The Robert Duvall Appreciation Thread

[Tucumcari Bound]

I'm a long life fan of the great Robert Duvall, and actor who I don't think get's the recognition he deserves. One of those actors that not only has talent, but has that charm and charisma that makes him great.

Robert is a long time veteran of Western films such as True Grit (1969), Lawman (1971), Joe Kidd (1972), Lonesome Dove (1989), Geronimo: An American Legend (1993), Open Range (2003), and Broken Trail (2006), so it's only fitting to talk about him here. It's also been said that the WESTERN GENRE is his favorite.

Robert Duvall has also had many, many other great films and roles outside the western genre that should be looked at. Please post any film or film role you absolutely love with Robert Duvall, or some pictures from those films.

[Tucumcari Bound]

Robert Duvall

Apocalypse Now (1979)

[KevinJCBJK]

I'll start with his role as Tom Hagan as The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. He was one of many actors in those films that had a great screen presence, when he refused to reprise his role in Part III it made the film less enjoyable.

I was watching this documentry on Marlon Brando, where a bunch of actors who have worked with him both on stage and film were talking about him, and on the set of The Godfather, he, James Caan, John Cazale, and Al Pacino were finally about to meet their idol Marlon Brando, after the producers finally yield to Coppola who was battling to get Brando in this film (he also wanted Laurence Olivier who was too ill at the time). So Robert decides they should break the ice with Marlon. I don't exactly remember how it all went, but I think that they went to go pick up Marlon with two cars, Robert and I think Al were riding with Marlon, with Jimmy and Freddie riding in the other. Before they got in, Robert says to Freddie that he should moon Marlon Brando when his car pulls up to him, and the only person who wasn't in on this was Pacino, who admits he had no sense of humor. So they are in their cars (I think this was on set in the cars featured in the film) and Jimmy pulls down his trousers and sticks his ass out the car window for Marlon to see. And Robert who was telling the story did a great impression of Marlon laughing, saying he was obviously amused by the thing and was making remarks about Jimmy's behind. I haven't heard this story anywhere else, but if you can find it and see for yourself how Robert tells it.

[Tucumcari Bound]

I'll start with his role as Tom Hagan as The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. He was one of many actors in those films that had a great screen presence, when he refused to reprise his role in Part III it made the film less enjoyable.

I was watching this documentry on Marlon Brando, where a bunch of actors who have worked with him both on stage and film were talking about him, and on the set of The Godfather, he, James Caan, John Cazale, and Al Pacino were finally about to meet their idol Marlon Brando, after the producers finally yield to Coppola who was battling to get Brando in this film (he also wanted Laurence Olivier who was too ill at the time). So Robert decides they should break the ice with Marlon. I don't exactly remember how it all went, but I think that they went to go pick up Marlon with two cars, Robert and I think Al were riding with Marlon, with Jimmy and Freddie riding in the other. Before they got in, Robert says to Freddie that he should moon Marlon Brando when his car pulls up to him, and the only person who wasn't in on this was Pacino, who admits he had no sense of humor. So they are in their cars (I think this was on set in the cars featured in the film) and Jimmy pulls down his trousers and sticks his ass out the car window for Marlon to see. And Robert who was telling the story did a great impression of Marlon laughing, saying he was obviously amused by the thing and was making remarks about Jimmy's behind. I haven't heard this story anywhere else, but if you can find it and see for yourself how Robert tells it.

Wow, hahahahahaa, great post Kevin! I really appreciated that. I actually did see this. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't this Documentary on a few months ago? That was a real treat to watch. I'm happy you brought up The Godfather, and The Godfather Part II. When you hear people mention The Godfather films, you rarely here anybody mention Robert Duvall's work. It's mostly the talk about Brando, Pacino, and De Niro. Everyone was great in this cast, and Robert in my opinion was one of the key actors. He played Tom Hagen so well. I dunno if you've heard, but the reason he turned down the role for The Godfather Part III was because he wanted the same pay as Pacino. I think they should have agreed, which he so rightfully deserved. He paid his dues. I like The Godfather Part III, but it has it's problems, and the absence of Robert Duvall is one of the biggest.



Robert Duvall and Al Pacino. The Godfather (1972)







Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972).

[KevinJCBJK]

Oh I will always remember him for his scenes with the movie producer. The horse head in the bed.

[Tucumcari Bound]

Oh I will always remember him for his scenes with the movie producer. The horse head in the bed.

Character Jack Woltz played by John Marley talking to Character Tom Hagen in The Godfather....

"Johnny Fontane never gets that movie. That part is perfect for him, it'll make him a big star, and I'm gonna run him out of the business - and let me tell you why: Johnny Fontane ruined one of Woltz International's most valuable proteges. For five years we had her under training - singing lessons, acting lessons, dancing lessons. I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on her, I was gonna make her a big star. And let me be even more frank, just to show you that I'm not a hard-hearted man, and that it's not all dollars and cents: She was beautiful; she was young; she was innocent. She was the greatest piece of ass I've ever had, and I've had 'em all over the world. And then Johnny Fontane comes along with his olive oil voice and guinea charm, and she runs off. She threw it all away just to make me look ridiculous! And a man in my position can't afford to be made to look ridiculous!"

"Now you listen to me, you smooth talking son-of-a-bitch. Let me lay it on the line for you and your boss, whoever he is. Johnny Fontane will never get that movie. I don't care how many dago guinea wop greaseball goombahs come out of the woodwork."

Tom Hagen: "Mr. Woltz, I'm a lawyer, I have not threatened you."
Jack Woltz: "I know almost every big lawyer in New York, who the hell are you?"
Tom Hagen: "I have a special practice. I handle one client. Now you have my number. I'll wait for your call. By the way, I admire your pictures very much. "

  Great scenes here! Great acting.

[Tucumcari Bound]

Robert Duvall as the legendary western film character Augustus 'Gus' McCrae in Lonesome Dove (1989).



Robert Duvall on the set of Lonesome Dove during filming. A great picture in my opinion!

[Jill]

I like him. Perfect Tom Hagen. And the sadist in Apocalypse Now... 

[The Firecracker]

[Tucumcari Bound]

As I've mentioned before. This is one of his best roles. Tender Mercies is a great, touching, and beautiful film. His winning of the Academy Award was trully deserving here!

[Tucumcari Bound]

Robert Duvall in The Apostle. A brilliant performance he should have won The Academy Award for. Sheer brilliance!

[Tucumcari Bound]

[Ben Tyreen]

 One of my all-time favorites, but his best role bar-none was Gus McCrae in Lonesome Dove.  

[Tucumcari Bound]

One of my all-time favorites, but his best role bar-none was Gus McCrae in Lonesome Dove.  

He's had a lot of masterful performances but you have a good argument there with the legendary Gus McCrae. What a character!

[Tuco the ugly]

Robert Duvall is one of those great character actors and movie icons that nobody won't be able to replace after they're gone.