Josh Brolin Fondly Remembers M. Emmet Walsh

by

As a seasoned movie buff with decades of film viewing under my belt, I must say that the new Prime Video release “Brothers” is an absolute hoot! The star-studded cast, led by Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage, brings a raunchy, wacky comedy to life that’s as refreshing as a cold pint on a hot summer’s day.

In the latest offering from Prime Video, titled “Brothers“, a star-studded ensemble delights in an outrageous, lighthearted comedy devoid of any serious undertones. Leading the cast are Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage, who play twin brothers embarking on a criminal venture following one’s release from prison. However, this film boasts a host of laugh-out-loud performances by Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Jennifer Landon, and the late, remarkable M. Emmet Walsh, who sadly passed away on March 20, 2024. MovieWeb recently chatted with Brolin and Dinklage about their experience filming this project, and they shared their thoughts on working with Walsh in one of his final roles.

In an explanation, Brolin stated that there were several scenes, one of which involved Brendan, and on this particular scene, Brendan needed his lines to be shouted at him to remember them. However, when they filmed the scene in Brendan’s office, he was as sharp as any other actor on the set, demonstrating exceptional skill. Brolin further commended Brendan for his performance.

It’s astonishingly impressive to witness someone at such an advanced age maintaining such a strong passion. To me, it harks back to the classic era of acting. In today’s world, many aspiring actors, including myself, often express a desire to act. However, I believe that deep down, they yearn for fame. But when we reflect on these old-school artists, who were deeply immersed in their craft through plays and theater, this individual was one of those dedicated few.

What Are Character Actors? Peter Dinklage Explains

In the interview Peter Dinklage took part in with Josh Brolin, he expressed his preference for “character actors.” However, he found the term somewhat odd and even a bit dismissive. He mentioned actors like Harry Dean Stanton and M. Emmet Walsh who fit this category, praising their talent. The conversation then turned to whether Al Pacino could be considered a character actor, as well as if character actors can simultaneously be leading men. It’s an intriguing topic for discussion. If a character actor takes the lead in a film, does that mean they are no longer a character actor? Can performers such as Philip Seymour Hoffman or William H. Macy reinvent themselves as leading men while still being considered character actors?

There is, of course, the old Konstantin Stanislavski adage, that there are no small parts, only small actors. This is completely true, as very small roles can have lasting meaning and sometimes be even more memorable. Just think of all the actors who won Oscars despite very small roles. Beatrice Straight obviously comes to mind, winning an Oscar for her role in Network despite being onscreen for less than six minutes. Gloria Grahame and Anthony Quinn also won Oscars for films they were in for less than 10 minutes. Even Anthony Hopkins, who is so innately associated with Silence of the Lambs, was only in that film for 16 minutes.

Tracking him might be challenging, but let’s focus on M. Emmet Walsh once more. He truly shines in the movie “Blood Simple,” where Frances McDormand made her film debut, along with many others. However, it’s Walsh who leaves an indelible impression with his remarkable performance. So, whatever you choose to call him, it’s evident that he was one of the best in the business.

Read More

2024-10-23 15:36