MovieChat Forums > Waterloo (1970) Discussion > Rod Steiger - one of the greatest actors...

Rod Steiger - one of the greatest actors of all time

posted 15 years ago by rangeriderrango
12 replies | jump to latest

This movie was panned by critics as a lousy film. I don't know what critics they are but tney obviously know nothing about films.

Waterloo is a magnificent film with spectacular scenes, impeccable costumes and superb acting. Rod Steiger shows his incredible range and his ability to take on the life of the characters he played. This man was truly one of the greatest actors who has ever lived in any era.

Don't take my word for it, watch this movie and be amazed.

[–] pe81171 15 years ago

As a Napoleonic war buff and historical film fanatic I really like Steiger's performance of Napoleon in 'Waterloo'. I thought he captured the desperation of Napoleon in 1815 well. I enjoy his one liners and the scene where he is sitting down at breakfast with his officers captures Napoleon's frustration on the morning of Waterloo very well. Also, the scene where he is dictating four different letters to his secretaries shows Napoleon's genius well. I also like the scene with the 'men of the 5th'. Steiger captures the nervousness of whether Napoleon was going to be shot by his own men very well. I'm glad Steiger played him so outlandishly because I believe that Napoleon was one of the most colorful characters ever.

"I made one mistake in my life. I should have burnt Berlin." This is one of my favorite lines of the film, besides the "Don't interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake..." one.

Steiger also gave performances I greatly enjoy in 'Duck you Sucker', 'On the Waterfront', and 'In the Heat of the Night'. I still haven't seen all of his famous performance in Sidney Lumet's 'The Pawnbroker'.

Frank: Just a man.
Harmonica: An ancient race.

[–] rosarypliers 15 years ago

Steiger was great in this one, from the very first scene. I think the eyeglasses were historically accurate, but I guess Steiger was the first four-eyed Napoleon in movie history. The camera often focuses on his hands, at the same time avoiding the stereotypical "hand in the waistcoat" gesture.
Pe8, if you like Steiger, I suggest you see both "The Pawnbroker" and "Across the Bridge", which were his own favorite performances. However, if I died and got the possibility to connect with Steiger in the afterlife (Heck, this guy has "See you later" written on his grave marker) I'd tell him I still prefer "In the Heat of the Night".
I also love him in "The harder they fall" (His character is both depraved and sexy) and "No way to treat a lady"…which is a gem for all who love his versatility and intensity. I also appreciate "The Illustrated Man", even though I thought it was tripe after the first viewing. But that movie gets better every time you watch it.

[–] pe81171 15 years ago

Thanks for the film recommendations.

His performance in 'Waterloo' is still my favorite portrait of Napoleon in a film. The look on his face when it is shouted, "The Old Guard has broken!" is one never to be forgotten.

Frank: Just a man.
Harmonica: An ancient race.

[–] rosarypliers 15 years ago

I only know two movie Boneys, Steiger and Clavier. I prefer Steiger. He is so authentic.

[–] pe81171 15 years ago

Christian Clavier, Ian Holm, and Marlon Brando have all decently played Napoleon in various films but ,as you say, Steiger trumps them all.

Frank: Just a man.
Harmonica: An ancient race.

[–] dave_wlogan 15 years ago

Steiger is pretty good iin this film, but for a look at his true class see 'Dr Zhivago'.

"You're going to cross Sinai?"
"Moses did"

[–] anneandwalt-1 14 years ago

Congrats on this wonderful thread.

Yes, years ago Steiger was pasted by many for his portrayal of Napoleon - but rewatching the film I was struck by both the power and subtly of the performance.

Very early in the film, Steiger's Napoleon is amazing as he tearfully bids good-bye to the Old Garde. At time he screams and rants - at times he whispers - it's a very textured performance while portaying one of the colossal figures of human history.

Very impressive work.

[–] franzkabuki 12 years ago

I don´t think so. He ´could´ be great, but I have only seen him truly deliver in The Pawnbroker and In The Heat Of The Night. It´s funny how he looks so much like Richard Burton, especially from a certain angle, and how his career path is also similar to Burton´s in that he, too, was prone to giving really awful, hammy performances when he wasn´t ´on´. It´s just that Burton seems to have had more highs than Steiger (but I´ve also seen fairly few movies with the latter). His Napoleon wasn´t atrocious exactly, but still far from good.

"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan

[–] kevinpbarber 12 years ago

I agree...he also bears a strong physical resemblance to Tony Soprano in this film!

[–] old_tv_guy 11 years ago

Love the way he takes command of the role in the first few minutes.

[–] phillipsdan83 (101) 2 years ago

I don't always care for Steiger...but he nailed it here. His Napoleon is a military and political giant who half realizes that he isn't what he once was, but still aims for greatness.

[–] TheArgentinian (7251) a year ago

He was OTT.