Ticket 2 Ride

In his seven decade acting career, Robert Duvall made many films, and worked into his 90s. Having Robert Duvall’s name on the marquee added value to the film. When I see his name in the cast of a film, it catches my attention, at least to check it out. Robert Duvall was a fine actor.

Five films. How can I possibly just pick five? The criteria I used include: whether I believed him in the role, the degree to which he absorbed the character, did he make it a better film, did he bring something new (of himself) to the role, would I want to invest another two hours of my life watching the film (and him) again.

Here are my five: A clip is included with each film. Enjoy!

The Godfather (1972) I chose the first film over the second because it introduced the character, and had some very big actors, and personalities, to work with. Tom Hagen was not a flashy character, and that was in contract to most other roles. Hagen was an important character, but ultimately he was an outsider, not a blood kin, not Italian. He had one of the harder roles, given his function. Could I have selected The Godfather II? Indeed.

Tender Mercies (1983) Academy Award winning film, including Duvall for Best actor. Written by Horton Foote and directed by Bruce Beresford, this is the story of Mac Sledge, a washed-up country singer trying to put his life back together with the help of a widow and her son. Perhaps Duvall at his most vulnerable.

A Family Thing (1996) Co-starring James Earl Jones and Irma P. Hall. Duvall plays Earl Pilcher, A white man from Arkansas learns he has a Black biological mother and a Black half-brother in Chicago, prompting him to travel north to meet him. All kinds of problems result as Earl seeks to understand this situation and adjust to what it means to him. A great cast. Earl must deal with his attitude and feelings for what his father did, that changed many lives forever. Duvall as Earl, stumbles head-first into a situation he is unprepared to deal, and the results have consequences. A long journey to understanding and reassessing your life.

Open Range (2003) Duvall plays Boss Spearman, who along with partner (Kevin Costner) Charlie Waite drive cattle along free range, until they are stopped and terrorized by wealthy landowner. The partners are provoked into a showdown that draws the town into the fight. Duvall is the steady, sensible partner, but who backs Waite in the battle they must fight. Great performances. Directed by Costner.

Broken Trail (2006) Not a film, but a limited television series. An Emmy-winning role for Duvall as an aging horse trader, who with his nephew are transporting horses to be sold. Along the way, they rescue five Chinese girls to be sold as sex slaves. They are followed by a gang who want the girls back. Doing the right thing comes with a high cost.

Honorable Mention: The Godfather II (1974), Network (1976), Apocalypse Now (1979), The Great Santini (1979), Colors (1988), Lonesome Dove (1989), The Paper (1994), Second Hand Lions (2003), Jack Reacher (2012)

Godspeed, Robert Duvall!