Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

What an epochal talent Robert Duvall was. The renowned actor passed earlier this week at the age of 95. Duvall was an all-time great and if you were looking to dive into his body of work, Alasdair Stuart has some recommendations for you.

The Godfather

Not remotely genre, but an acknowledged all-time classic. A massive part of that is how much Duvall embodies Tom Hagen, the Corleone mafia family consigliere and unofficial member of the family. Caan, Pacino and Brando get the attention in that first movie but Duvall’s polite, courteous lawyer is the one who stays with you.

THX 1138

George Lucas’ debut as a director and scriptwriter (co-written with Walter Murch) is a hell of a thing to have on your resume. Set in a future where the population is drugged to keep calm and everyone wears identical uniforms, the movie follows THX 1138 played by Duvall. It’s a classic dystopian story that follows THX out to the edges of his world and beyond. It’s, inevitably, dated but Duvall and Lucas’ talents are self-evident even at this early stage.

Deep Impact

Armageddon still gets most of the attention but the other big asteroid movie, Deep Impact, has some remarkable performances and a massively gooey centre, even if the metaphor of the asteroid-killing spaceship being called the Messiah is so on the nose it practically boops you. Come for the excellent conspiracy thriller opening, stay for Duvall, Téa Leoni and Ron Eldard making you ugly cry in the final act.

Falling Down

Another one that, strictly speaking, isn’t in our remit but another powerhouse performance and a movie that’s only get timelier. Michael Douglas stars as a man suffering a nervous breakdown who proceeds to rampage across Los Angeles doling out what he feels is ‘justice’ in an unfair world. It’s a great performance but the movie is made by Duvall as the dogged, polite retiring cop who gets the case.

Robert Duvall was a phenomenal actor who brought grounded, calm presence to everything he did. All these movies and so many more of his astounding body of work, are well worth your time.