Last time we were here, Paul was getting all his buttons pushed by controversial radio deejay Howard Stern in the underrated 1997 comedy/biopic Private Parts. In that first edition of this latest character study we became privy to Paul’s intense irascibility, and as crazy as he became he was on some level, empathetic due to the kinds of circus tricks Stern put him through. This time though let’s take a look at a performance that is far less defensible, if it’s defensible at all.
Paul Giamatti as Dr. Eugene Landy in Bill Pohlad’s Love & Mercy
Role Type: Supporting
Genre: Drama/biopic
Plot Synopsis: In the 1960s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 1980s, he is a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist Dr. Eugene Landy.
Character Profile: Dr. Eugene Landy was a well-known therapist/psychotherapist renowned for his unorthodox round-the-clock therapy but better known for the many ethical violations associated with former patients, most notably Beach Boys’ vocalist Brian Wilson. Brian Wilson might have been his most high-profile case but he was also employed by other celebrities including Alice Cooper, Richard Harris, Rod Steiger, Maureen McCormick and Gig Young. Landy was initially hired in 1975 but due to outrageous out of pocket expenses he was relieved, only to be re-employed in 1983. His style of therapy was invasive to say the least. Treatment was more comparable to applying a vice grip around Wilson’s neck, as every aspect of Wilson’s life became highly controlled — Landy eventually gained control over his recordings, eventually becoming his executive producer, business manager and business adviser. Medication was regulated and even Wilson’s diet fell under the column of things his doctor ought to control. Landy’s relationship with Wilson was ended permanently in a restraining order. He would also have all professional licenses revoked by the state of California on the grounds of patient misconduct.
Why he’s the man: Paul Giamatti’s slime ball character is a perfect match for the actor’s skill set, particularly when dealing with a man who’s less a villain as he is a thoroughly unlikable human being. (There is a difference.) Though in this case his Eugene Landy comes damn close to becoming one, though never a caricature. In the role Giamatti exudes confidence as a professional who believes he is doing what’s right for the client while equally believing he can profit from his calculated methodology. It’s sickening stuff and Giamatti unsurprisingly delivers a nasty performance that makes it that much easier to root for our beloved Brian Wilson. One of the four pillars that made this film such a phenomenal and deeply emotional production.
Rate the Performance (relative to his other work):
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Photo credits: http://www.theweeklings.com
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I haven’t seen this performance of his but it sounds like he really nails it. Then again, when does he not nail a part?
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He’s really good. Which is why I put this feature together haha
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I really like his versatility, he seems to be able to do anything.
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He’s pretty awesome at these slimeball types isn’t he? In fact he’s he’s pretty awesome full stop. Still not seen Love and Mercy yet, which isn’t great as I’m a big Beach Boys fan.
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Yeah I really loved Love & Mercy. And G’s really good in it
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I really really dug his performance in this one. You could always tell that sooomething wasn’t right with him, but it wasn’t too obvious (for the most part). Great post man, personally I don’t think I’ve seen the dude in many films (which seems totally at odds to you!), there is a ton of semi-recent cinema that I need to watch
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I don’t understand what you mean by it being totally at odds to me. I’m lost.
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Cos I’ve barely seen this dude in films yet your doing a whole section dedicated to him 🙂 Its cool, I’ll probably find out about some movies I should check out. I remember you saying originally that he has been in a lot of things so I’m wondering if I’ve missed him in films I’ve already seen
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Oh I gotcha. Yeah well, secret between friends — well, as much of a secret as possible b/c this is a public forum and everyone’s going to see this comment — I haven’t seen much of his work. What I have seen though I have loved and I’ve seen enough to get started. There will be a lot of first viewings though for this one, more so than the other actors I’ve profiled.
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Ahhh okay, that’s actually a great idea to find new movies. I loved him in Love and Mercy so I’m keen to read about some of his other roles 😀
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Haven’t seen Love and Mercy yet, though I would like to. Looks like Giamatti was on fine form once again!
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He is one of the reasons this movie is so great. Definitely. You’ll come to loathe him in it but that’s a testament to his strengths as an actor.
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