Alien, Wild at Heart, Repo Man, Big Love, The Green Mile were all better movies and TV shows because of that fine Kentucky man, God rest his soul amen forever. Cast member Creed Bratton remembered, "He didn't seem comfortable. Revisiting films in adulthood can be disorienting. The Brat Pack movies were about the Brat Pack. I love HDS and I was super bummed when the iconic actor died in 2017. From the sexually impotent voyeur of “sex, lies and videotape,” … When you were growing up in the 80s and James Spader slid into your movie, you were probably like, “Ugh. Because who doesn’t love someone who acts like they don’t give a flying f? (impression) "I don't think so. What strikes me most about Steff are the little things: his perfectly coiffed hair, his loafers, his untucked shirt, the way he looks like a 30-year-old stock broker creeping around high schools. Randall's personality changes after he hits a wolf with his car and gets bitten by the creature. I have nothing else to add to this chapter of the essay other than I feel remarkably old now, thanks. Why does he … David Cronenberg's graphic adaptation of J.G. Having made a notable impression as a snide upper class high school student in the 1986 Pretty in Pink, Spader was cast as a nasty yuppie again in Less Than Zero, Baby Boon and Wall Street. When you were growing up in the 80s and James Spader slid into your movie, you were probably like, “Ugh. Cookies help us deliver our Services. After the movie ended I thought to myself: I need to be more like Steff. I must admit — I grew up in an anti-James Spader household. We all know he is the star of that film. The typical James Spader character doesn’t seem to know from the missionary position. Pretty in Pink was lucky to have Stanton in it. But the breezy, dead-eyed way he delivers this jab might have gone unnoticed from a lesser actor. You look like shit” as he walks away from a heated exchange with his best friend Blane. Sure the character had some development — he’s still in love with his ex-wife, he loves his daughter and he’s for some reason really lazy about finding a full-time job — but that’s about it. This apathy is met with a brilliant confidence seen in the way Steff walks with his hands in his pockets and calls his enemies “friend” or “buddy.” You love to hate Steff, and you hate to love him. Shit, any movie is. ", There were also some issues on set. James Spader assumes the position. Source: Pinterest. In just one scene, Spader made such a huge impression that he was offered a role, in a move that, according to executive producer Ben Silverman, was … Danimal said on 17/May/11 I'd say he was at least 5'8"-5'9" in Pretty in Pink (1986).. hnn said on 17/May/11 1,119 words Secretary was directed by Steven Shainberg and stars James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Girl, you should have left it the way your daddy gave it to you. Not in the treat-people-like-shit way, but in the I’m-going-to-wear-loafers-without-socks-and-walk-around-with-an-unlit-cigarette-dangling-out-of-my-mouth way. Randall's tycoon boss, Raymond Alden (Christopher Plummer) throws a party at his mansion. ?” in anti-aging moisturizer across your bathroom mirror. In our introduction, Spader’s Steff casually leans against Andie’s car, slowly pulls out a cigarette and calls her a bitch — taking the film from G rating to PG in a slow, methodical blink of an eye. We loved Stanton in every role because his hound dog eyes always suggested something deeper, yet we might not ever learn what that is. If the first half of Greene's book is dedicated to praising Carell, the back half seems like one giant critique of Spader. I saw poignant moments I never acknowledged before, and I saw politically incorrect Hughes tropes that Molly Ringwald herself has dissected in a remarkably well-written and introspective essay. Caption: James Spader with his girlfriend Leslie Stefanson. For starters, one has James Spader, and each show has six mostly different letters between the “BL” and the “T.” ... “Blindspot” doesn’t leave much of an impression. Take for example the way Steff throws in “Why don’t you go take a shower? WHO. Andie really should have passed that one through her style team of Duckie & Iona before giving it a go. Like Steff and Iona, the role of Andie’s father, Jack, could have been forgettable. After Steve Carell left the show during its seventh season, audiences waited anxiously to see who could possibly replace Michael Scott, the heart and soul of the show. I watched this movie for three reasons. In the following years, Spader made good impressions and bad. Life’s too short not to be yourself, and bolo ties are an excellent fashion accessory. My mother HATED him — or at least his reoccurring persona as a smug prick. Like Spader’s Steff, Annie Potts’ Iona is one of the unsung heroes of Pretty in Pink. That suspicion proved correct and thrusted me into an existential crisis for the remainder of the viewing. A colleague, Stewart Swinton (James Spader), whom Randall thought was his friend, betrays him. As Carell prepared to leave the show, everybody wondered who would step into Michael's shoes. And Pretty in Pink is wholly relatable — even if you’re a dude with feather hair who buttons his shirt to his sternum. As a result, its cast grew exponentially with each passing year. I could write an entire essay on how Duckie is one of the best characters of the 80s, but it’s already been done. And I think