Sam Rockwell

Sometimes, a film appears to have allowed a wanderer to stumble onto the set and steal a scene. Who was that guy? There he is again. And there he is again! Who is this guy?

Early on in his career, Robert De Niro was thought to be a wild local whom Martin Scorsesehappened to come across and put in his film “Mean Streets.” Charlton Hestongot word of people believing he was a real-working circus manager in “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Hamtramack, Michigan’s very own Ryan Carlson was thought to be a truly beaten-up eccentric as he purchased a toy gun in my film “Human Achievement.”

These sorts make their job look easy, but do they get the acknowledgement they deserve? And if they do, is it sometimes long overdue?

Apart from catching Sam Rockwell give the rundown of the hoodlums’ hideout in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1990), one may not be familiar with his early work. In “The Green Mile,” he stood out amongst the many overcompensating actors as “that other” inmate and sensationally stole scenes. Again, he managed to distract, even from Crispin Glover’s pale face and extended features, in “Charlie’s Angels” as the Mr. Nice Guy turned suave and dancing and evil. “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” was his chance to star in the leading role of George Clooney’s directorial debut, but the talent was diminished by innovative filmmaking. This summer, Rockwell had an opportunity to absurdly oversell the villainous businessman in “Iron Man 2.” He didn’t, and I’m sure he wasn’t tempted.

Recently, Sam Rockwell has received a few nominations and awards but still hasn’t been nominated for either of the prestigious golden statues. He has been noticeably award worthy for his roles in “Joshua,” “Snow Angels,” “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” and “Choke.” “Moon” may top them all, for he could have been nominated more than once in the same film.

Dark, comical, in the moment, capturing life, playing every word as honestly as possible – this is the Sam Rockwell way. His unique, laidback style gives the impression that he’s improvising as his fellow actors roll with the scene. Properly portraying a character as if it were an effortless endeavor is hard work. And he’s having a good time entertaining. He’s been quoted as loving the stage more than film, and I’m glad he’s conscious of the viewer smirking along with him.

I, personally, have to back up and rent many of his early independent films. Why not do the same? Then, upon the release of his future projects, appreciate the man for showing off his skills.

If you’re on the board to vote next time around, I implore you to compare his performance to any other. The movie may not deserve applause, but Sam Rockwell better get a standing ovation. (Even if you’re in your living room.)

dan_jones1@aol.com