Born: August 17, 1960
Occupation: Actor
Best Work: Dead Man Walking
Other Highlights: Milk, Mystic River, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, Sweet and
Lowdown, 21 Grams
Upcoming Films: Fair Game, The Tree of Life
It’s very easy to quickly reserve a hyperbole when referring to someone with a gifted talent. Particularly if we admire them, then we can frequently give the highest of praises to their work without really meaning all that we say. However, in the case of Sean Penn, this statement I believe is undoubtedly accurate: he is perhaps the greatest actor of his generation. Penn possess a talent that so many actors try to obtain, and even the most gifted ones still can’t manage to grasp it. He is able to completely disappear into role, an act that is can be taken for granted at face value.
You can find evidence of this even in his first breakout role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I don’t think Fast Times is necessarily a good movie, and even in terms of the genre, Dazed and Confused did it much better. But one look at Spicoli, and you immediately buy this guy as the stoned, surfer dude with the laid back attitude that gave a strong prelude to the career of Matthew McConaughey. Looking back on it now, it’s almost a comic caricature, particularly because we know that this young man will go on to win much more acclaim for much more serious performances, but it’s still amusing to believe that even in such a broadly drawn character at such a young age, Penn was still able to convincingly inhabit this character that defined a particular generation.
From then on, Penn seemed fixated on the rebellious, young anti-hero role, almost like Spicoli grew up, learned that the oceans would be affected by global warming, and stopped smoking pot. Roles in films like Colors and Casualties of War have helped to fuel Penn’s bad boy image, but given these films were transitional pieces leaving Fast Times behind him, he still manages to keep his integrity. His nearly unrecognizable supporting role in Carlito’s Way gave a stepping stone to the role that really let you know Penn was going to be a force was in Dead Man Walking, considered by many to be his second breakout role. Penn has a tricky role to pull off here: he has to make this convicted death row inmate seem sympathetic all while the character doesn’t want sympathy. In every scene, he makes it work, delivering depths of complexity to a character that usually defies it. His outstanding work brought Penn his first Oscar nomination, and if it were up to me, he would have won.
Almost like a response to all the attention, Penn didn’t seem to take such notable, worthy roles for a while. To be sure, he got to show off, but nothing seemed to approach the power he able convey in such restraint. Then came Mystic River featuring a great performance. Though I will admit Penn swaggers close to histrionics, the pain and torture of his character is sincerely felt. Many agreed, and it earned Penn his first Academy Award.
Following that, he gave another great performance in The Assassination of Richard Nixon, an internet favorite that showcases his quiet mannerisms that lead to a slow and softly spoken self-destruction. And And Penn of course topped off the decade with a big highnote with Milk, the biopic of gay politician Harvey Milk. After decades of carrying that somber frown, it was just nice to see Penn be joyful in a role. But he also makes Milk a real person, believing every second of this man’s ideals and passionate support. Penn doesn’t give an impersonation of Milk, and within ten minutes of watching the film, you immediately believe that you’re watching a ghost come alive on screen.
Like any other actor, Penn is not immune to the occasional bad film. However, even the films that aren’t necessarily good are aided by his abilities as an actor. I Am Sam is horrible in its sentimental manipulation, but Penn is able to ground as much as he can, though Dakota Fanning feels more real than his character. While everyone in the remake to All the King’s Men is so dreary and dull, Penn, in an over-the-top Southern accent and a poorly made fat suit, injects some passion and energy into a film that desperately needed it. He even has some fun in his bit role in Before Night Falls. No matter what the role, I never see Sean Penn; I only see the character. That is a statement that many take for granted. It’s hard to see beyond the actor and completely buy into the magic of the movies. But time and time again, Penn manages to make it work. Every performance, no matter how small or insignificant, feel genuine and sincere. He’s a very talented actor, and his directorial career feels just as developed, which is another commentary itself. Wherever Sean Penn goes, I’ll be anticipating another astounding performance from one of the greatest actors to have ever been seen.
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