Why Gene Hackman Surprised Everyone by Choosing This Lesser-Known Film as His Favorite

by

If you posed the question of naming a favorite movie to several actors, they might evade the query by likening their films to children, implying it’s impossible to choose just one. The daring few, however, made their choices, and Gene Hackman was among them. As a film enthusiast, you would likely guess that his pick would be one of his most successful movies.

Was it “The French Connection,” the gritty neo-noir action thriller that earned him his inaugural Oscar? Alternatively, “Bonnie & Clyde” could be a plausible answer as it was the film where Hackman first garnered attention from the Academy Awards (nominated for Best Supporting Actor). Additionally, one might consider “Unforgiven,” another exceptional performance of his. Similarly, both “Superman” and “The Conversation” were outstanding films in his repertoire as well.

It’s worth noting that the Hollywood icon didn’t have particularly warm feelings towards these films. In an interview with The Independent, he identified Scarecrow as his preferred movie from his repertoire. This film also features a young Al Pacino, who acknowledged that collaborating with Hackman was a difficult but positive experience for him.

Two Vogabonds Become Inseparable in ‘Scarecrow’

Under the guidance of director Jerry Schatzberg, the movie titled “Scarecrow” presents the story of two unlikely companions: Max Millan (played by Gene Hackman), a volatile ex-prisoner, and Francis Lionel “Lion” Delbuchi (portrayed by Al Pacino), a free-spirited former sailor. They cross paths on a road in California while aimlessly wandering, discovering they share more than just a knack for going against societal norms. Sharing tales of their turbulent pasts, they form an alliance and decide to establish a car wash business once they reach Pittsburgh.

I’ve attempted to maintain the original meaning while making it more engaging and easy to read for your audience. Let me know if you need further adjustments!

It turns out that Lion is making his way to Detroit to meet a child he’s been supporting financially, but has never met in person. Unfortunately, during their visit to Max’s sister in Denver, they encounter an unexpected turn of events that lands them both in prison for a month. This unfortunate incident strains their friendship, with Max holding Lion responsible. While incarcerated, Lion makes a friend among the inmates who treats him affectionately, but this kindness proves too good to be true as the man tries to take advantage of Lion, leaving him with broken teeth and a damaged eye. Moved by sympathy, Max reconciles their friendship once more.

Following their freedom, the two remain friends and decide to travel together to Detroit in search of Annie, the mother of Lion’s child. However, Lion appears to have undergone a shift in his demeanor. He no longer laughs or takes chances, plagued by the lingering effects of his trauma. In contrast, Max seems more relaxed. Upon reaching their destination, they discover that Annie has been married for a long time and Lion’s son has grown up believing another man to be his father. This revelation triggers a poignant confrontation between a lover clinging to memories and one trying to move on.

Gene Hackman Had a Pleasant Experience on the Set of ‘Scarecrow’

It’s been unveiled that director Schatzberg filmed the movie progressively and had a mobile production team. The filming began in Bakersfield, then moved through California, eventually heading to Reno, Denver, and Detroit. This method resonated with Hackman, as he believed it enabled him to fully immerse himself in his character.

I produced this movie in a continuous manner, which is quite rare. Any actor would confirm that working sequentially greatly assists in comprehending a character’s growth.

Richard, Hackman’s brother, stepped in to portray a corrupt prison farm guard, a role that fit well with the ongoing storyline. This turn of events undoubtedly contributed to his satisfaction as an actor. Later, Richard collaborated with Gene on both “The Conversation” and “Superman,” taking on stunt roles.

Besides this, it’s said that Gene Hackman and Al Pacino immersed themselves deeply into their roles. They are believed to have spent time observing everyday life on San Francisco’s streets, even approaching a homeless man while in disguise as they made their way to a nearby soup kitchen. The actor remembers the encounter, sharing that despite his disguise, the man recognized them. After providing directions, he politely added, “You’re welcome, Mr. Hackman and Mr. Pacino.

