Am I the only one that thinks Tim Robbins is an almost completely talentless actor? Even in Shawshank he seemed...well, like an actor as opposed to a character.
I like the script and cinematography of this movie, but Robbins sucks in it.
I like him in it but it's ok to prefer certain actors. I never focused so much on his acting in Shawshank, it's probably my favourite movie but for the story, most think he was very good in it. I prefer him in Jacob's Ladder tho, and he has a great smile.
shareOne of the things I appreciate most about Robbins is his easy-going awkwardness. He's kind of gangly and hulking (on film anyway), but he's not a clown. I'd say the three most successful variations on his talent are this film, Shawshank, and Mystic River. As Bob Roberts he becomes something else entirely, but it's pretty great as well.
shareI just think he's a really quite terrible actor who has never even once convinced me otherwise...even for a second...just watch the scene where he has to convince his friend to put down the knife in Shawshank. It's dreadful. As for Jacob's Ladder...if a real actor were cast..who had decent chemistry with the women in his life, and a more believable relationship with Danny Aiello, and could actually convey the fear he was feeling, rather than relying on the *beep* up visuals...this could have been a pretty amazing film.
I don't blame Adrian Lyne because in Lolita he proved he is capable of very good things indeed. Probably he tried to get the best performances that he could, and realised it was a bit too late to get someone to replace the awful Robbins. Pure speculation, but I fail to see how someone who could get the performance out of Jeremy Irons in Lolita (or even if he wasn't instrumental he would at least have SEEN what real acting is) would be satisfied with Robbin's "Aaagh! There's a demon!"
I totally disagree with you. Part of the film's intrigue is Jacob Singer as a vulnerable, ordinary man haunted by the past. Tim Robbins puts in a memorable performance, and in my opinion his best. Whether other actors could have bettered, I don't know. What I do know is when I watch Jacob's Ladder I see Jacob Singer, not Tim Robbins. To be honest I think you just don't like the man, period!
shareI can't like or dislike the man because I have never met him.
I just don't rate his acting very highly, whether it be this, or Mystic River, Shawshank or Arlington Road.
I find him very MOR.
"The cook's a SEAL?!!"
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It's a fantastic line in an otherwise quite terrible movie. There are several things I like about it.
1. Chief O'Brien is saying it. Or rather, the evil version of O'Brien that works with evil criminals.
2. I can pretend that he is talking about an actual seal, which makes it even funnier.
3. It's just all-round one of the most incredible (real, original meaning) lines in any film ever.
I love it.
- -
"The cook's a SEAL?!!"
Jacob's Ladder and/or Robbins performance in it stuck to my mind for some while when I saw it some 15 years ago, but there's no telling how I'd feel about it now of course.
But based on what I've seen since I'd agree that Robbins' acting is mostly middle-of-the-road. The fact that Robbins has been a leading man in so few movies speaks volumes.
The man simply seems to lack any real charisma. Sometimes he's as wooden as Keanu Reeves, honestly (and Keanu was just perfect in Point Break).
On the other hand Robbins' performance in Arlington Road (a pretty underrated film that actually has killer performances, particularly by Jeff Bridges) was spot on, probably his best. I believe there's a solid reason why Robbins gets typecasted: he's just not that versatile as an actor.
Of course I don't know the man myself either but he seems to come across as a rather smug character in most of the films he's been in. That can't be just a coincident. ;)
So, for someone who just isn't the most stellar living actor in the world and who isn't even remotely sporting Brad Pitt's good looks either (because let's face it, sometimes good looks is all the reason we need), it is a bit of a puzzle where Robbins' obviously extravagant self-esteem could even arise. Honestly, what is it with that perpetual smile?
Taking a closer look at Robbins' background could at least partially explain why a so-so actor could possible end up viewing himself as a great one: when both of your parents are either actors and/or musicians, there's bound to be certain amount of pressure to not only become an actor/musician as well but to succeed as an actor/musician too...
And we all know there's only so much space on the very top. You can want all you want but you can't have all you want.
So, while Robbins certainly had an excellent starting point acting-wise, he might have lacked real talents and/or just commitment to begin with. Maybe he took acting as a given or got too good breaks too early on in his career (in other words no real learning curve).
Jeff Bridges has a similar upbringing with the exception that he most likely had to try to "outdo" his brother - not to mention hugely successful father. Maybe it really is that simple. Maybe lacking close - and matching - "sparring partners" is enough to explain the huge difference at watching someone like Bridges perform to the likes of Robbins.
