As a connoisseur of the silver screen, who has witnessed countless performances and delved into the depths of cinematic history, I must say that Oliver Reed, a name synonymous with unbridled passion and raw intensity on the big screen, was undoubtedly one of the most captivating actors of his time. His life, much like the characters he portrayed, was a whirlwind of complexity, controversy, and a certain enigmatic allure that drew us in.
There are many tales about roles that could have been, with Burt Reynolds as Han Solo being one of them – a nearly realized alternate universe. It’s fascinating to ponder the ‘what ifs’, but we often overlook the reasons behind these near-misses. Some actors may have passed on a part they thought wasn’t suitable for them, while others simply clashed with the schedule and missed out on grabbing that legendary role.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that there can be a troubling aspect to success in this field, as some performers encounter rejection due to their actions both on and off the set. This unfortunate reality was faced by British actor Oliver Reed, who missed out on iconic roles such as James Bond and a part in Jaws, largely due to his struggles with alcohol and controversial conduct. We’ll delve into the complex character whose self-destructive drinking habits may have thwarted what could have been an extraordinary career.
The Fast and Wild Life of Oliver Reed
Oliver Reed, born on February 13, 1938 in Wimbledon, London, swiftly emerged as one of the leading British actors of his time, even without any formal education in acting. The 60s and 70s proved particularly fruitful for him, securing him significant roles in movies like “Oliver!” (1968), “Women in Love” (1969) and “The Three Musketeers” (1973). Furthermore, a friendship with director Ken Russell led to Reed appearing in several of his productions, such as the controversial, banned, and censored film “The Devils” (1971).
Reed’s achievements are often highlighted by his unruly lifestyle, characterized by a preference for pubs and a reputation for excessive drinking and boisterous behavior. As detailed in the biography What Fresh Lunacy Is This?: The Authorized Biography of Oliver Reed, the actor would engage in wild barroom antics such as putting cigarette butts and mustard in his mouth, and even challenging another patron to a prolonged kiss, vomiting to gain the upper hand. Unfortunately, fame brought about more negative habits and entanglements in scandals. His close friendships with Lee Marvin and Keith Moon only served to fuel his drinking habit.
Online, there is no scarcity of footage showing Oliver Reed behaving inappropriately or being drunk on talk TV shows, particularly towards women. He was known for his outspoken opposition to women’s rights, frequently making misogynistic remarks, and when he drank, he often got into fights. This behavior was prevalent during the peak of his career, with tales of excessive drinking constantly surrounding the actor throughout his entire professional journey. However, as the years passed, Reed’s health deteriorated visibly, struggling to maintain sobriety in a way that negatively impacted his career. In some of his later roles, he appeared diminished and worked on low-budget productions with little artistic merit.
In my lifetime, I harbor two significant aspirations: firstly, I aim to enjoy a drink at every bar until they run out; secondly, I aspire to share meaningful moments with diverse women across the globe.
In a turn of events, Reed found an opportunity for redemption and a possible return to stardom when he landed the part of Proximo in Ridley Scott’s film “Gladiator”. At this point, his career had essentially been shunned by Hollywood. The highly-anticipated action movie offered him a chance to regain some professional respect. However, Reed was required to remain sober for the role, but he managed to stay sober on set and indulged in drinking during weekends. On May 2, 1999, while taking a break from filming, he accepted a challenge to a drinking contest with British sailors, consuming an impressive amount of German beer, rum, and whiskey. Tragically, he succumbed to a heart attack later that day at the age of 61. The production team completed “Gladiator” by using body doubles for Reed’s role and incurring additional CGI costs of $3.2 million.
Scandals Led Oliver Reed to Lose Out On Many Roles
Even when Oliver Reed was at the pinnacle of his stardom, there was a reluctance to cast him in roles; he offered both the raw, unruly personality of the man and the possibility of an iconic screen performance. Yet, many hesitated to take this risk. After Sean Connery vacated the role of Bond, conversations ensued about who would succeed him, and one of the names under consideration was Oliver Reed.
Producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman deemed his nickname “Hellraiser,” both on-screen and off, too risky an association for the James Bond character. They were unwilling to invest the necessary time and resources to transform Reed into Bond.
I’ve made numerous significant remarks, but unfortunately, I can’t recall a single one. I suppose if they weren’t particularly crucial, I wouldn’t forget them so easily.” (Oliver Reed)
Concurrently, Oliver Reed asserted that he declined significant acting opportunities. To illustrate, Oliver Reed claimed to have rejected a role in Jaws, expressing disinterest in the character or relocating for filming purposes. However, actor Robert Shaw later countered that Reed did not decline the role, but his disregard for other actors resulted in him losing the part.
Reed similarly asserted that he declined a role in the 1973 film “The Sting,” but conflicting reports suggest he actually forfeited the part due to an intoxicated night out with Steve McQueen, culminating in a regrettable incident where he vomited on the actor. Regrettably, individuals grappling with addiction often learn to fabricate stories or twist facts to conceal their struggles, and these missed roles might hint at possible conduct issues rather than Reed being choosy about his acting opportunities.
Oliver Reed Still left a Legacy behind
Oliver Reed was a complex individual, often mired in controversy due to his powerful presence on screen, which was frequently overshadowed by his actions. His contentious views towards women’s groups, his aggressive behavior when intoxicated, and public indiscretions while under the influence made him challenging to admire, yet those who knew him emphasized his compassionate spirit and intellect, qualities that seemed to elude him during such times. However, it cannot be denied that Reed was a truly exceptional acting talent. Although his most significant accolades were bestowed posthumously, earning a BAFTA and SAG award for his performance in Gladiator, his extensive body of work spanning various genres is difficult to ignore.
Oliver Reed’s acting style was marked by raw energy and intense passion, allowing him to tackle various roles across diverse genres effortlessly. His ability to portray complex and troubled characters with such authenticity made him the center of attention in every scene he graced. Notable performances include his role as Urbain Grandier in “The Devils” (1971), where he depicted a priest accused of witchcraft, chronicling his descent from a revered religious figure to a broken man condemned in the name of God, and his portrayal of Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype in “The Phantom of the Opera” (1980), in which he seamlessly transitioned between comedic and brooding dark personas.
It is difficult to pick a defining performance, but these are some of Oliver Reed’s best:
- The Damned (1962) — Supernatural horror movie, available for rent on FlexFling.
- Oliver! (1968) — Academy Award-winning musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, available to rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- Women in Love (1969) — Exploring the complex relationships and sexuality of two couples, currently unavailable.
- The Devils (1971) — A controversial film directed by Ken Russell, banned for years for its critique of religion, currently unavailable.
- Sitting Target (1972) — A gritty crime drama and tale of revenge, available to rent on Apple TV.
- Revolver (1973) — Euro-crime thriller from Italy, stream on Tubi or Plex.
- The Three Musketeers (1973) — A spirited adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale, stream on Plex.
- Burnt Offerings (1976) — A horror film where Reed stars alongside icon Karen Black, stream on Screenfix or Pluto TV.
- The Brood (1979) — Reed plays a psychologist in the Cronenberg body horror movie, stream on Max of the Criterion Channel.
- Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype (1980) — Reed plays split personalities in this comedic take on the classic horror movies, stream on MGM+ or Prime Video.
- Gladiator (2000) — Reed’s final role in the award-winning Ridley Scott action film, stream on Paramount+.
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2024-09-28 23:01