David Paymer


David Paymer is excellent in this, as always. He plays the unctuous Dan Enright perfectly. I've always liked Paymer and it's criminal that more people don't appreciate his work. He was, however, nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "Mr. Saturday Night".

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I agree, Jaybone. Just watching this now (it's out on Blu-ray here in Australia), and I'm reminded all over again just how good David Paymer is.

It's pure coincidence, but in the last fortnight I've also watched City Slickers and Drag Me to Hell — both films enriched by strong performances from David Paymer.


You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

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Yeah, Paymer is an MVP in practically everything he does, a most valuable player indeed. Though I missed Drag Me to Hell and had no idea Paymer was in it. I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks!

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Paymer as the slimy producer Marty in State and Main. For that matter, anyone in State and Main. An often overlooked gem!

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@Jaybone23 He was, however, nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "Mr. Saturday Night".
I loved his performance in Mr. Saturday Night but didn't know he was nominated for an Oscar.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/65th_Academy_Awards#Awards
Gene Hackman, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino - pretty good company!

Paymer played the sad sack so well in Mr. Saturday Night that it makes me imagine him playing Herbie Stempel. Turturro was terrific, but Paymer would've killed it too.

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@smoko -- Yeah, I didn't even think to check to see who the other nominees were in that category. You are absolutely right. There were some heavyweights there with him, for sure. But Paymer's work was always top-notch. He was no doubt serious about his craft and would surely have found many other roles that showcased his considerable talents. Always, ALWAYS liked him, and Quiz Show is one of my favorite movies. One of the reasons why I like it so much is because of Paymer's spot-on portrayal.

I liked Mr. Saturday Night as well. That film didn't do as well as it should have, and it's generally acknowledged that it was because of the way it was sold to audiences. From the trailers, you had little clue that the film was largely a drama, and a deep one at that. Everybody expected a laugh-fest. That was Billy Crystal's baby, and casting Paymer, however, was perfect.

Glad there are others who appreciate the man's work.


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I loved his conversation with Stempel when Herbert was about to blow the lid on Twenty-One and Enright goes "Sh.., Herb!"

Yes, I am a member of the message board and grammar police. Since 1998.

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Yes! I agree wholeheartedly.

I also love the scene, I think it's just after Charles Van Doren has "thrown" the game, and purposely lost to Vivian Nearing, shocking everybody. Dick Goodwin just happens to be there in the studio (it's a movie, after all! Not real life!) and confronts Enright with his airtight evidence about the one contestant having sent his answers by registered mail before the airing of the show. And what does Enright do? He asks Goodwin if he would think about doing a panel TV show! Priceless! It's a crucial scene, and played to perfection by both Paymer and Morrow.

Paymer totally captured the essence of THAT character. He wasn't playing "Dan Enright", but rather a more stylized version of a television executive who is trying to succeed, and will take certain shortcuts to do so. It's a stellar performance, and great performances throughout. It's one of my favorite films of all time. Redford did a fine job of compressing a complex story, which took place over a much longer period of time, and delivered a compelling story. It's just really fun to watch!



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