Duane Jones

[otisbenny]

Am I alone thinking that Duane Jones' acting in NOTLD is freaking brilliant? I know the other cast mainly suck, but Duane is totally believable and commited to this role. You never doubt him for a second. It's unfortunate that typecasting killed what could have been a brilliant career. He could have been as influential as Sydney Poitier, if only he were given the chance. The 70's could have been huge for him, I sincerely believe this. Am I crazy?

[Khardis]

Am I alone thinking that Duane Jones' acting in NOTLD is freaking brilliant? I know the other cast mainly suck, but Duane is totally believable and commited to this role. You never doubt him for a second. It's unfortunate that typecasting killed what could have been a brilliant career. He could have been as influential as Sydney Poitier, if only he were given the chance. The 70's could have been huge for him, I sincerely believe this. Am I crazy?

He was ok I guess. Nothing brilliant though.

[Danny]

yeah but sydney poiter could turn into a giant turtle to fight mecha-strisand:lol:

[Cody]

I thought he was very good too

[creepntom]

his name makes me think he's a running back from the 70's

[Philly_SWAT]

I think that Sydney Poitier would have been better in the role of Ben.

They call me Mr. Ben!

[coma]

Am I alone thinking that Duane Jones' acting in NOTLD is freaking brilliant? I know the other cast mainly suck, but Duane is totally believable and commited to this role. You never doubt him for a second. It's unfortunate that typecasting killed what could have been a brilliant career. He could have been as influential as Sydney Poitier, if only he were given the chance. The 70's could have been huge for him, I sincerely believe this. Am I crazy?

I don't think he was typecast, I think he was not interested in films too much, as an actor.
Why would you be alone in thinking he was great in NOTLD. Millions who saw it probably agree. I think he was in large part responsible for the level of quality in the film, along with the filmakers of course.

"Nothing brilliant though."
What?!?!
You just don't like Romeros films too much do you. You seem to crap on them at every opportunity.
This IS a Romero appreciation site, in case you haven't noticed.

If Duane Jones' Perfromance is "ehhh" exactly what qualifies as brilliant? Stallone In Rambo 3?!?!

[EvilNed]

I wasn't really blown away by Duane Jones performance either. I mean, sure it's good. But I've seen alot better.

[capncnut]

Am I alone thinking that Duane Jones' acting in NOTLD is freaking brilliant?

I agree with you man, Duane has a melancholic presence on-screen that I find mesmerising to watch. He was a fine actor and I totally respect the man for turning away the fast buck and not doing s**tty blaxsploitation movies. I listened to the audio of his final interview and was surprised at how upbeat he was in real life! R.I.P. Duane.

[Khardis]

I don't think he was typecast, I think he was not interested in films too much, as an actor.
Why would you be alone in thinking he was great in NOTLD. Millions who saw it probably agree. I think he was in large part responsible for the level of quality in the film, along with the filmakers of course.

"Nothing brilliant though."
What?!?!
You just don't like Romeros films too much do you. You seem to crap on them at every opportunity.
This IS a Romero appreciation site, in case you haven't noticed.

If Duane Jones' Perfromance is "ehhh" exactly what qualifies as brilliant? Stallone In Rambo 3?!?!

lol I see, so we arent here to discuss zombie films only to appreciate GARs work and all people who are critical dont belong? Get real friend.

His performance was ehhh... I watched the original NOTLD 2 days ago on Demand. I love the film, but lets call a peach a peach. he was a bit of an amateur and not brilliant at all. He wasnt bad, but he wasnt phenominal niether.

If you dont like other peoples opinions I suggest you stop reading them. maybe turning off your computer too.

[Adrenochrome]

lol I see, so we arent here to discuss zombie films only to appreciate GARs work and all people who are critical dont belong? Get real friend.

His performance was ehhh... I watched the original NOTLD 2 days ago on Demand. I love the film, but lets call a peach a peach. he was a bit of an amateur and not brilliant at all. He wasnt bad, but he wasnt phenominal niether.

If you dont like other peoples opinions I suggest you stop reading them. maybe turning off your computer too.

ok, so, you're one of these goobers that compare today's flicks with yesteryear? Can't watch an old flick without thinking "Gosh, oh gee.....CGI would work WONDERS there!" - **vomits**

[Khardis]

ok, so, you're one of these goobers that compare today's flicks with yesteryear? Can't watch an old flick without thinking "Gosh, oh gee.....CGI would work WONDERS there!" - **vomits**

Nope not at all. I compare films to my internal "what makes a good film" index in my brain. NOTLD was a good film. Duane Jones acting was good, but not great.