The intense movie managed to share the preliminary version of the Palme d’Or (the highest honor at the Cannes Film Festival), with another film called The Hireling, but unfortunately, it would flop at the American box office, earning just $4 million despite the star power of its principal actors. Fortunately, it turned out to be a hidden gem. It continues to hold a special place for Hackman, who said, “It simply worked so well,” and added that many people approach him saying it was one of their favorite films.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say it differently like this: Unlike the on-screen camaraderie my characters shared, Al Pacino and I had a challenging time bonding off-screen during filming. We were both Jerry Schatzberg’s initial picks, having worked with him before in “The Panic in Needle Park,” but our dynamic didn’t mirror that of our roles. Pacino himself admitted to feeling the weight of handling “the best script I’ve ever read,” but the process of bringing it to life was draining for him.

Being a product of the Actor’s Studio in New York, Pacino favored method acting, an approach Hackman wasn’t particularly fond of. Contrastingly, Hackman preferred a more tranquil approach, taking time to reflect and stay quiet before the cameras began rolling.

In his own words, Pacino shared that collaborating with Hackman wasn’t always straightforward due to their differing working methods. However, he adores Hackman as an actor. He explained that it’s only after completing the film that you truly understand the other person. Despite the challenges, the contrast in their styles ultimately proved to be more advantageous than problematic. This was because the two characters they portrayed had distinct personalities, allowing them to complement each other exceptionally well on screen.

‘Scarecrow’ Works Because of the Performances and the Cinematography

Viewing the movie “Scarecrow“, it’s not hard to understand why it didn’t do well at the box office. By the early 1970s, audiences had already been exposed to a variety of suspenseful and intricate films such as “A Clockwork Orange, The Exorcist, The Godfather, Sleuth,” and “The French Connection“. People were no longer content with movies that didn’t deliver the same level of excitement.

From a filmmaking viewpoint, Jerry Schatzberg’s movie is exceptionally well-made. Regarding its content, it appears rather sparse with mostly scenes of walking and dialogue. The plot may not be engaging for viewers due to low tension or anticipation. For instance, the main character, Lion, is going to meet his child, but the emotional impact is muted because his hopes are unrealistic and the resolution lacks depth. Similarly, Max doesn’t seem to have any significant goals; instead, he seems to just exist without much purpose. In comparison to other roles they’ve played in their careers, both characters appear rather flat.

Nonetheless, the film “Scarecrow” stands victorious, presenting a poignant, melancholic allegory for adulthood, conformity, and the harsh realities of destiny. Although it might not provide a full meal, the imagery is still gracefully constructed, tapping into our human need for purpose while delivering a deeply somber analysis of manipulation and disillusionment.

Above all, the script truly shines by showcasing its stellar cast to their full potential. Al Pacino is renowned for portraying formidable characters – those who might appear soft-spoken yet are not to be trifled with. Simply observe him in films like Serpico, released in the same year, or Dog Day Afternoon, which followed a year later. There’s always been an unspoken rule: don’t cross him. In this case, fate and his adversaries deliver harsh lessons to Pacino’s character.

Regardless of the situation, the actor skillfully portrays his character’s weaknesses in an exceptional manner. Hackman excels in this role as well. For him, Max is not unfamiliar territory – he has played roles before where he talks more than acts. A film like The Conversation, released a year later, serves as a fine illustration of his ability to deliver powerful performances even when the character requires more dialogue than action.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on how this film not only leaves me pondering the destinies of its characters, but also serves as a testament to the immense power and beauty that aesthetics hold. The cinematography in this production stands among the finest from the 1970s, especially considering it unfolds along highways, towns, and even a prison farm. Vilmos Zsigmond, our masterful cinematographer, has always excelled at capturing the great outdoors – as evidenced by his work in films like “The Deer Hunter,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and “Deliverance.” Here, he meticulously records every intricate detail, using shots of roads, buildings, parks, and trees to mirror the emotional landscapes of our protagonists.

Due to his performance, as well as those of Hackman and Pacino, the movie continues to be a delight for viewers. For enthusiasts of profound, dialogue-rich, emotionally stirring dramas, the film Scarecrow will always remain timeless.

Read More

2025-03-20 01:02