Hollywood legend Gene Hackman starred in many successful movies across his acting career, but he considered his performance in a 1973 drama, Scarecrow, his favorite. Gene Hackman began his career as a theater actor in the 1960s and worked in small roles in various movies and TV shows, before he finally achieved his big break as Buck Barrow in the 1967 movie, Bonnie and Clyde, for which he received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hackman received four more Oscar nominations across his career, winning Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992).
As his career progressed, Hackman received further recognition in the 1970s, for his performance as the scheming Lex Luthor in the Superman franchise, proving his skills in villainous roles. Some of Gene Hackman’s best movies include I Never Sang For My Father (1970) and The Birdcage (1996). Gene Hackman’s death at age 95, alongside his wife, Barbara Arakawa, led to worldwide mourning for the actor and many in the movie industry paying tribute to the Hollywood star and the legacy he left behind. While Hackman performed as some of the most epic characters in movie history, it was his performance in a 1973 drama that he considered his best.
Gene Hackman Starred In Scarecrow Alongside Al Pacino
Scarecrow Was Directed By Jerry Schatzberg
In 1973, Gene Hackman starred as Max Millan, an ex-convict, in the comedy-drama movie, Scarecrow, alongside Al Pacino as Francis Lionel “Lion” Delbuchi, a former sailor. Directed by Jerry Schatzberg, the movie depicts Millan and Delbuchi becoming friends while on the road to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and deciding to start a business together. Despite their differences in personality, as they travel down the road, the two men develop an unlikely close bond as they learn more about each other. Throughout the movie, Hackman plays the ᴀssertive and protective Millan against Pacino’s soft and sensitive Delbuchi.
During the movie’s production, Hackman and Pacino used method acting to better understand their characters, by disguising themselves as beggars in San Francisco and approaching strangers for change and direction (via Turner Classic Movies). Hackman later revealed during an appearance on Late Night With David Letterman that, despite their costumes, he and Pacino were recognized by a homeless man after asking for directions to a soup kitchen (via Independent). Hackman later cited Scarecrow as his favorite movie to perform, calling it “the only film [he’s] ever made in absolute continuity” (via Far Out Magazine).
Despite Underperforming, Scarecrow Has Since Become A Cult Classic
Scarecrow Showcases One Of Gene Hackman’s Most Underrated Performances
Upon its initial release, Scarecrow received a positive reception from audiences, earning praise for its cinematography and directing. Critics called Scarecrow “a well-acted movie” led by “two of the most gifted of contemporary actors” (via Roger Ebert). The movie won the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival and was named Best Non-European Film at the 1974 Bodil Awards. Despite its critical success, the movie underperformed financially, only grossing $4 million at the box office and flying under the radar (via Box Office Mojo).
In recent years, Scarecrow has gained a cult following, with many calling it one of Gene Hackman’s most underrated movies. The movie explores the dark aspects of what many consider the American dream and, through the characters of Millan and Delbuchi, depicts the themes of friendship, masculinity, and regret. Scarecrow allowed Gene Hackman to explore his skills as a comedic actor in a complex and dynamic manner. Hackman stated that the role of Max Millan “allowed [him] to take all kinds of chances and really build my character,” so it’s understandable why he cited Scarecrow as his favorite movie.
Sources: Turner Classic Movies, Independent, Far Out Magazine, Roger Ebert, Box Office Mojo
