A List Of The Must Watch Gene Hackman Movies

Gene Hackman was an acting legend. You could blindly point anywhere on a list of his feature films and not hit a bad movie (unless you include the film that may or may not have ended his acting career - Welcome To Mooseport). 

Hackman was nominated for an Oscar five times, and won twice.  He won “Best Actor” for his leading role in the 1971 action and crime drama The French Connection and “Best Supporting Actor” for his work in the 1993 western Unforgiven.… One of four multiple acting Oscar winners whose wins are all in Best Picture Oscar winners (the others being Marlon Brando, Dustin Hoffman and Mahershala Ali). Two of Jack Nicholson's three acting Oscars are in "Best Picture" winners. 

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Hackman was a Hollywood A-lister, and even away from Hollywood Hackman was relevant after finding his way onto Richard Nixon's enemy list during the 1972 election. So, after the passing his passing the Twisted History crew spent the first part of the podcast talking about Hackman, and we gave out our picks for Hackman movies you must watch.

1. Vibbs - Hoosiers, The Conversation 

If I didn't say Hoosiers as my top pick, I wouldn't be allowed back into the state of Indiana. Some might say that's a blessing in disguise and Hoosiers is boring. 1. You're wrong  2. Hoosiers is more than a basketball movie, it's about the ultimate underdog, it's about redemption. Sure, the basketball scenes with white dudes from 1952 making 14 chest passes before taking a mid range jump shot aren't the most exciting, and running the picket fence isn't as cool as Shaq basically ripping the rim off the backboard in Blue Chips, BUT Hoosiers does have an incredible story led by Gene Hackman. 

The backstory no one needed, but I'm going to tell you … my grandparents are in the final state championship scene in Hoosiers. The director did a casting call to fill the stands, and no one showed up. So, production had Broad Ripple vs Chatard High School basketball game moved to Butler University's historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. The director said after the game if anyone wants to be in a movie, stick around. Everyone was moved to one side of the gym, and divided by Hickory fans / South Bend Central. Before Jimmy Chitwood's final shot the director said if this ball goes in / or doesn't Hickory fans need to cheer no matter what because in post production that ball is going in the hoop. Chitwood actually missed the game winning shot when filming. A lot of the real life players from Hickory (Milan) went to Butler University and my grandpa cut their hair. What a legend. 

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If you're looking for a great thriller, watch The Conversation. Come because of Gene Hackman and a young Harrison Ford, but stay because of John Cazale - a man who was only in about 5 movies, all nominated or won Best Picture. 

2. John Kelly - The Birdcage, Enemy Of The State 

I've never seen The Birdcage, but the cast looks incredible - Gene Hackman, Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Hank Azaria. An 80's comedy where Robin Williams and Nathan Lane play gay cabaret owners trying to trick a conservative Hackman/ Diane West? Alright, I'll give it a try. I can only imagine the amount of cocaine William's used to get into character. Wouldn't be my first choice, but looking forward to checking this movie out - Free on Amazon Prime. 

Enemy Of The State is one those movies TNT / TBS blockbuster movies your dad would fall asleep to on a Saturday night. Will Smith, Hackman, and a Hacker Jack Black. This movie has enough story and action to make it the a perfect hangover movie. Next time you're recovering from a night out, throw this bad boy on the tv. 

3. Anne - Young Frankenstein, The Firm, The French Connection 

Hackman is in Young Frankenstein for maybe only 5 minutes, but he's great. Due to the fact he has a full beard and wig, I never noticed he is the monk character. Mel Brook's is a genius, if you haven't watched Young Frankenstein - go watch it immediately. 

I'm sure The Firm is one of those movies that is a much better book (written by John Grisham) but when you put Tom Cruise and Gene Hackman in a movie together, it doesn't get much better than that. TC doesn't miss, and Hackman is a great villain. 

The French Connection is great, the movie basically invented the modern day car chase in movies. At the time it was ground breaking, but now that every heist movie has taken from The French Connection, it's somewhat diluted the greatness of this movie. When you watch, keep in mind that this was the first to ever do it. 

4. Large - Absolute Power, The Quick And The Dead

Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris - sign me up. I've never seen Absolute Power, but when Large recommends something, especially an action thriller involving the secret service and a jewel thief, I listen. $3.79 to rent on Amazon Prime? Sounds like a steal. 

Maybe the most fun movie Hackman has ever done is The Quick And The Dead. It sucks me in all the right spots. Western, incredible cast (young Leo Dicaprio / Russell Crowe), fun action scenes, Sharon Stone's tit. It doesn't get any better than that. Hackman may have been in the Western that won Best Picture (Unforgiven), but TQATD is less serious, faster paced, and more entertaining. A must watch. 

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