A Tribiute to Gene Hackman – A look at the films I have seen

Welcome to Mooseport (2004)

An entirely forgettable comedy that pairs a Hollywood legend with a sitcom star attempting to make the leap to big-screen leading man status. There must have been a few laughs along the way, as I don’t regret watching it, but very little of it has stayed with me. Today, the film is probably best remembered as the final screen appearance of Gene Hackman.

Runaway Jury (2003)

A far more fitting farewell for Hackman. Runaway Jury is a slick, entertaining legal thriller in which everything works, even if nothing truly dazzles. While it isn’t among the finest examples of the genre, it is notable for finally bringing Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman together on screen, two actors who began their careers as friends over fifty years earlier.

Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Hackman’s third excursion into a behind-enemy-lines scenario. After searching for POWs in Uncommon Valour, and fighting his own way home in BAT*21, this time he must help rescue Owen Wilson from war-torn Bosnia. Modern, polished and highly entertaining, it’s an effective military thriller.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

A masterstroke and one of the performances for which Hackman will always be remembered. His portrayal of Royal Tenenbaum is hilarious, manipulative, heartbreaking and endlessly fascinating. If you only watch one Gene Hackman film, make it The French Connection. If you watch a second, make it The Royal Tenenbaums.

Heist (2001)

David Mamet’s twist-filled crime thriller pairs Hackman with Danny DeVito in a classy and sophisticated caper. Sharp dialogue, strong performances and a playful script make this one of the actor’s most underrated late-career films.

Heartbreakers (2001)

One of Hackman’s funniest late-career roles. Playing a wealthy retired tobacco tycoon who becomes the target of a pair of con artists, Hackman steals every scene he’s in. Backed by an exceptional cast that includes Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ray Liotta, it’s a lavish and highly enjoyable comedy.

Under Suspicion (2000)

This feels like a personal passion project for Hackman. More stage play than conventional thriller, the film relies heavily on dialogue and performance rather than action or spectacle. Its limited settings and deliberate pace won’t appeal to everyone, but it remains an intriguing character-driven mystery elevated by excellent work from Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane and Monica Bellucci.

Enemy of the State (1998)

Whether viewed as a respectful nod or an unofficial sequel to The Conversation, Enemy of the State is a terrific thriller. It’s a pleasure to see Hackman return to what is effectively a variation of the same character decades later. While the film is louder, faster and far more action-oriented than Coppola’s classic, the shared themes of surveillance and paranoia make the connection impossible to ignore, and all the more enjoyable because of it.

Antz

An unusually ambitious animated project that assembled a remarkable voice cast including Woody Allen, Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, Anne Bancroft and Gene Hackman. The film itself is entertaining enough, but it’s particularly enjoyable to hear Hackman reunite with Dan Aykroyd in animated form.

Twilight

A reflective neo-noir that arrived late in the careers of both Paul Newman and Gene Hackman. Playful, intelligent and occasionally melancholic, the film sees Hackman tackle a morally complex character while surrounded by a superb supporting cast that includes Susan Sarandon, James Garner and Reese Witherspoon. A solid and rewarding thriller.

Absolute Power

Of course, the one time Gene Hackman gets to play the President of the United States, he has to be a corrupt one. Reuniting with Clint Eastwood, Hackman delivers another commanding performance in this entertaining political thriller. While it never reaches the heights of Unforgiven, it remains a gripping and enjoyable piece of mainstream 1990s cinema.

The Chamber

A disappointing legal thriller elevated almost entirely by Hackman’s performance. His portrayal of a convicted racist awaiting execution is fascinating and surprisingly nuanced, but the film struggles under the weight of a bland central protagonist. It could have been a compelling character study, instead, it settles for mediocrity.

Extreme Measures

A polished conspiracy thriller that pairs Hugh Grant with a wonderfully sinister Gene Hackman. I remember enjoying it at the time, but very little of the plot has stayed with me over the years. Beyond a memorable chase sequence involving a train, most of it has faded from memory.

The Birdcage

A genuine treat for Hackman fans. Not only does the film unite him with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in one of the decade’s funniest comedies, but it also gives Hackman the opportunity to showcase his comedic talents in ways audiences had rarely seen before. His climactic drag performance remains one of the film’s most memorable moments.

