts….
It's Going To Be A Bumpy Night!

The Lion in Winter + Anthony Hopkins

Re: Peter O'Toole films

It is hard to pin point. You're making me want to watch Becket again.

Re: Peter O'Toole films

Man of La Mancha.

Re: Peter O'Toole films







Are you okay?

Re: Peter O'Toole films

The Stunt Man. O'Toole is just fabulous in this one.

Yes, this is really me.

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Re: Peter O'Toole films

Lawrence of Arabia
Becket
The Lion in Winter

The Stunt Man is another interesting film with a great performance by O'Toole as the tyrannical movie director. Also like My Favorite Year and Venus, which is great just to see O'Toole and Vanessa Redgrave together. It's a shame they didn't make another film together. Two great performers with tremendous on-screen chemistry.
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