by Hayley Charlesworth
It was announced yesterday that legendary British actor Bob Hoskins had lost his short battle with pneumonia at the age of 71, following a previous diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Hoskins had a distinguished and celebrated cinematic career, both at home and on an international level, becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. As the film community mourns his passing, I’m With Geek looks at the essential selections from Hoskins’ extensive filmography.
It was announced yesterday that legendary British actor Bob Hoskins had lost his short battle with pneumonia at the age of 71, following a previous diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Hoskins had a distinguished and celebrated cinematic career, both at home and on an international level, becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. As the film community mourns his passing, I’m With Geek looks at the essential selections from Hoskins’ extensive filmography.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Robert Zemekis’ revolutionary animation/live-action hybrid saw Hoskins star as detective Eddie Valiant, a man with a hatred of “toons” after one killed his brother. But when iconic animation star Roger Rabbit is accused of murder, Valiant is his only hope of clearing his name, the two uncovering a shocking conspiracy in the process. Roger Rabbit revived the fortunes of the ailing Disney with an inventive and wildly funny script, and made an icon of Jessica Rabbit. But it wouldn't have worked at all without the chemistry between Hoskins and his toon sidekick.
Robert Zemekis’ revolutionary animation/live-action hybrid saw Hoskins star as detective Eddie Valiant, a man with a hatred of “toons” after one killed his brother. But when iconic animation star Roger Rabbit is accused of murder, Valiant is his only hope of clearing his name, the two uncovering a shocking conspiracy in the process. Roger Rabbit revived the fortunes of the ailing Disney with an inventive and wildly funny script, and made an icon of Jessica Rabbit. But it wouldn't have worked at all without the chemistry between Hoskins and his toon sidekick.
The Long Good Friday
For a sterling example of an acting masterclass, watch Hoskins in the final scene of this British crime drama. In the scene, played entirely in silence, Hoskins conveys more with only his face and eyes than thousands of over-emoting Oscar winners. It is truly stunning to watch. Eddie Valiant will probably become Hoskins' most remembered role, but by rights, it should be Harold Shand.
Hook
Hoskins stars as Smee, Captain Hook's right hand man, in Steven Spielberg's take on the Peter Pan story. While mostly playing as comic relief, Smee is still a sinister figure, going along with Hook's plans and, at times, even being the brains behind them. Hoskins is the perfect sidekick to Dustin Hoffman's Hook, bumbling and yet loyal, and their interactions are welcome relief in some of the film's less enjoyable moments. Hoskins makes full use of his every moment of screen time, clearly enjoying himself. One of Hook's biggest laughs is Smee's exclamation of "I just had an apostrophe!"
For a sterling example of an acting masterclass, watch Hoskins in the final scene of this British crime drama. In the scene, played entirely in silence, Hoskins conveys more with only his face and eyes than thousands of over-emoting Oscar winners. It is truly stunning to watch. Eddie Valiant will probably become Hoskins' most remembered role, but by rights, it should be Harold Shand.
Hook
Hoskins stars as Smee, Captain Hook's right hand man, in Steven Spielberg's take on the Peter Pan story. While mostly playing as comic relief, Smee is still a sinister figure, going along with Hook's plans and, at times, even being the brains behind them. Hoskins is the perfect sidekick to Dustin Hoffman's Hook, bumbling and yet loyal, and their interactions are welcome relief in some of the film's less enjoyable moments. Hoskins makes full use of his every moment of screen time, clearly enjoying himself. One of Hook's biggest laughs is Smee's exclamation of "I just had an apostrophe!"
Brazil
Terry Gilliam's dazzling dystopian satire sees Hoskins play Spoor, a heating engineer with a resentment of Robert DeNiro's Tuttle. Duke only a small rule, Hoskins proves here why he was such a great, and in demand, character actor, elevating and supporting cast with his sheer presence.
Mona Lisa
For this film, Hoskins was nominated for an Oscar, as well as winning Best Actor as Cannes. He plays a low-level mook for mob boss Michael Caine, who becomes a chauffeur for a prostitute and is encouraged to track down one of her abused friends from her past. Hoskins' performance is understated and wonderful, memorable even amongst a cast that includes heavyweights Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrane.
Spice World and Super Mario Bros
As I'm With Geek's TerriBrill correspondent, it would be remiss not to include Hoskins' contribution to two of the greats of the genre. Playing himself in Spice World, and Mario in the latter, both these films are horrible but very entertaining, and one can only hope Hoskins had fun making them.
Terry Gilliam's dazzling dystopian satire sees Hoskins play Spoor, a heating engineer with a resentment of Robert DeNiro's Tuttle. Duke only a small rule, Hoskins proves here why he was such a great, and in demand, character actor, elevating and supporting cast with his sheer presence.
Mona Lisa
For this film, Hoskins was nominated for an Oscar, as well as winning Best Actor as Cannes. He plays a low-level mook for mob boss Michael Caine, who becomes a chauffeur for a prostitute and is encouraged to track down one of her abused friends from her past. Hoskins' performance is understated and wonderful, memorable even amongst a cast that includes heavyweights Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrane.
Spice World and Super Mario Bros
As I'm With Geek's TerriBrill correspondent, it would be remiss not to include Hoskins' contribution to two of the greats of the genre. Playing himself in Spice World, and Mario in the latter, both these films are horrible but very entertaining, and one can only hope Hoskins had fun making them.
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