He stole the scene between he and De Niro at the start. JP has more energy and charm and a slightly offbeat presence.
De Niro cracking jokes when he's escorted by the men w/ guns and sunglasses - feels unnatural. The jokes come off as simply unfunny and charmless.
JP would have made the film more interesting to watch, if he were the lead.
I think Pantoliano would have been great playing Tony Darvo (idiot #1). A little, tough talking guy. Could have been like a comedic Joe Pesci mobster-type
shareDe Niro's role in Midnight Run is generally considered his greatest venture into a comedy. You say he was unnatural, lacked charmed, and completely forced his comedic chops? Well, to each his own. But as far as I'm concerned, De Niro gave a funny, heartwarming and vigorous performance as Jack. He was simply perfect.
And look, I like Joe and he's a very talented actor who excels in most parts, especially comedic ones. But the guy just wasn't made for leading man roles. Not to say that he's incapable of ever leading a film, but he is much better suited for supporting roles - and I think most will agree. I could easily see him as one of Serrano's goons, or even as Serrano himself, but not Jack Walsh. Besides, I feel that he wouldn't have been anywhere near as good in the more dramatic scenes of the film as De Niro was.
But ultimately, every actor in the film was perfect in their roles.
Hey there, Johnny Boy, I hope you fry!
I agree but in some ways I think Pantaliano could've pulled it off, look at his performance in Bound, he wasn't the leading man but he stole every single scene he was in and practically had most people on his side rooting for him. I think Joe's a great and very underrated actor, I think he would've been very cool in the role but DeNiro was just perfect for it.
"I am the ultimate badass, you do not wanna `*beep*` wit me!"- Hudson in Aliens.
I can't imagine an actor born to play Jack Walsh more than De Niro in Midnight Run. But genius does that.
share"Pantoliano would have made a better lead in this"
Pantoliano in Midnight Run is as ideal as ideal can get.