John Hurt

[faginsgirl]

In one of my favorite films, and a book which I loved studying at school.

[Moor Larkin]

Just by chance yesterday, I stumbled over a movie I had never heard of before. It's from 1969, directed by none other than John Huston and starred John Hurt. It looks like a prestigiously-made movie and seems to indicate Hurt was spotted as a big talent back then, but presumably the film bombed badly and it took a few years and a TV role to give him a fresh chance at *stardom*.

[GRAEME]

Little Malcolm is out on DVD!

[Rowdon]

Little Malcolm is out on DVD!

All part of the Harrison madness of the moment. Not to say that the release is madness.

Eunarchy in the UK: George Harrison's first movie | Film | The Guardian

[didi-5]

Although John Hurt has had a fifty year career before the cameras I still think he has been sidelined a bit, and certainly underrated, throughout. Never a 'looker' he didn't sit easily in romantic roles, and has therefore been cast in some strange and odd parts over the years. We all remember his Quentin Crisp in the 70s, and again in more recent years. In 1984 he was superb as the pitiful Winston Smith, raging against the machine. In his first film, The Wild and the Willing, he was delicate as Phil, doomed to fall from the tower. In Krapp's Last Time in the Irish Beckett season he was memorable as both young speaker and old listener. Even as the dragon in Merlin is is mesmerising. He is one of our greatest actors, without a shadow of a doubt, and yet is he a household name? Curiously, no. I've never been able to figure that one out.

[Fellwanderer]

He was also excellent as Alan Clark in The Alan Clark Diaries.

[Moor Larkin]

Never a 'looker' he didn't sit easily in romantic roles,

He was a sort of "Tom Jones" in Sinful Davey apparently.... so it wasn't for want of opportunity back then......

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[Rowdon]

People should be very wary of quoting Evans as a classic example of misjustice.

Firstly, a forgotten or usually misquoted fact about Evans is that the Brabin Inquiry report found that Evans' had 'probably killed his wife' and that he had not killed his daughter. As Evans had been convicted of his daughter Geraldine's murder, and not the murder of his wife, Evans was granted a posthumous pardon in 1966.

... (just cutting this for space) ...


Most British people believe Evans an innocent man. Primarily based on a film. Like me, after reading Eddowes and Furneaux, I doubt many would confidently share their earlier views with little doubt....at the very least, it should make anyone who reads it at least question the modern belief that Evans was an innocent victim.

I recommend the two books if you ever come across them. Fascinating reads.

Excellent read, Ayrshireman. My Dad knew someone who was a friend of Timothy Evans. He never questioned the idea that Evans was innocent of the crime he was hanged for. On the other hand, I felt, as a seven year old, that it wasn't my place to really interrogate him over Evans' personality - I'm only saying he believed he was innocent ... I think.

[Nick Dando]

From the BBC News website

BBC News - John Hurt to receive lifetime Bafta prize

Nick

John Hurt to receive lifetime Bafta prize

Veteran actor John Hurt will receive the outstanding contribution to cinema award at the Bafta's next month, it has been announced.
"I know that film means a great deal to me but I had no idea that I meant so much to film," the 72-year-old said.
Bafta chairman Tim Corrie said the actor has an "extraordinary screen presence" and brings "utter conviction to every role he undertakes".
His film credits include The Elephant Man and Nineteen Eighty-Four.
In 1976 he was presented with his first Bafta award for his role as Quentin Crisp in the TV drama The Naked Civil Servant.
Since then he has received a further two more trophies for Midnight Express and The Elephant Man, while earning further nominations for Alien, The Field and, most recently, TV's An Englishman in New York in 2009.
He has also been nominated for two Academy Awards, for The Elephant Man and Midnight Express.
Recent screen roles have included Ollivander in the Harry Potter series and a role in the Oscar-nominated film, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Mr Corrie added: "He is one of a kind, an iconic figure, and Bafta is delighted to take this opportunity to honour his outstanding contribution to cinema."
Silent movie The Artist leads this year's Baftas with 12 nominations, including best film and best director.
British Cold War-era spy movie Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is close behind with 11 nominations.
The Bafta awards take place on 12 February in London.
The ceremony will be hosted by comedian and broadcaster Stephen Fry and will be broadcast on BBC One.

[jimw1]

Good News And of course richly Deserved........

[Sgt Sunshine]

Excellent news.....
He thoroughly deserves it, having been in so many marvelous films over the years.
Cheers
Sgt S

[Freddy]

Excellent news and fully deserved, one of those who thanks to hard work and great drama in all its forms has developed into a wonderful actor.

[Richard_in_wales]

Long overdue recognition to a great talent who in my opinion deserves it, certainly in view of some of the old lovies who've recieved awards.

[faginsgirl]

[jimw1]

BBC News - John Hurt 'moved' by Bafta Outstanding Achievement

[John Llewellyn Moxey]

BBC News - John Hurt 'moved' by Bafta Outstanding Achievement

Many, many moons since I directed him, but never to be forgotten. Cogratulations John.

[John Llewellyn Moxey]

May, many moons since I directed him, but never to be forgotten. Congratulations John.

[faginsgirl]

I heard John Hurt on the car radio saying how pleased he was to get his BAFTA, bless him! Well deserved. No one else could have portrayed Timothy Evans or Joseph Merrick as well as he did.

[didi-5]

He was a sort of "Tom Jones" in Sinful Davey apparently.... so it wasn't for want of opportunity back then...... Attachment 5906

Well there you go. Not always the ugly duckling then. I just don't see him in those kind of roles, he's far too good at suffering somehow!

[faginsgirl]

When you look at all the various members who have contributed to this thread, he must be a popular actor indeed