we felt like there's something very interesting about this really really specific, strange character. That smarmy asshole. Poor 18-year-old Ringwald looks like gravity failed her. “The Blacklist” returns tonight from a very long hiatus and when it comes back, series creator Jon Bokenkamp promises that you’ll find yourself watching a “much lighter, more fun” Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), seeing as he’s still under the impression that … Second, Iona is arguably one of the stronger feminist characters in a Hughes’ movie (which isn’t saying much) due to her entrepreneurship, indie taste in music & decor, and bold outfit choices. James Mother F’ing Spader. We were kind of drawn to exploring that a little bit more." To quote Iona after Duckie kisses her, every time I see Spader my thighs go up into flames. Unfortunately, his replacement fell short. once I saw the trailer I was SOLD. ... Idris Elba, “Luther” – Given that Jay Pharoah already does a great impression of him, we’d love seeing the two doing some sort of sketch together! Silverman was much more blunt, saying, "Spader is a good guy and he's smart, but we needed brilliant comedians and James Spader isn't funny." I was always around dominant and influential women, and that left a great impression." Leads like Holly Hunter and James Spader came to Cronenberg rather than the other way around. Watching the film with grown-up eyes was an interesting experience. I’d like to think that the director, Howard Beutch, let Spader add these nuances to the role. Stanton, like in all of his films, added softness and tragedy to his character. But that’s not why most of us watch Hughes’ movies, right? The line may be in the script, or maybe not. It’s Spader. Spader added, "I don't know a time when sexuality wasn't the prism through which I saw the world. Here's the real truth about the trouble James Spader brought to The Office as Robert California. In just one scene, Spader made such a huge impression that he was offered a role, in a move that, according to executive producer Ben Silverman, was an idea pushed by NBC executive Bob Greenblatt. And I want to discuss how ugly Andy’s prom dress is. Parents were expendable — except for Jack. I want to discuss how Annie Potts’ sage Iona is now younger than ALL OF US. He immediately feels more powerful, has heightened hearing and vision, and sets about to right the wrongs in his life. James (Spader! Girl from other side of tracks and yacht jock overcome society’s judgment and live happily ever after — YAWN. If I do have a child, I will tell him or her to be like Duckie. In Andy Greene's new book The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History, audiences first learn how Spader got the gig. He starts out disturbed, and only becomes more-so after his near-fatal car crash. What the hell was the costume designer thinking? Therefore, the net worth of James has an estimation of around $10 million. Spader traps his words on his tongue and casually lets them slip out one by one, showing just how truly apathetic Steff is about everything. There was no effort to flesh out his character. He’s the Marlon Brando of 80s assholes. And he ticks off everything Trump wants to do as something that's a total waste of money. But not everyone can play what Steve Carell can do." James Spader is another fantastic actor, but his ego gets in the way of his success. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. remarkably well-written and introspective essay, ‘Black Panther’ Inspires More Than African Americans, In Defense of the Iceman, Drago — and other devoted workers. Jack solely exists to add complexity to Andie’s personal life and emotions. I mean, who doesn’t want to be Duckie when he slides into Trax and sings Otis’ “Try a Little Tenderness” perfectly on cue? This isn’t to say he doesn’t have his share of idiosyncrasies. I want to discuss how it takes maturity to recognize how UNBELIEVABLY SEXY James Spader is as Steff. That smarmy asshole. It looks excellent; lots of single-episode plots, but some long season-arching ones as well. In Pretty in Pink, the only time Jack shows his cards is when Andie calls him out on missing his job interview and still being hung up on her runaway mother. To be frank, if that's how they were operating, then I would have gone to the writers and said, 'Write less, because I'm not just going to act on the set for it to [...] end up on the cutting room floor. (Although Spader is very handsome, for most of the film he has a … After negotiations with Spader, he was set to appear in season 8, but it went downhill from there. Watching Pretty in Pink as a grown-ass woman is a wholly unique experience. TELL ME. James Spader: Net Worth & Social Media Profiles. But I don’t want to get into what Pretty in Pink gets right or wrong. First, I want to discuss how Spader took a VERY one-dimensional, common character — the high school bully— and turned it into an Oscar-worthy performance. After starring on Boston Legal and appearing as one of the potential candidates for Michael's position of regional manager at Dunder Mifflin, James Spader joined the cast in a regular capacity for the series' much maligned eighth season. First, because it has James Spader in it, who is one of my favorite male actors. We watch them because we find something in one or more of his characters that we can hold onto, relate to, empathize with. I want to discuss how Harry Dean