Appreciating Actors: Tom Wilkinson

Wilkinson in Rock n Rolla

I am an avid movie watcher and I truly admire anybody who gets up in front of a camera for the entertainment of others. It takes a lot. While lots of celebs get tons of recognition for the roles they play, often its the supporting actors who make a movie come together and propel it to greatness. After the unfortunate death of Pete Postlewaithe the other day, I felt I should do my part in recognizing some of these Supporting Actors & Actresses that make the movies I love what they are...

Batman Begins

Today I am focusing on the amazing British actor Tom Wilkinson. He is a 30 year vet of show business on both sides of the pond, and has played some memorable roles throughout. I just saw him in Roman Polanksi's "The Ghost Writer" and he is really great in all his scenes. Pure genius. You may know him from playing Benjamin Franklin in the HBO mini series John Adams, or as uber-gangster Lenny Cole in Rock-n-Rolla (one of my favorite movies... ever). Comic book geeks know him as crime boss Carmine Falcone in Chris Nolan's Batman Begins. He has also been in a slew of great films such as Michael Clayton, 44 Inch Chest, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Patriot, and even starred with the aforementioned Pete Postelwaite in 1993's In The Name Of The Father. Wonderful... just wonderful.

The Patriot

Wilkinson has got two upcoming films that are sure to garner my attention, John Landis's Burke & Hare and Michael Gondry's The Green Hornet. Both are due in 2011 and I have no doubt that Wilkinson will strengthen the films just by being on set. I commend you Mr. Wilkinson. Thank you, and keep up the great work!!!

The Return Of John Landis... Let The Rejoicing Commence!!!

For the first time in over 12 years the great and powerful wizard of cinema John Landis will be stepping behind the camera to bring us Burke & Hare. This film follows the exploits of the English killers of the same name who killed 17 people back in the 1820's and sold the bodies to a twisted scientist. It will be a black comedy, which suits Landis' style best... and it features CCD fave Simon Pegg, so its gotta be great. Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher, Christopher Lee, Tom Wilkinson, and Tim Curry join Pegg in what looks to be a wonderful cast and a wonderful film. Enjoy the trailer and make sure you check this one out in theaters soon (The film will release on Oct 29th in the UK and here soon after)