MovieChat Forums > The Stunt Man (1980) Discussion > Love Peter O'Toole, can't stand that guy...

Love Peter O'Toole, can't stand that guy that played Charlie Manson

posted 11 years ago by Vega_Lyra
7 replies | jump to latest

This is an interesting film, but I had a hard time watching it due to my inability to distance the main character away from his role in Charlie Manson (it was that convincing to me). I kept waiting for him to completely snap and kill the girl throughout this film (particularly the alarm clock scene). Peter O'Toole is one of my favorite actors (particularly Lawrence of Arabia and Becket), and he was wonderful in this film. Did anyone else have this same problem?

Conquer your fear, and I promise you, you will conquer death.

[–] WarpedRecord 11 years ago

I didn't have that problem at all, and I loved Steve Railsback (<--- he's an actor, not "that guy," to me) as Charles Manson and Ed Gein as well. I also could start fresh with Peter O'Toole as the maniacal director rather than seeing him T.E. Lawrence or Henry II. That's what good actors do, that's why I respect them, and that's why their work survives long after they are gone (which thankfully isn't the case with Railsback here).

[–] Vega_Lyra 11 years ago

Well, okay, I see your point, but you have to admit that he acted pretty close to his Charles Manson persona when he was with the girl up high in that building. He was acting pretty peculiar.

Conquer your fear, and I promise you, you will conquer death.

[–] WarpedRecord 11 years ago

Steve Railsback was indeed spectacular in his role as Manson, which is why I try to see all his films and appreciate him in all his varied roles. I found him very likable here, and he certainly has a better beard. ;-)

[–] Etherdave 10 years ago

I felt that he played the anonymous 'everyman' Cameron much more convincingly than a more name-brand actor could have. That said, I was not bothered by Railsback's performance in 'Helter Skelter', which, quite honestly, seemed like a completely different person to me.

[–] denham 10 years ago

It seems to me that Railsback was the least satisfactory aspect of the film, in that I didn't much care what happened to the character, whereas I think I was intended to. And it would surely make for a better film if members of the audience did - do they, in general, I wonder?

I beseech ye in the bowels of Christ, think that ye may be mistaken.

[–] wilpri 8 years ago

Well, I for one just love Steve Railsback. I think he is a very underrated unique character-type. I haven't seen Stunt Man in years but can see and hear in my mind's eye (and ear) him laughing at the end of the movie. So satisfying, so great!

[–] 8 years ago

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