Mr. Smith Goes To Pieces.

[bruce_pullen]

Mr. Smith from the Matrix (1999) and it's sequels. Was he scary? What made him popular? Or was it a joke? Is Mr. Smith a lasting favorite?

[mikejet]

He was better in The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by mikejet

He was better in The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

How many people have seen that though?

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

How many people have seen that though?

It has a huge following and is replacing Rocky Horror at many midnight showings.

[GreenScar]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

Mr. Smith from the Matrix (1999) and it's sequels. Was he scary? What made him popular? Or was it a joke? Is Mr. Smith a lasting favorite?

Hmmmm. what do you think Bruce?

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by mikejet

It has a huge following and is replacing Rocky Horror at many midnight showings.

A devoted cult following doesn't equal the popularity of the Matrix (1999). Or it's sequels, ... only a small pocket of people have seen it compared to the Matrix. No offense, but facts are facts.

It may take decades for it to get there. If it ever does..; but in terms of film.. as a whole, the Matrix (1999) is a seminal work. In influence and popularity, Weaving helped make that so. His work in the Matrix, remains his greatest work. Unless you adore the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I suppose (2001-2003).

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by jasonbird

Hmmmm. what do you think Bruce?

Mr. Smith is one of the pivotal roles of recent history. The stoic look, harsh humor, wry smile, Hugo Weaving made quite the impression. “Hello…. Mr. Anderson….” I think Weaving hit the lotto. He was the X Factor that made the Matrix (1999) the Matrix. His threat made Keanu appealing. Weaving sold the idea, before we knew the ‘meaning’.

Anyone will tell you. The first ten minutes sell the movie. If you can’t get them by then, you never will. What to do see?.. Carrie-Anne Moss running for dear life; leather, slow-motion, those creepy sunglasses, but Hugo.. gets your attention. He’s unnerving, but subtle. “You’re men.. are already dead.” His dialogue keeps everything going. His presence sold the film.

Back then, Weaving was unknown. Today, he may still be. But everyone knows his face. They may not know him. But they know the character. That mask of a face, the empty eyes, the silky disposition, he was pure evil. And no one knew, ..if he could be stopped. Or slowed, or even avoided, you knew Keanu would win somehow. But Weaving was so seductive. So eerie, he distracted you from the obvious. Somehow, he’s got to lose! But how? When? If? No one knew, the guy was unstoppable; his words were dirty. His breath breathed menace. Moving his head, cracking his knuckles, the man was a terror. An Energizer Zombie, he kept going and going. He taunted through small talk. “Goodbye… Mr. Anderson….”

When he shoots Neo at the end, Weaving shows sadness: on his face. Almost like a lover’s, he seems wounded by the act. The death of Neo; meant the end of purpose (a theme for later), the end of the game. …There is a saying: “A film is only as great as it’s villain.” The Matrix remains a landmark for this and two reasons.

1. The Wachowskis' desire for the movie.
2. Reeves as the hero.
3. And the effect of Weaving on the film.

You can’t forget: the cast or Bullet-time. But what made it work, were the Brothers. ..And those two. Reeves and Weaving. Without them. There would be no franchise. Period.

Thanks.

[mikejet]

Just because an actor is more popular in a role does not mean that is he better performance.

Like Philip Seymour Hoffman, I will always remember him for Happiness.

[doctorsteve]

Originally Posted by mikejet

It has a huge following and is replacing Rocky Horror at many midnight showings.

This is the first time I've heard of that. A niche film to be sure... and it ain't MY niche...

[doctorsteve]

Originally Posted by mikejet

Like Philip Seymour Hoffman, I will always remember him for Happiness.

Was that where he was huffing?

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by mikejet

Just because an actor is more popular in a role does not mean that is he better performance.

Like Philip Seymour Hoffman, I will always remember him for Happiness.

Just because, you love a performance doesn't make it better, my friend.

Quality is different than impact. And Smith is the greater role.

Since I've seen it. I can say Mr. Smith is the better role. Repeat viewings.. and otherwise. That's half the battle.

I find it interesting.. Just because something's a cult craze.. doesn't make it a brush-fire, everywhere else. Perspective is rare these days.

[Sussudio]

before the heath ledger announcement i was pulling for hugo weaving as a possible joker candidate. imo he could easily pull off a twisted smile and psychotic personality. probably would have been too similar to nicholson's though.

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

Just because, you love a performance doesn't make it better either, my friend.

Quality is different than impact. And Smith is the greater role

Since I've seen it. I can say Mr. Smith is the better role: for repeat viewings. And that's half the battle.

I find it interesting... Just because something's a cult craze.. doesn't make it a brush-fire everywhere else. Perspective is rare these days.

You're completely entitled to your opinion. I just don't agree with yours. That doesn't make either of us right.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by mikejet

You're completely entitled to your opinion. I just don't agree with yours. That doesn't make either of us right.

Correct. I'm glad we agree there.

No hard feelings I hope?

Thanks for talking.

[zombieking]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

A devoted cult following doesn't equal the popularity of the Matrix (1999). Or it's sequels, ... only a small pocket of people have seen it compared to the Matrix. No offense, but facts are facts.

It may take decades for it to get there. If it ever does..; but in terms of film.. as a whole, the Matrix (1999) is a seminal work. In influence and popularity, Weaving helped make that so. His work in the Matrix, remains his greatest work. Unless you adore the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I suppose (2001-2003).

Weaving was great in V For Vendetta. The Matrix will probably be Keanu's greatest work also. I do like LOTR, but the entire cast was exceptional there. Weaving was a minor player in those films IMO

Geez bruce, you have a helluva lot of threads going. Just an observation

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by Sussudio

before the heath ledger announcement i was pulling for hugo weaving as a possible joker candidate. imo he could easily pull off a twisted smile and psychotic personality. probably would have been too similar to nicholson's though.

Hard to say. Actually, Weaving would make a better Riddler than Joker, though. The Riddler fits Weaving's gifts so much better. Can't you imagine him saying, "Riddle me.... this... Batman...." So much better, don't you think?

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

Hard to say. Actually, Weaving would make a better Riddler than Joker though. The Riddler fits Weaving's gifts so much better. Can't you imagine him saying, "Riddle me.... this... Batman...." So much better, don't you think?

yeah yeah, i could actually envision riddler more now that you mention it. he makes for a great villain...

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by zombieking

Weaving was great in V For Vendetta. The Matrix will probably be Keanu's greatest work also. I do like LOTR, but the entire cast was exceptional there. Weaving was a minor player in those films IMO

Geez bruce, you have a helluva lot of threads going. Just an observation

Sorry. I sometimes get carried away. Out of passion, not ego: I hope that's a respectable difference. If not, I'll just go away for a couple of days. Sorry guys, I'm not trying to be a bother.

Seriously...

Anyway, thanks.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by Sussudio

yeah yeah, i could actually envision riddler more now that you mention it. he makes for a great villain...

He does indeed. And if you want the other, just put elf ears on him. That works too.

Whenever, they want to make Elf 2 with Will Farrell. He'd be great. Don't you think?

[zombieking]

Originally Posted by bruce_pullen

Sorry. I sometimes get carried away. Out of passion, not ego: I hope that's a respectable difference. If not, I'll just go away for a couple of days. Sorry guys, I'm not trying to be a bother.

Seriously...

Anyway, thanks.

Like I said, just an observation. Your threads are original and has us conversing, which is why this site is always interesting. You can make as many threads as you want LOL I don't care

Didn't mean to upset or disrespect you