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Monday Movie Meme – The Man who Played Capote!
Monday, February 3, 2014 at 5:54PM 
As the Seattle Seahawks brought home their first Super Bowl victory, the film world said goodbye to Philip Seymour Hoffman – an Oscar winning actor whose fine talent will no longer grace the big screen. The theme for this week’s Monday Movie Meme pays tribute to Hoffman, who was found dead in his apartment on Sunday: The Man who Played Capote.
Share on your blog or in the comments section, movies featuring your most memorable performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman. He does not have to be your favorite actor. Heck, you don’t even need to have liked him or any of his movies – but if there is one that you remember most, I welcome you to share it here, adding to my list for this week’s Capote theme.
Twister
I cannot forget the scene in this tornado movie where Jo’s (Helen Hunt) team hounds her for food. It is a slice of humor in the midst of a disastrous plot. “Dusty,” played by Philip Seymour Hoffman is among her storm chasers leading the pack of persistent requests for a rest stop at Auntie Meg’s place.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Having watched the first Hunger Games movie, I was expecting a particular set of characters in the second installment – you know, JLaw, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson and related familiar faces. I was surprised to see Philip Seymour Hoffman pop up on screen, as the designer of the Capitol’s fight-to-the-death competitions.
Given Philip Seymour Hoffman’s long film career that spanned over two decades, it is likely that I’ve seen him in more movies than what I’ve listed here. However, these are the only two with my most memorable performances by him that I’ve watched to date.
What movies feature YOUR most memorable performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman?
Reader Comments (8)
Without a doubt, it would have to be his role as Brandt in The Big Lebowski.
"This is our concern, Dude."
Then there's his role as Lester Bangs in Almost Famous, The Count in the movie Pirate Radio, and Owen Davian in Mission Impossible III (he played that evil character so well).
Man, I'm going to miss this guy. And to think that he left behind three kids. Some people, no matter how talented they are, can't seem to be able to battle their demons. 'Tis a shame :-(
Wow...I never equated him with Dusty in Twister. And goodness knows how many times we've watched that one. Sad.
I also liked him in Twister, one of my favourite films and the only film I find Helen Hunt remotely sexy in. I think my favourite performance of PSH would be in Mission Impossible 3. He played the bad guy brilliantly and actually followed through on his threats. His part in The Ides of March was also a particular highlight for me.
Doubt is a favorite of mine. Also Mission Impossible Three was a big one for me. Such a versatile actor. He's missed.
All week my news has talked about how his death will highlight drug addiction and make a positive impact, to raise awareness and educate people on the dangers of using heroin. I hope so, because this is so sad.
His performance in Hunger Games was brilliant in it's subtlety. Especially the twist in his character that I won't spoil here. A sad loss indeed.
Herman,
Many people (myself included) are battling demons in one capacity or another...some people have more difficulty overcoming them than others. It is an unfortunate reality that for a lot of us, some of our demons will be with us for a lifetime or may even, as it appears in the case of Hoffman, lead to our demise. I didn't know he had children and I hope that they are surrounded by people who love them and have their best interest in mind.
I'm gonna have to check out The Big Lebowski...for some reason, I can only vaguely recall scenes from that movie. Now, Almost Famous and Mission Impossible III?! Those are upcoming biggies on my rental queues. Time for another movie marathon weekend!
LuAnn,
Maybe he was just so good in Twister that he "became" Dusty to the point where it deemed Philip Seymour Hoffman "the actor," practically unidentifiable; if this makes any sense.
Dale,
Taking jabs at Helen Hunt?! Oh boy! I'm all backwards when it comes to Mission Impossible movies....I've listened to the soundtracks but haven't watched the flicks. Thanks for adding your picks to this PSH tribute because now I know he's in Ides of March...and to think, that movie's been on the backburner for a long time.
Heather,
I've been sleeping on Mission Impossible and didn't even know he was in that movie until Herman mentioned it. I share your thoughts about him being missed.
MJ,
True...the death of such a talented actor is sad and if people are to learn anything from him regarding their own dangerous choices, I hope that people learn the importance of making wise decisions and seeking help when needed. At the end of the day, all the awareness and education in the world means nothing when every man and woman has the final say in what route he or she takes in life with regards to health and well being. I believe it is all a matter of will and a matter of desire.
Maurice,
Thanks for pointing out a quality that could have been easily overlooked, regarding Hoffman's ability to liven up that Hunger Games role with little nuances that made him standout even more.
Capote will always be remembered as being one of the all-time great performances. Where I first noticed Phillip Seymour Hoffman was in "The Talented Mr. Ripley," playing this self-absorbed, sadistic sybarite. All I could think was, "That guy is such a DICK! I need to IMDB him." "Pirate Radio" was another brilliant performance, and I thought he saved "Charlie Wilson's War" from being dreckish.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman was uncanny--you could watch "Capote" one night, then "Pirate Radio" the next, and you never make the connection that it's the same guy. If you get the chance, listen to the director commentary on "Capote." It's amazing how much he ad libbed. Ad libbing in itself is difficult enough; doing so playing so well-known a character as Truman--and never losing his grip--is an amazing feat. It wasn't just a line or two: it was entire stories. That role took so much out of him, and he made it look oh so natural.
Hoffman was chameleonic, too, in that he could change his voice, his entire shape depending on the film. As great as he was at changing these things, he couldn't change his pain or addiction.
Our generation--hell, cinema in general--was robbed of one of the best ever. RIP, PSH