I'm a fan of his, I think he's a terrific actor but he also happens to be in bad films so no one mention things like Flintstones 2, Josey, and The Smurfs lol
Good films/shows of his I've seen are Goldeneye, Spy Kids, X-Men 2, Good Wife, and that Oz mini-series he was in.
He has such a long filmography, what are some other good films and shows he has been in?
Alan's character, the bisexual dandy, Lord Rochester, in the woefully underrated film, Plunkett and McCleane, was amazingly and hilariously played to the hilt.
A period drama using modern music, humor and crafty behaviors, this film brings out the very best of Alan's wry wit and ease behind the camera.
As Lord "Rocky" Rochester, his brilliant portrayal demonstrates the sinful hedonism of the 18th century British aristocracy.
One of the best lines in the film that describes Alan's character, is where McCleane introduces his new "partner in crime," the commoner, Plunkett (Robert Carlyle) to his wealthy friend, "still swinging both ways, Rocky?" Cumming deliciously replies, "darling, I swing EVERY way!"
Despite dismal critical reviews, this movie is a GEM of action, robbery and sword play, interspersed with amazing direction, sound and music, with a twisting but believable love story, and the most horrific bad guy ever captured on film, the British genius, Ken Stott.
Trust me, friend; ignore the critics (if they COULD make their own movies, they WOULD; which is where we get the adage: Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do either become CRITICS!)
If you love Alan Cumming, you'll LOVE this movie!!
Any Day Now.
Glorious.
I recently started watching The Good Wife on Netflix, and at first I thought, hey good legal show, probably will continue watching, probably not... and *then* Alan appeared as a guest star halfway through the first season or so, and I couldn't stop watching!
I seriously almost watch the show exclusively for him (almost). He plays the character of Eli Gold as so... deliciously devious that it's a pleasure to watch. Oh, and that raised eyebrow! Oof!
"You should never underestimate the predictability of stupidity." Bullet Tooth Tony
Surprisingly enough, I loved him in Josie and the Pussycats (stole every scene he was in - except maybe the ones that also included Parker Posey, but that's also because then they stole the scene together). Anyway, I think the film is smarter than most people give it credit for. A great satire of the media industry.
Aside from that, I think Cabaret needs a mention, though it doesn't exactly fit in either film/show category.
I very much loved The Anniversary Party, which he also co-wrote and co-directed. However, word of caution, it is quite a lot like a Dogme95 film, so it's not everyone's cup of tea. If you liked Robert Altman's stuff, there's a good chance you might like this, as well.
(In Scotland at least) He's known by some as the hilariously camp flight attendant Sebastian from the short-lived sitcom High Life. All six episodes are up on YouTube, I think.
Titus was a very interesting and very good take on the Shakesperean play. I very much liked it. It also stars Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange.
His cameo on Whatever This Is had me in stitches. It was like if The Good Wife was on cable, and Eli Gold was a raging CEO instead of a crisis/campaign manager.
My personal favourite has got to be Reefer Madness: The Musical. It's a satire on a staunchly anti-marijuana propaganda movie from the 1930's. Also stars Kristen Bell. The film is fantastic, and the songs are very catchy. You should check it out when you have the time.
Bernard and the Genie!
Any Day Now.
"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"