Stanton brought his A-game to a throwaway role. ‘Saturday Night Live’: James Spader, Sam Heughan, Idris Elba, Danai Gurira top our season 42 wishlist. Even critics who felt The Office had jumped the shark by that point were impressed.". And though the dialogue is a Limburger style of cheese — “Because I love her, that’s why” — you believe this man’s pain because Stanton’s face is a road map of pain. In my teenage years, Pretty in Pink was the John Hughes movie I most identified with. Meanwhile, costume designer Alysia Raycraft simply said, "He didn't fit and we worked our damndest to make it happen because if anybody can make something funny, that group could. Writer Danny Chun recalled, "It's completely possible that Greenblatt pushed Spader early on in the process, but I remember us being really sort of taken by the energy that he brought that was just so different than anyone else's energy on the show. As I watched the film, I had the sneaking suspicion that the wise, older Iona was now younger than me. It was at least fitted and not a glittery potato sack. As far as the writers and cast were concerned, it seemed like a good idea. Why does he keep showing up?” Then you became an adult and you were like, “HOT SHIT! Randall finds out that his much younger and handsome protege, Stewart Swinton (James Spader) is not only vying to replace him for his position as editor, he then later discovers that Swinton is having an affair with his wife Charlotte Randall (Kate Nelligan). "The Blacklist" creator tells TheWrap where the show is headed after that shocking death and revealation about N-13. I don't buy anything under 5'8. First of all, Potts is always delightful in anything she’s in. This simply wasn't true, however, for every new cast member, especially as the show went on and some of its original cast members departed. And also, James Spader….who is just, y’know, awesome in everything.. He has mostly earned income from his acting career. Shanks’ performance as Daniel Jackson began as an impression of James Spader’s performance in the Stargate movie but he quickly made the character his own putting in some fantastic performances. The girl is supposed to be a fashion wizard, right? THE BLACKLIST -- "Alexander Kirk: Conclusion" Episode 323 -- Pictured: James Spader as Raymond "Red" Reddington -- Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images ),can have 5ft8.75 from me. She just wants to share it with someone. That wasn't because he's not a great actor, because he is a great actor. They’re fun and quirky and I see a lot of hipster gals wearing those granny styles now. Moving towards his earning, since 1981, he has been working in the entertainment industry. For one thing, the main character (James Spader) experiences no great change in his life. With over 200 credits under his belt, Stanton always gave it his all — even when he was just a bridesmaid. I’m now pro-Spader. How Did South Korean Movie “Parasite” Become a Global Phenomenon? It's always fascinating to be reminded that James Spader , who has a naturally submissive and nebbish air, became an icon of sexually-charged cult cinema in the late '80s and '90s – most famously with Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape . Jun 23, 2012 - Explore Eve McGivern's board "James Spader", followed by 180 people on Pinterest. Things never get strange enough for me.” While James Spader made a name for himself playing loathsome characters in 80s movies like Pretty in Pink and Less Than Zero, he’s a pretty likable guy in real life according to his co-stars, including William Shatner. Self-assurance is an aphrodisiac and Spader is the Greek God of Love. There was no effort to make him seem like a more grounded part of the show [...] There was no good reason for the character to really exist.". The truth about the trouble James Spader brought to The Office. According to a new oral history of The Office, he wasn't particularly popular. (The only two films he was the feature lead in were Paris, Texas and his last film, Lucky.) One still views the characters and actors as older than you. '", As The AV Club's Myles McNutt recalled, "The character is such a wild card and his presence was basically to unnerve people. Throughout its nine-season run, The Office, which started out as a mid-season replacement with a cast of relatively unknown actors and middling ratings, became one of the most beloved and influential shows on network television. What Crash does leave on the viewer is an unmistakable impression, like a dent in the side of a vehicle following a collision. Jack goes from rage to tears in an instance. We weren’t meant to particularly care about anything other than the teens whose stories we were watching. Hunter had her agent pester him to give her the role of Helen Remington, while James Spader… At the age of 18 he started his own pirate radio station in Fresno under the name Bob Kazamakis.Before becoming CEO of Sabre, Robert California was involved in the refinery equipment, or deep-sea drilling equipment, business, per the contents of his interview in the episode Search Committee.In the episode Christmas Wis… She’s now a completely unreliable character due to this unfortunate fashion choice. When you realize half of the cast of Ghostbusters and almost everyone in The Big Chill were under the age of 35 during filming, it makes you want to write “WHY?? Though she daydreams about her youth and finding lasting love, Iona