As a connoisseur of cinema who has traversed the diverse landscapes of film genres, I find myself in awe of Anthony Hopkins‘ versatility and tenacity. A Welshman by birth, yet a Western star by choice, Hopkins’ journey through the American West on celluloid is as captivating as the vast plains he roams.
I’ve had the honor of being an actor in Hollywood since the 60s, gracing some unforgettable films like “The Elephant Man,” “The Remains of the Day,” “Amistad,” and “Meet Joe Black.” My portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in “Silence of the Lambs” remains one of the most celebrated performances cinema has ever seen. Winning my second Oscar, for playing a man battling dementia in “The Father,” made me the oldest Best Actor recipient in Academy Awards history. I’ve also graced epic TV series such as “Westworld” and more recently, Peacock’s “Those About to Die.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can confidently affirm that the exceptional talent of Anthony Hopkins is universally recognized as one of the greatest in film history. Yet, there’s a lesser-known facet to this illustrious career – his profound affection for the American Western genre. In a captivating conversation with Pop Entertainment, Hopkins himself revealed two of his all-time favorite Western films: the gripping “Shane” and the compelling “Lawman”.
Shane (1953)
Following the namesake novel, I found myself immersed in the timeless Western classic, “Shane.” The story revolves around me, Shane (Alan Ladd), a secretive, ex-gunfighter brought in to safeguard homesteaders against an oppressive cattle baron. Notably, it was the pioneer film to be displayed in a widescreen 1.66:1 ratio, a format scarcely employed in today’s cinema. Paramount introduced this format to offer viewers a broader landscape perspective than what television could provide back then.
Shane falls under the category of a Psychological Western, a subtype that emerged in the 1940s and gained popularity through the 1950s and 60s. This genre is characterized by a greater emphasis on character development rather than action compared to traditional Westerns.
In an interview with Pop Entertainment, I mentioned that “Shane” is one of my cherished all-time Westerns. It seems I’m not alone in my admiration for this classic film. Boasting a 97% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, this is a rating that only the elite movies can achieve. With its Academy Award-winning cinematography capturing breathtaking landscapes and remarkable performances, “Shane” significantly shaped the Western genre.
Over the years, this movie has been mentioned in popular culture too; interestingly, a scene in the 2017 superhero film “Logan” features characters watching this very movie. Moreover, “Shane” is not only recognized as one of the finest Westerns ever made, it’s widely regarded as one of the best movies ever produced. It has been included in the American Film Institute’s latest version of “100 Years…100 Movies,” a list that ranks the 100 greatest American films according to AFI.
Lawman (1971)
During the 1960s, when censorship regulations became less stringent, the classic Western genre evolved into what was later called the “revisionist Western.” Movies like “Lawman” belong to this subcategory that challenges the idealized and romantic portrayal of the traditional Western. In contrast to traditional Westerns that present characters as either good or bad with limited character growth, revisionist Westerns such as “Lawman” do not present a clear good vs evil dichotomy.
The story revolves around Jared Maddox, a law enforcer, as he chases a band of rowdy cowboys responsible for the tragic death of an elderly man during their riotous festivities. In keeping with the tradition of revisionist Westerns, it focuses on a robust male protagonist who stands up for supposedly civilized individuals against those considered uncivilized. At times, this line between civilization and lawlessness can become indistinct.
The movie titled “Lawnman” boasts a robust rating of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics criticized its complex storyline and non-traditional approach, others admired the gritty, raw realism portrayed in it. Among these admirers is Anthony Hopkins, who has expressed his affection for this film. In an interview with Pop Entertainment, he praised the movie by saying, “There’s a marvelous film called Lawman… featuring Burt Lancaster; a fantastic movie about opposing groups.
Hopkins Has Dabbled in Westerns Too
It might seem surprising to find Anthony Hopkins, a renowned Welsh actor known for his Shakespearean performances, appearing in an American Western. However, he has explored one of his preferred film genres throughout his career. In 1994, Hopkins collaborated with Brad Pitt in the Western saga titled “Legends of the Fall“, despite the fact that it was set during the mid-20th century rather than the typical 19th century backdrop often associated with American Westerns.
He also co-starred in The Mask of Zorro, the 1998 Western swashbuckler film that partially whitewashed Zorro and cast Hopkins as the original masked hero. And more recently, Hopkins played Dr. Robert Ford, the creator of a Wild West-themed amusement park, in HBO’s Westworld, a series that interestingly combines the Old West with the sci-fi, dystopian genre.
At the age of 86, Hopkins doesn’t appear to be slowing down at all. He has recently been featured in the initial installments of Zack Snyder’s controversial Rebel Moon film series. In the year 2024, he starred in the thriller Locked alongside Bill Skarsgård and in a movie called Mary, where he will portray King Herod. His latest project is an epic sci-fi film titled Eyes in the Trees, which is a modern retelling of H.G. Wells’ 1896 novel The Island of Dr. Moreau. Fans are eagerly awaiting Hopkins’ next role, as they believe he will soon be cast in another Western, given his relentless pace in film production.
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2024-10-06 03:02