Saturday, September 27, 2008

Loss of a Legend


Today is another sad day in the film world and that of all movie goers. All too frequently, my heart is heavy once more at the loss of yet another icon of the movie business. I speak of course of Paul Newman.

Throughout my life I think I can say I saw most all of his movies. Who can forget such classics as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Verdict," “Exodus“ "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice” to mention a few.

This last year or two it seems like too many have been vanishing from the big screen of life.

Of course he will be sadly missed, as he now joins such giants of the film world, as Clark Gable, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, and James Stewart, the list gets ever longer. There are many good actors out there but, I wonder sometimes, wherever are the new great ones that will fill the void? They do appear to be few indeed.

If you’re like me, you think these men would live always, so you seemingly never notice how old they have become, for I know I don‘t. I’ve often marveled at the artistry of the make up people in films. Lets face it, old can be made young and young made to look old.

Over the course of going to the movies one sees many actors, then you see the great ones the likes of Paul Newman and others that have passed before him.

These are the giants that I feel should live forever and indeed they do, if only in memory. In losing Paul Newman it causes me to glance around at the ever decreasing numbers of those greats that are left. Sleep peaceful my friend, I thank you for the memories you bestowed upon me and mankind.

6 comments:

Leon said...

Thank you for your remembrance ERIC. Newman truly was a giant, especially for those of us who grew up on his magnificent roles. There are a few out there who may come close to the quality of work. For me, Tom Hanks falls in that category.

zirelda said...

There aren't that many left are there?

Very good post Eric.

Eric Valentine said...

It is a sad time Leon. I can agree with you on Tom Hank. Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp also come to mind for me. :)

Eric Valentine said...

Thank you Zirelda, sad times indeed..

Sarah said...

Cool Hand Luke, still one of my very favorite movies and memories, watched with my Dad, probably a hundred times in my lifetime. I still can't change the channel when it's on.

Z's right, there aren't many left. Legends came in different packages "back in the day" as my dad says.

thanks eric, be well

Eric Valentine said...

Thanks for the visit Sarah, your Dad was right, but aren't they always.. :)