since Oct. 9, 2004.When one thinks of versatile actors, several come to mind - young and old, some with hefty resumes and others with only a couple credits to their name. One, however, stands out from the rest, one who's acting persona is unmatched, whether he's playing a shy, reclusive widower ("Sarah, Plain and Tall"), a coma patient with the extraordinary gift of foresight ("The Dead Zone") or the smooth-talking father of con man Frank Abagnale, Jr. ("Catch Me If You Can").
Yes, I'm talking about Christopher Walken.
Walken first received notoriety with his role as the steelworking turned roulette-playing Nic in the Vietnam drama "The Deer Hunter," which won him the 1978 Best Supporting Actor Oscar. He then became well known for his deeply intense roles in such films as "The Dead Zone," "The Prophecy" (and its sequels) and "Brainstorm." But it was the more obscure roles - or films - that elevated Walken to cult status.
(Yes, you read that right. Walken is a pop culture icon who - officially or not - is a cult figure in film, television ("Saturday Night Live"), hell, entertainment in general.)
Regard "Pennies From Heaven," where Walken's gangster lip-synchs to Bernadette Peters and dances down to his skivvies, then BAM! threatens to cut her face. Who else could go from singing and dancing to threatening the leading lady without flinching, as effortlessly as flipping a switch? Or how about his role in "Pulp Fiction"? Granted, it's a bit part, but he delivers one of the most subtly humorous of the film: "I carried that watch up my ass for two years." (OK, well, it's funnier on film.)
And then there is Walken's turn as the Hessian horseman in "Sleep Hollow." Though the part had no lines and his face was shown only at the beginning and end, his character was likely the most interesting of all, simply because that character achieved something the others couldn't: intrigue - versus mystery - plus he (the horsemen) had nothing to lose.
Walken's role as Clem, the janitor, in "Joe Dirt" was a lighter one and landed him back in his dancing shoes. Playing a witness-protected former Mob dude, he generated some of the heartiest laughs in the film, particularly with the sudden outbursts, though merely by his screen presence.
Alasm perhaps it's his jaunt into the music industry that may be remembered most by the younger crowd, or at least those who watch MTV religiously. Reception over Walken's appearance in Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" video only proves his career endurance as well as his popularity. Nobody else could have pulled off that feat with so much fan and peer admiration. He not only embodied the part; it's clear to any viewer taht Walken was having a blast.
So, whether it's drama, comedy or strutting his stuff, Walken is a unique performer who has literally danced his way into pop culture, cult fame and, most importantly, our hearts and funny bones.
Copyright © 2004, Talia M. Wilson
written Sept. 1, 2004; posted: Oct 9, 2004
since Oct. 9, 2004.