Some movies bear watching not because the movie itself is superior or the stars do their star thing, but because someone lower on the bill turns in a great performance. Even iconic movies can become so encased in their own reputation that brilliant performances by the lesser lights can be undeservedly overlooked. I enjoyed two last night:
"Casablanca" rightfully earned its legendary status: Bogey at his crusty sentimentalist best; a luminous Ingrid Bergman; bad guy Nazis. What makes the film a particular joy to me, however, is Claude Raines' Captain Renault. He is quick witted and corrupt, but Raines does not play Renault as a one-dimensional lackey. As with all great actors, Raines' eyes show that the gears in Renault's head are always turning.
And don't miss Don Cheadle's scene-stealing turn as the unhinged Mouse is "Devil In a Blue Dress." Denzel Washington does his sensitive-macho Denzel thing, but Cheadle brings an unforgettable glee to the mayhem Mouse inflicts.
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