Youre one of those "GARs films are god sends and anyone who disagrees is a moron" right? Its like when Matrix 3 came out and everyone said it was crap and the diehard fanboys were like "oh you just dont ge tit" I get it, its just that once I did I didnt want it anymore.

[Adrenochrome]

Nope not at all. I compare films to my internal "what makes a good film" index in my brain. NOTLD was a good film. Duane Jones acting was good, but not great.

Youre one of those "GARs films are god sends and anyone who disagrees is a moron" right? Its like when Matrix 3 came out and everyone said it was crap and the diehard fanboys were like "oh you just dont ge tit" I get it, its just that once I did I didnt want it anymore.

ok, NO on ALL of that......:D
I honestly think you and I could have a GREAT time watching/reviewing.

peace

[otisbenny]

Well , I really didn't want to start any fights. Maybe I was exagerrating with the Poitier reference, but consider the year 1968. How many black leading men were there? Well, there was Poitier and...uhm...that's about it. The potential was there for Jones to achieve those hights. Again how many blacks were horror film (or any film) heroes. Without the actor's race ever once being mentioned? In The Heat Of The Night was mostly about Poitier being a black cop in a Southern city. It's all about race. NOTLD never once mentions race but it's like a dark cloud hanging over the film. Harry Cooper never says the "N" word but you can practically see him thinking it. Jones created a flawed hero (he's arrogant and stubborn) who just happens to be black, and smarter than all the white people around him. This was unheard of in '68. I just wanted to give him some props.

[capncnut]

Well , I really didn't want to start any fights.

Dont worry about it Otis, these two have been bitchin' at each other all day on other threads! It's not your fault man. :lol:

[coma]

lol I see, so we arent here to discuss zombie films only to appreciate GARs work and all people who are critical dont belong? Get real friend.

His performance was ehhh... I watched the original NOTLD 2 days ago on Demand. I love the film, but lets call a peach a peach. he was a bit of an amateur and not brilliant at all. He wasnt bad, but he wasnt phenominal niether.

If you dont like other peoples opinions I suggest you stop reading them. maybe turning off your computer too.

I meant, to clarify, that I am confounded why some are shocked to find strong appreciators of GARS body of work on a GAR fan site.
I've viwed the film repeatedly over many years and imo it's an extremely strong performance (the only really strong one) in the film. Solid and professional. To me it's utterlly realistic. Judy, on the other hand. ehhhh.
Bill Hinzman a really good zombie though.

Zombie films are tangential here to GARs repatoire (I spelt it wrong, I know).
I have to ask, was that the first time you saw it, 2 days ago (though I doubt it)? Just asking, not trying to imply anything. Just curious.
So I completly disagree.
So what?
It's not like I'm calling you names or anything.
You dont like my opinion, thats OK.
If we didnt disagree, WTF would we have to talk about?

and to prove Im not a sanboy
Season of the witch
suuuuuucked:D


Well , I really didn't want to start any fights. Maybe I was exagerrating with the Poitier reference, but consider the year 1968. How many black leading men were there? Well, there was Poitier and...uhm...that's about it. The potential was there for Jones to achieve those hights. Again how many blacks were horror film (or any film) heroes. Without the actor's race ever once being mentioned? In The Heat Of The Night was mostly about Poitier being a black cop in a Southern city. It's all about race. NOTLD never once mentions race but it's like a dark cloud hanging over the film. Harry Cooper never says the "N" word but you can practically see him thinking it. Jones created a flawed hero (he's arrogant and stubborn) who just happens to be black, and smarter than all the white people around him. This was unheard of in '68. I just wanted to give him some props.

It's all in fun. No worries here. We all have strong opinions.
The funny thing about Ben and Harry Cooper is, that Harry Cooper was RIGHT. Theres a lot of subtext in the relationship, though I am not sure it was racial (though I guess how could it not be). It could be class, in the original script Ben was a Truck Driver and I guess Harry is some sort of Middle managment. OR amybe just a control issue, or all three. Harry dominated his wife and when he went to smack her fordisagreeing, the implication is that it wasn't the first time.
In the interview with Duane Jones he mentioned not wanting to smakc barbara because that was biiiig deal. I think he didnt want to get firebombed.
Apparantly, according to GAR and others, there was a lot of discussion about the subtext and if they should deal with it more directly, which they decided against. Good call, I think.

[Dentists]

After I saw the amazing 'Ganja & Hess' I totally forgot about his role as Ben.
It's like two different actors let alone two different characters!
G&H is highly recommended!

[Neil]

After I saw the amazing 'Ganja & Hess' I totally forgot about his role as Ben.
It's like two different actors let alone two different characters!
G&H is highly recommended!

Never seen this film. Will have to give it a go!