The best roles of James Caan

Sadly, the legendary James Caan died last month. He worked with some incredible directors and left behind him a huge range of performances in films and TV. He was nominated for several entertainment industry honors, including one for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and a motion pictures star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.

He often played a tough guy role, but also played the romantic lead in “Funny Lady” (1975) and “Chapter Two” (1979). He was also great at comedy with the like of “Honeymoon in Las Vegas” (1992) and “Elf” (2003).

There are many films to choose from, but I thought we would take a quick look at some of his best.

El Dorado – 1966

Directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne and Robert Mitchum, the film follows a gunfighter who comes to the aid of an old friend who is a drunken sheriff struggling to defend a rancher and his family against another rancher trying to steal their water. Caan had a supporting role, but held his own in scenes with Wayne and Mitchum.

The Godfather – 1972

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Caan was part of an amazing cast. He played the role of Sonny, Vito Corleone’s (Marlon Brando) eldest son. His performance as the headstrong and outspoken Sonny earned Caan an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor.

Caan also had an uncredited flashback cameo in The Godfather: Part II.

The Gambler – 1974

James Caan starred as the titular character, an English professor with a gambling addiction.  Paul Sorvino, who also dies last month, stars in the film. Once again, Caan gives the role his all and showed just what a great leading man he was. Some of the scenes in the casino are fantastic and you can always try your luck over at รีวิวคาสิโนออนไลน์โดย CasinoHEX.

Rollerball – 1975

Caan entered the dystopian world of 2018 in Norman Jewison’s Rollerball. The titular violent sport keeps the masses occupied and dumbed down as Caan’s Jonathan E. proves too popular for the ruling class. Way before The Hunger Games, Squid Games and the like, Caan was fighting the good fight.

Thief – 1981

Michael Mann made is his feature film directorial debut with Thief. Caan played the title role of a thief trying to get out of a life of crime. He gets involved in one last heist and the tension just keeps on rising. Caan was magnetic in the role.

Misery – 1990

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, James Caan and Kathy Bates brought to life the tale of an author meeting his number one fan. Although he spent most of the film laying in bed, Caan kept us captivated and holding our breath to see if he would escape.

There you have it, just a handful of his roles but everyone is well worth your time.

What is your favourite James Caan movie?