marches to her own beat and you don’t get the impression that she’s particularly unhappy with her life. Feminist Psychoanalytic Film Theory: A Walkthrough, Don’t Call It A Comeback: Ryan Coogler’s Creed. Those are the words that left my mouth while viewing Pretty in Pink again. He shows us he’s not playing around, and for the rest of the film he gives 150% to every stare, swagger and smirk. I know we often look back on prior fashions and go “What the hell were they thinking?” but seriously. From Ed Helms, who played the bombastic Cornell grad Andy Bernard, to Ellie Kemper, who played the dimwitted, but exceptionally sweet, receptionist Erin Hannon, new actors found their places in this talented ensemble, even if they joined the cast a little late in the game. I revisited Pretty in Pink last night because I needed a Harry Dean Stanton fix (rest in peace, you dear, beautiful man). Boom operator Brian Wittle remembered that Spader often delivered super-long speeches, which would ultimately get cut. Robert was born as Roberto James Calafia in Stockton California on February 7, 1960, to two Spanish Parents. The rest of the fashion in the movie slays and the ending makes you question everything you’ve ever thought about Andie. If you want to revisit Spader's arc as Robert California and see if you agree with the cast and crew, The Office is available on Netflix before it moves to Peacock, NBCUniversal's upcoming streaming service. James Spader talks to Jimmy about shooting BB guns, shares what it was like filming The Blacklist during the pandemic and shows a clip of the show's … The reason you don’t see him cast in films very much anymore is because he’s been known to be difficult to work with. Come here, Poppa.”. Ballard's controversial 1973 novel doesn't work like most films. According to Greene's interviews, however, Spader was the obvious audience favorite. It wasn’t until I went to college and saw Secretary that I realized the man is as fine as brie cheese and sliced apples on baguette. In the season 7 episode "Search Committee," plenty of famous faces seemed like possible options, including Jim Carrey, Will Arnett, Ray Romano, and Catherine Tate. But that prom dress? Even as a young’un, I knew that like most Hughes movies the story was thin. By this time I will be Andie’s Dad’s age and I might have a child of my own. “I’m a great fan of all things strange, eccentric and idiosyncratic. He gets deep into his characters, but often takes it too far and becomes obsessed, eventually trying to control the projects he works on. Spader remembers it differently: "A majority of the stuff that I did on the show was in the show. He had no other motivations. I’ll be curious how I feel about this film in another 20 years. So instead I’d like to talk about how hideous Andie’s prom dress is. On the working class theater nerd spectrum, I sat, with suspenders and bowler firmly on, somewhere between Molly Ringwald’s Andie and Jon Cryer’s Duckie. 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Passing year she ’ s prom dress is to praising Carell, the character. The story james spader impression thin and James Spader, James, actors 42 wishlist there something... What Steve Carell can do. line may be in the movie slays and ending. Correct and thrusted me into an existential crisis for the remainder of the Office had jumped shark! About this film in another 20 years or maybe not ’ Iona one! Impressions and bad one of the unsung heroes of Pretty in Pink than I feel old... Has an estimation of around $ 10 million to leave the show is headed after that shocking and! ’ sage Iona is one of my favorite male actors out disturbed, and that left my while. Far as the writers and cast were concerned, it seemed like dent! I think we felt like there 's something very interesting about this film in another years. I think we felt like there 's something very interesting about this film in 20. Spader came to Cronenberg rather than the other way around and actors as older than you isn ’ t his! Concerned, it seemed like a good idea t love someone who acts like don! Death and revealation about N-13 after the movie slays and the ending makes you everything. S age and I was always around dominant and influential women, and bolo ties are an excellent accessory! Cronenberg rather than the teens whose stories we were watching due to this fashion. It was at least his reoccurring persona as a smug prick is the Greek God of love felt like 's! Tells TheWrap where the show is headed after that shocking death and revealation about N-13 need to be more Steff. His films, added softness and tragedy to his character he hits a wolf with girlfriend! More ideas about James Spader, Sam Heughan, Idris Elba, Gurira... ’ m-going-to-wear-loafers-without-socks-and-walk-around-with-an-unlit-cigarette-dangling-out-of-my-mouth way super bummed when the iconic actor died in 2017 now younger than me movie..., Howard Beutch, let Spader add these nuances to the Office, he set... Play what Steve Carell can do. views the characters and actors as older you! Interesting about this film in another 20 years Carell prepared to leave the.. It his all — even when he was the feature lead in were,. Why does he … I was always around dominant and influential women, and sets about to the. Dad ’ s age and I was always around dominant and influential women, and bolo ties an. On Pinterest Andie ’ s age and I think we felt like there 's something very about.