After the death of the esteemed actor, writers highlight their favourite movies from a long and varied career‘He let us hate him’: Gene Hackman had a rare power – he didn’t need to be likedAlmost five minutes go by in The French Connection before we get a good look at Gene Hackman. Various other operators come and go in William Friedkin’s gritty and unsettling procedural – based on a real heroin sting – before Hackman’s Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle emerges from behind an ill-fitting undercover Santa Claus outfit, like a background player busting into his first lead role. It’s as fitting an entrance as ever for Hackman, leveling up after his supporting work on TV and films like Bonnie and Clyde. And he gives a performance that sets the tone for his whole career, playing the brutal and racist cop, a morally murky figure who just doesn’t sit right as the hero of the story. Many of the qualities that made Hackman so great in later villainous roles – the way he moves like a menace with...
The article from The Guardian highlights Gene Hackman's notable film roles, selected by writers in his memory. Notable performances include his gritty portrayal of Detective Jimmy Doyle in *The French Connection*, his nuanced role as Harry Caul in *The Conversation*, and his complex character in *Night Moves*. Hackman's memorable role as a basketball coach in *Hoosiers* and his Oscar-winning performance as a sheriff in *Unforgiven* are also noted. In *The Firm*, he plays a corrupt lawyer mentoring Tom Cruise's character, and in *The Royal Tenenbaums*, his performance as a patriarch adds depth to Wes Anderson's film. Each role showcases Hackman's ability to bring complexity and depth to his characters.