James Spader was introduced to a new generation of fans when he starred in The Blacklist on TV, but an underrated thriller from the ’80s is a perfect companion to the long-running series. Spader got his start in 1980s teen movies where he often played cocky heels. However, he quickly proved himself to be a deft chameleon onscreen.
His transition to leading roles in the 1990s saw him take on an ever-increasing number of challenging parts, and Spader often played heroes and villains. By the time The Blacklist began in 2013, Spader had fully transitioned to TV, coming off a successful (and award-winning) stint on Boston Legal. However, The Blacklist offered a different side of the veteran performer.
Raymond “Red” Reddington was a return to form for Spader, offering him a chance to sink his teeth into a meaty role that was anything but one-dimensional. The Naval officer-turned-criminal-turned-informant is complex and the quintessential anti-hero, a part Spader was born to play. Red also reflects earlier parts that helped make him famous.
Though Red was only one character, his complex inner workings made him almost like several people in one, and Spader already had experience inhabiting two characters in the same project. While leaving behind his teen actor image, James Spader starred in a truly underrated ’80s thriller that ticks all the boxes for fans of The Blacklist.
The Blacklist Fans Should Watch James Spader In Jack’s Back
A Thrilling Mystery Involving Jack The Ripper
Just a year before he would have his breakout dramatic role in Sєx, Lies, and Videotape, James Spader pulled double-duty in the little-known thriller, Jack’s Back. The film stars Spader as a doctor who is suspected of being a serial killer who has begun recreating the heinous crimes of Jack the Ripper on the 100th anniversary of the original murders.
Jack’s Back is a masterclass in acting from James Spader, and showed that he was already in his prime before he even starred in his most famous films and shows.
However, when the young doctor turns up ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, the doctor’s brother (also James Spader) is determined to find his killer. Though it shares very little in common with The Blacklist, Jack’s Back is a masterclass in acting from James Spader, and showed that he was already in his prime before he even starred in his most famous films and shows.
It’s no easy feat to play two different characters, and Spader handles both with aplomb. What’s more, he gives both characters distinct personalities, but some similarities as well, because they are identical twins. One of the reasons that The Blacklist was so successful was Spader’s star-power, and it’s on full display in Jack’s Back.
Jack’s Back currently holds a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why Jack’s Back Deserves More Love As An ’80s Crime Thriller
An Interesting Concept & Strong Performances
On its surface, Jack’s Back could have easily become quite cheesy. However, the movie has just the right amount of style to sell its concept convincingly. With strong cinematography and lighting, the movie conveys a sense of foreboding as the modern city of Los Angeles seems to be hearkening back to the gaslit streets of Victorian Era London.
The best thrillers aren’t just compelling mysteries, but they need strong characters and an exciting plot to drive things forward. Jack’s Back has both of those things, and not just from James Spader’s dual roles. The supporting cast is rich and interesting, and the film has a whodunnit feel to the very end.
