In Memory of Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton 17th May 1955 - 25th February 2017

Bill Paxton burnt an indelible mark into my Eighties film brain as the likeable but sweary Private Hudson. Paxton turned in a performance of such magnitude that he transformed what was basically an Army grunt into someone with character and soul. Paxton seemed to have a knack of doing that with every film he was in and he soon became one of those actors who I recognised as soon as I saw him. Even his performance in Titanic as the money motivated salvage captain, Brock Lovett had a wonderful warmth to him. It takes a good actor to develop a character into someone that audiences want to engage with, but it takes a tremendous actor to so craft a performance that it lifts even the most incidental of characters into something special. Look at his performance in The Terminator as 'Punk Leader' its a fleeting role but his scene with Arnie just sparkles with skill and acting prowess.

Looking through Paxton's film credits and they aren't all classics but here was an actor who just loved to work. I have highlighted two of my personal favourites but everyone who has ever watched a blockbuster has undoubtedly been blessed by his talent. So, Bill Paxton thank you so much for your talent and skill and for providing me with one of the most memorable side fi characters of the eighties. "Bissshhhhoooopppp" Game over, man"

In Memory and Always In Vision: John Hurt

"It's a screwdriver, what are you going to do erect a cabinet around them?"

Last year I attended a screening of A Naked Civil Servant at the BFI and the subsequent Q and A, John Hurt was taking part and was the main reason for attending. I, like many others, have been a fan of Hurt's work for years and the opportunity to hear from the man himself wasn't something I was going to miss. I expected to witness Hurt's honesty, his eloquence and his passion for great film making and for a creative process that always, always had something to teach you. What I wasn't expecting and what bowled me over was his humility. Here is an actor that has given his talent to a list of films that reads like a must see of cinematic greats, they are all classics. Whether you marvel at his performance as the haunted and misunderstood John Merrick (Elephant Man), the horrific demise of Kane (Alien) or the magical and engaging Ollivander (Harry Potter) you always get the same level of delivery. Hurt always gave the very best and his films shine with the sort of radiance that you are always bathed in when in the presence of genius. John Hurt had every right to boast of his achievement and yet, yet I witnessed a man who was genuinely bemused at the level of his success. Instead of enjoying the focused limelight he deflected to the creative Directors who had gifted him such amazing roles. Such was the level of his humility that he had to be reminded by a fellow panel contributor that he was cast in these roles because he was, is ( I hate the shift of tense when someone passes away) "a talented and amazing actor, you fool" Hurt just looked at him and grinned, his eyes sparkling.

John Hurt was a British Film icon and he made the films he starred in iconic in their stature as well. Can you imagine 'V For Vendetta' without Hurt's chilling central performance as Adam Sutler? Or Orwell's '1984' without Hurt playing the role of the Winston Smith? Why would you even want to? Hurt even gifted the Doctor Who universe with his talent and his portrayal of The War Doctor has been lauded by fans both new and old. Hurt never delivered a bad performance, such was the level of his skill, and yet he always gave the impression of an actor that was still learning. As Hurt remarked once himself:

"If you listen you learn, if you talk you don't"

As is always true when truly creative genius leave us, we are left with a wonderful body of work to continue to enjoy and remember them by. But the life spark has been snuffed out and we will never again enjoy a new Hurt performance. Here, I am afraid, I run out of words and phrases that are appropriately deep to be attached to the memory of Hurt. He was one of a kind, an actor that always gave everything he had in the pursuit of refining. Thank you for giving of yourself so selfishly and providing us with so many astounding cinematic moments to enjoy and remember you by.

John Hurt. 22nd January 1940- 27th January 2017

Lazarus

On the 1st Anniversary of the passing of Bowie I had tickets to see Lazarus, co written by the man himself and a sequel to The Man Who Fell To Earth. It's going to get emotional!...

The Force Will Be With You Always

"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened."...

Que?? In Memory Of Andrew Sachs

Andrew Sachs was Manuel to me, as he was to countless other fans of the timeless comedy series Fawlty Towers. I fell in love with the loveable, if clueless, waiter since I was a small boy. I can still quote the episodes backwards, forwards and completely out of order. Sachs' astonishing tag teaming with John Cleese's bullish Manager was the backbone of the programs two series run. A consummate professional, Sachs would often tell of the moments where he would encourage Cleese to hit him harder so it looked believable. So many classic Manuel moments to enjoy but for me it has to be the wonderful episode with Manuel's pet hamster. "Cuddle that and you'll never play the guitar again" retorts Basil! I honestly couldn't tell you whether Sach's faltering Spanish was realistic but, for me, it was the source of much hilarity and provided a harmless and inoffensive humour which lends Fawlty Towers a timeless quality.

Sachs had been suffering from dementia and has finally lost his brave battle to the illness, aged 86. Dementia has now overtaken heart disease in the number of deaths it is responsible for and with media attention increasing, we must focus on a cure for this terrible thief of life. I join with the countless fans and admirers around the world who send their heart felt sympathies to Andrew's family, friends and those who had the privilege of working with him. Thank you for providing us with so many smiles and so much laughter.

Andrew Sachs 7th April 1930- 23rd November 2016