Get Shorty

A wonderfully witty adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s novel that arrived at precisely the right moment. Riding the wave of post-Pulp Fiction cool and John Travolta’s career resurgence, the film boasts a perfect ensemble cast. Hackman slots effortlessly into the mix, delivering one of the many excellent supporting performances that make this crime comedy such a delight.

Crimson Tide

Arguably the finest submarine thriller since The Hunt for Red October. Tony Scott directs with relentless energy while Hackman and Denzel Washington engage in a captivating battle of wills. Smart, tense and endlessly entertaining, it’s one of the strongest mainstream thrillers of the decade.

The Quick and the Dead

One of the most entertaining westerns of the 1990s and a personal favourite. Sam Raimi injects the genre with his trademark visual flair, transforming a simple revenge story into something energetic, stylish and endlessly fun. Hackman is magnificent as the film’s sadistic villain, delivering one of the great western antagonists of the modern era.

Wyatt Earp

Forever destined to live in the shadow of Tombstone, Kevin Costner’s sprawling western epic takes a very different approach to the famous lawman’s story. More historical drama than action-packed western, it benefits from a dependable cast that includes Hackman in a relatively small but effective role. Not essential, but worthwhile.

The Firm

While The Client may have helped popularise the legal thriller boom of the 1990s, The Firm arguably perfected the formula. Tom Cruise stars as the ambitious young lawyer caught between morality and success, while Hackman excels as a seasoned mentor whose motives are never entirely clear. Three decades later, it remains as engrossing as ever.

Unforgiven

An extraordinary western and arguably the definitive modern entry in the genre. Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris and Gene Hackman all deliver career-best work, creating a film that deconstructs the myths of the Old West while remaining utterly compelling. Hackman’s Oscar-winning performance as Little Bill Daggett is one of the greatest villains in cinema history.

Company Business

A surprisingly enjoyable espionage thriller from Cannon Films. The studio’s logo may deter some viewers, but this is one of their more polished productions, elevated considerably by Hackman’s effortless screen presence. Far from essential, but certainly among Cannon’s better efforts.

Narrow Margin

A respectable remake of the classic thriller that makes excellent use of its train-bound setting. The action sequences are memorable, particularly the helicopter stunt work, and there’s undeniable novelty in seeing Hackman operate as a full-blown action hero. Unfortunately, the thriller surrounding those sequences never becomes quite as exciting.

Loose Cannons

It took me years to track down this unlikely buddy-cop comedy pairing Gene Hackman and Dan Aykroyd, and even after finally seeing it, I could hardly believe it existed. On paper, the combination sounds promising, but the film never finds its footing. Both actors have made worse films, but few are as bafflingly misguided as this. It’s a genuine low point in both careers, particularly for Aykroyd.

The Package

A perfectly serviceable political action thriller that reunites Gene Hackman with Tommy Lee Jones. It’s entertaining enough while it’s on, but perhaps a little too forgettable for its own good. I know this because I accidentally bought the Blu-ray twice, having completely forgotten I already owned—and watched—it. Within minutes of revisiting it, the entire plot came flooding back.

BAT*21

One of the more underrated military adventures of the 1980s. Based on a remarkable true story, the film gives Hackman a rare opportunity to carry an action-oriented survival tale almost entirely on his own. A tense and rewarding adventure that deserves more attention than it receives and I have written a full review here.

Split Decisions

An underrated boxing drama with a strong cast and an engaging story. I originally sought it out because of Jeff Fahey, but Hackman provides the film with much of its emotional weight. A modest but worthwhile sports drama.

Superman IV

It’s remarkable that Cannon Films managed to persuade Hackman to return for this notoriously troubled sequel. The film itself is undeniably poor, but Hackman appears to understand exactly what kind of movie he’s in and simply has fun with it. His scenes with Jon Cryer are among the few genuinely enjoyable moments in an otherwise disappointing production.

Target

A surprisingly effective action thriller that pairs Hackman with Matt Dillon. Featuring strong stunt work, European locations and an engaging father-son dynamic, it’s one of the actor’s more overlooked 1980s efforts. Not a classic, but certainly worth a look.

Uncommon Valour

A top-tier Vietnam adventure that remains one of Hackman’s most satisfying action roles. Tough, emotional and consistently entertaining, it’s a film that deserves its enduring cult following and I have a full review here.