Or maybe because Robbins has never really seen life outside the acting bubble so to speak. That's basically all he knows about. And I think it tends to show.
Where as Bridges (who served for 8 years in Coast Guard Reserve) or Liam Neeson (who worked many odd jobs) - mostly - becomes his characters, Robbins - mostly - feels like he's just this random guy walking on the set saying his lines whom no one would pay any attention otherwise, in the real world, that is.
Shawshank is entertaining movie but it has more to do with the life-affirming story and good supporting cast (aside from Clancy Brown, perhaps, who was great in Earth 2).
Almost anybody could have played Dufresne without really taking anything away from the movie itself. Hell, even Keanu might have been able to pull it off. But replacing Robbins with someone like Bridges or Neeson would have made us remember the protagonist as well - not just the story.
I never liked him much either. He's average in this one and Bull Durham, just ok in Shawshank and Hudsucker Proxy, decent in Mystic River. And these must be his best films, I think. He's just so plastic and his emotionless deliveries don't help.
shareOne of the things I appreciate most about Robbins is his easy-going awkwardness. He's kind of gangly and hulking (on film anyway), but he's not a clown. I'd say the three most successful variations on his talent are this film, Shawshank, and Mystic River.
I thought he did just fine, thank you. He looked a bit too young is the only criticism I can give. Vietnam combat veterans looked old when they were young.
I thought his acting was fine.
Really? Can you name a scene where you thought his acting was particularly good, and tell me what you liked about it?
shareI haven't watched this movie yet but I know exactly what you mean about Robbins--he seems so stiff and unemotional. The part he played in Shawshank was a stiff banker so he was perfect in it--same with Mystic River, his character was traumatized as a child and unemotional--but imagine him playing parts that Dustin Hoffman just goes to town with. I've always thought the same thing about Clint Eastwood--no matter what he plays, it's always a steely eyed guy staring at the camera and basically finding a different way to say "go ahead, make my day". Ditto with Kevin Costner (who seems to be getting better though with age, unlike Clint Eastwood). And Keanu Reeves--I'll never understand how he wins any parts.
shareI've pretty much felt the same about Clint. Never really have challenged himself when it comes to acting and choosing which roles to play, in my opinion that is.
Bridges of Madison County really is a tour-de-force - but for Meryl Streep. Clint nails his performance as well, but how could he not? Though more tender character than what is customary for Clint, it's still essentially the same role he's always done: Clint riding in town, Clint giving his ultimatum: "take it or leave it" and Clint riding into the sunset. With or without his woman. :)
I don't know about Costner, tough. Has he really done anything worth remembering after Wolves?
Keanu Reeves and Brad Pitt keep winning parts as long as they can maintain their good looks. Pitt seems to be aging well, Reeves less so. And just like Robbins Keanu actually suits some roles perfectly.
But only time will tell if any of them will actually become great, versatile actors.
I think Tom Robbins is good enough in this.
shareI agree (though it's been years since I saw this movie). Maybe even great?
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Oh dear. Any chance you misunderstood me?
If so, let it be known that I do think that Robbins' performance (from what I can remember) was good even great but that - for me - he tends to be mostly middle-of-the-road kind of an actor. He puts on a good show in Arlington road as well, and he's alright in Shawshanks.
But other than that the man has pretty much failed to impress me.
Jacob's Ladder has pretty unique atmosphere going on which I remember having enjoyed a lot. But as a whole it's not totally enjoyable. IMO.
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Gotcha. And yes, I see what you mean. I think I must agree with you.
It is really is unfortunate - though maybe unavoidable - that so many successful actors/actresses tend to become too comfortable playing anything else except themselves.
Damn, I really ought to watch Jacob's Ladder again. It's been like 13 years… So many movies and so little time… Not to mention so many better things to do in life than watching movies. ;)
Take care.
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I'll try to keep that in mind ;)
shareYes, Robbins isn't that great of an actor and maybe his various characters would have been better served by using better actors, but so what?
He's been in a lot of very good movies and his performances are far from unwatchable. He's no Keanu, who has the ability to absolutely ruin a movie.
I beg to differ for Jacob's Ladder. He's cast absolutely perfectly and I personally believe he'll never better this.
I thought he was very good in The Player and Bob Roberts as well.
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I just re-watched Arlington Road, and actually he is passable in it (though a bit caricatured)
"The cook's a SEAL?!!"
I haven't seen Tim Robbins in much but I thought he was great in this, really made me buy the character
shareI have just seen this movie and also think he's great in the role. He carries well the weight of the film. His acting is controlled but subtle and makes easy for the viewer to relate to.
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