MovieChat Forums > Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) Discussion > Why did George C. Scott want to play his...

Why did George C. Scott want to play his character straight?

posted 9 years ago by edlitz36
4 replies | jump to latest

Scott deserved a supporting actor nomination for this despite the fact that he'd have resented it for two reasons: one, he hated the Oscars and all acting awards in general and two, Kubrick tricked him into giving a comic performance. He knew this was a comedic political/war satire going in, I don't understand why he insisted on playing his character straight. The irony his character exemplifies in this performance is nothing short of comedic genius, even if it was unintentional.

Religion should be made fun of. If I believed that stuff, I'd keep it to myself. -Larry David

[–] joekiddlouischama 8 years ago

He did not play the character "straight." His performance is dryly, yet obviously, comedic, completely in sync with the film's tone and the rest of the performances. Indeed, Scott's performance is no less satirical or parodic than Sterling Hayden's as General Jack D. Ripper.

[–] franzkabuki 8 years ago

"He did not play the character "straight"".

The OP didn't say he did - he said Scott 'wanted' to play it straight. Also, I wouldn't call his performance "dryly comedic" as he was quite entirely over-the-top... which is probably what he objected to, as well - not just that there's humor involved, but all that wild mugging and gesticulating.

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan

[–] karlkuehl 8 years ago

yes the OP said he did

[–] michaeldinan 8 years ago

He didn't resent all acting awards. He accepted his Emmy award believing it honored acting better then the Oscars