Under Fire

When I first watched this as a teenager, I was expecting a straightforward action adventure and was surprised by how thoughtful and politically charged it was. While it wasn’t what I anticipated, I remember enjoying it immensely. It’s a film I need to revisit, particularly now that I can better appreciate its ambitions.

All Night Long

An odd but fascinating comedy that feels like a sitcom stretched into a feature film. Clearly capitalising on the charm Hackman displayed in Superman, the film gives him a rare romantic-comedy lead role. Some of its themes haven’t aged especially well, but its lighthearted atmosphere and strong cast make it an interesting curiosity.

Superman II

One of the more unusual entries in Hackman’s filmography. Despite not actively participating in much of the production, his presence still looms large thanks to footage carried over from the original film. The behind-the-scenes story is almost as fascinating as the movie itself, particularly the use of a voice actor to imitate Hackman for newly recorded dialogue.

Superman

A landmark superhero film and one of the most influential comic-book adaptations ever made. As Lex Luthor, Hackman perfectly captures the character’s theatricality, arrogance and mischievous charm. While later interpretations have emphasised the villain’s darker qualities, Hackman’s playful take remains one of the most entertaining.

A Bridge Too Far

An epic war film boasting one of the most impressive ensemble casts ever assembled. Sharing the screen with the likes of Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Robert Redford, Hackman fits seamlessly into the production and leaves a lasting impression despite the abundance of star power around him.

French Connection II

A worthy sequel that wisely expands rather than imitates the original. While it never surpasses its predecessor, it offers another superb performance from Hackman and features several outstanding action sequences. A stronger follow-up than it often receives credit for.

Night Moves

Not at all what I expected on first viewing. Rather than another hard-hitting action thriller in the mould of The French Connection, this is a thoughtful, melancholic detective story that gradually unfolds into something far more complex. Its reputation has grown considerably over the years, and the recent Criterion release has helped cement its status as one of Hackman’s finest performances.

Young Frankenstein

Hackman’s extended cameo remains one of the great comic surprises in cinema. Arriving at a time when audiences primarily associated him with intense dramatic roles, his appearance demonstrated a natural gift for comedy that would be explored more frequently later in his career. Brief but unforgettable.

The Conversation

Quite simply one of the greatest films Hackman ever made. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece gives him the role of a lifetime, allowing him to explore paranoia, loneliness and moral uncertainty with extraordinary subtlety. A remarkable performance at the centre of one of the defining films of the 1970s.

The Poseidon Adventure

A classic disaster movie and one of Hackman’s most iconic leading roles. As the determined Reverend Scott, he anchors the film’s spectacle with genuine conviction and humanity. For many viewers who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, this remains essential holiday viewing.

Prime Cut

Hackman makes for a wonderfully sleazy villain in this gritty crime thriller opposite Lee Marvin. Strange, violent and often darkly humourous, it’s a fascinating slice of early-1970s cinema. Hackman clearly relishes playing such an unapologetically unpleasant character.

Cisco Pike

A low-key but highly effective dramatic thriller featuring an outstanding ensemble cast. While Kris Kristofferson takes centre stage, Hackman steals every scene as a corrupt and increasingly threatening police officer. Alongside strong work from Karen Black and Harry Dean Stanton, it’s a hidden gem well worth seeking out.

The French Connection

A genuine masterpiece and an easy inclusion on my list of the greatest films ever made. Everything comes together perfectly: William Friedkin’s direction, New York’s gritty atmosphere, the legendary car chase, Roy Scheider’s support and Hackman’s career-defining performance as Popeye Doyle. Decades later, it remains as powerful and influential as ever.

Marooned

An intelligent and surprisingly grounded science-fiction drama that owes more to 2001: A Space Odyssey than the pulpy space adventures that followed. Although Hackman has a relatively small role, he fits comfortably alongside the film’s veteran cast. The effects may show their age, but the story’s seriousness and realism remain compelling.

Bonnie and Clyde

The film that transformed Gene Hackman from respected character actor into major star. While Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway understandably dominate discussions of the film, Hackman’s performance as Buck Barrow is every bit as vital to its success. A landmark of New Hollywood cinema and the beginning of one of the greatest acting careers Hollywood has ever seen.