I’ll bounce off Sasha’s angle once more to feature a second Variety tribute from one actor to another:
I had the privilege of playing Hal Holbrook’s gay lover in the landmark TV film “That Certain Summer.” His character was a divorced father with a teenage son, and in one powerful climactic scene, the boy rejects him when he discovers he’s gay. Hal sat down and simply wept uncontrollably in the scene, as his son walked away. It was a stunning and deeply moving performance, which he repeated several more times with equal success for the coverage. Afterwards, I told him how moved I was and how impressive it was to watch him reach such emotional depth so quickly and with such ease. He thanked me and casually said, “The older you get, the easier it is.”
That was 37 years ago, and that remark was newly remembered as I watched his extraordinary performance in “That Evening Sun.” Acting is never that easy, no matter how young or old we who do it are. But the older Hal gets, the easier he makes it appear, and that is part of his genius. Like an extension of his character from “Into the Wild,” Abner, in “That Evening Sun,” brings Hal front and center and yields an unforgettable, subtle and deeply personal performance. If it gets easier the older he gets, I can’t wait to see Hal at age 90.
12 Responses for "Martin Sheen on Hal Holbrook"
I remember seeing “That Certain Summer” when it first aired on TV. Back then it was considered rather risky for any man — gay or straight, in or out — to play a gay character. (Hope Lange played Holbrook’s wife.) Holbrook has consistently delivered accomplished performances over the years, including, I believe, the role of the son in “I Never Sang For My Father” on Broadway.
His latest performance in “That Evening Sun,” followed by his moving work in “Into the Wild,” suggests to me that he deserves an Oscar not just out of sentiment but also for truly wonderful work as a seasoned performer.
Hal was also fantastic in Julia.
He was definitely the most haunting part of All the President’s Men and overlooked back then.
He’s oh-so-good in this. I’ve honestly never seen him better.
And can you BELIEVE this is is first real lead starring role in over 50 years of being in the business? Hal Holbrook! That’s craaaaazy.
Hal Holbrook is extraordinary in this film – breathtaking. I think if real actors see his performance, they will “get it” immediately. He is a true American treasure and deserves to be recognized for this astounding leading role, not to mention what he has contributed to the acting profession for over sixty years.
This year it’s beginning to feel like every actor we’re likely to see up for Best Actor will have a faction of the Academy who feel their favorite is “due”.
Who’ll be seen as the due-iest of all?
Who’ll be seen as the due-iest of all?
Dunno, Ryan — but Johnny Depp is probably the dewiest.
Well, we know who’s the Downeyest.
I’d say Louis Garrel is the doe-eyed-iest
& James Franco might be the do-me-iest
(hey, not my fault. It’s Martin Sheen who started in with the gay stuff.)
I think his 15 minutes on screen from “Into the Wild” were about the best 15 minutes of a film I saw this decade. His character was so honest and he played it with such brilliance, I wanted to break through the screen and give him a hug. Everytime I rewatch the film, I hope that one time Chris takes him up on his offer.
i’m very happy for the performance of hal hoolbrook, but when his movie will have a bigger release?
I’m thrilled Sheen mentioned That Certain Summer from way back in 1972. Everyone is so giddy over Firth playing gay, but back then it was an enormous risk for any actor (straight or gay) to play gay. To do so in a positive manner was unheard of. Now, it’s chic. Kudos to Holbrook and Sheen for doing it when it was both unpopular and risky.
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