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I'm not sure it's "awesome" that he lived so long.
What's impressive is that he is associated with so many good movies, that he hired an "untouchable" blacklisted writer, and that he was an early example of an actor with his own production company.
Kirk was such a diversified actor. Here are just some of his (non-"Spartacus") performances that stood out to me:
"Detective Story"
"Ace in the Hole" (Billy Wilder's dark drama)
Then, he also he could also stretch and do biolgraphicals like:
"Lust for Life" (portraying van Gogh)
"Young Man with a Horn" (chronicling the short, complicated life of jazz trumpeter Bix Beiderbecke -- note: I'm a jazz fan)
... I also liked Kirk in "Out of the Past" which many film pundits consider the foundational/penultimate film noir movie... It's true that young, largely unknown Douglas (unknown to movie goers not theater lovers) played 2nd billing to Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer, but Kirk was still very effective in his role and I'm sure turned heads at the studios leading to larger roles.
I'm sure, like most intense, serious actors, Kirk had to let his hair down and do a comedy at one time or another, I just can't think of one.
... he was quite an amazing man, actor and dad who led the long and full life we could all hope for.
Kirk was such a diversified actor. Here are just some of his (non-"Spartacus") performances that stood out to me:
"Detective Story"
"Ace in the Hole" (Billy Wilder's dark drama)
Then, he also he could also stretch and do biolgraphicals like:
"Lust for Life" (portraying van Gogh)
"Young Man with a Horn" (chronicling the short, complicated life of jazz trumpeter Bix Beiderbecke -- note: I'm a jazz fan)
... I also liked Kirk in "Out of the Past" which many film pundits consider the foundational/penultimate film noir movie... It's true that young, largely unknown Douglas (unknown to movie goers not theater lovers) played 2nd billing to Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer, but Kirk was still very effective in his role and I'm sure turned heads at the studios leading to larger roles.
I'm sure, like most intense, serious actors, Kirk had to let his hair down and do a comedy at one time or another, I just can't think of one.
... he was quite an amazing man, actor and dad who led the long and full life we could all hope for.
I wrote of "Detective Story" in this forum. Also, I agree with the recommendation of "Ace in the Hole." This film was also released in 1951, which was the same year as "Detective Story."
Kirk Douglas portrayed a down-on-his-luck reporter. This movie showed the relationship between the press and the news which it reports. And, the manner in which the news is reported. It also illustrated how a gullible public can be manipulated by the press.
I wrote of "Detective Story" in this forum. Also, I agree with the recommendation of "Ace in the Hole." This film was also released in 1951, which was the same year as "Detective Story."
Kirk Douglas portrayed a down-on-his-luck reporter. This movie showed the relationship between the press and the news which it reports. And, the manner in which the news is reported. It also illustrated how a gullible public can be manipulated by the press.
This is an obscure and great film.
Yes! I believe "Ace in the Hole" was Kirk's greatest, darkest, most intense performance ever -- by him, or any other actor, for that matter... The film also enhanced Billy Wilder as one of the greatest writers/directors who truly understood and plumbed the depths of human vices on film: avarice, jealousy, bullying, infidelity, etc. (ie "Double Indemnity", "Sunset Boulevard," ... and even the lighter, more farcical "The Fortune Cookie" (earning Walter Matthau his only Oscar) ... Wilder's sharp, tightly written characters and dialogue were a natural fit for Kirk Douglas, who cut his teeth on the stage.
I didn't realize until reading his obituary that he had broken the blacklist by insisting that Dalton Trumbo get screenwriting credit for Spartacus. I don't recall seeing him in much, but he deserves great honor for that.
A great actor, hearthrob of the 50s, early 60s. I watched a commentary track of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and the commentator said that they worked hard to find excuses for him to take his shirt off, lol.
Amazing that he had such a long life after (mostly) retiring in the mid-90s.
Douglas was terrific a living legend from the days of the silver screen. I recently watched him in "The Vikings" and "Ace in a Hole" which was a very good take on what vultures the press can be when they are diving in for a chunk of a bloody story. It was very relevant in 1951 and certainly now. Watch it.
RIP Douglas.
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