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Tom Jolliffe pays tribute to Rutger Hauer after the announcement of his death …
I'm a big fan of Rutger Hauer since the very first time I've watched Blade runner. The movie should not have been connected so instantly with me, for someone so young, but he did it. Although it was Harrison Ford in solo, Indiana Jones, who attracted me to this film and those beautiful visuals and soundscapes that have bewitched me so much, it's still Hauer that left the most lasting impression.
Over time and over subsequent viewing, the performances began to show more and more nuances. Hauer, as an actor when given the freedom to play, was capable of the unique and electrifying. Batty is not a big bad guy. He is so much more. That's why Hauer gives the "iconic" performance in a film loaded with great performance (including one of the most nuanced of Ford). Blade runner did not have instant impact of course. His legacy took a long time to build. As such, I feel that the true degree of appreciation that should be given to Hauer, because this has never happened. He has attained the status of legendary worship, largely thanks to Batty, no doubt, but I do not feel the hyperbole of saying that he is delivering one of the best film performances, creating one of his most endearing and unique.
To say that I am moved at the news of Rutger's death is a euphemism. It's a bit overwhelming. By the time I write these lines, I only think about my second article for Flickering Myth. This happened almost 9 years ago and it was an article about Hauer. I've covered it a few times for years here and there. Something about Rutger and his approach to the job, and his eccentricity just struck a chord with me.
There is a selection of films that, for the most part, earned him a cult reputation because his performances were so dazzling. The best example of this is The hitcher. Now, in itself, it would have been a solid action / horror video. It's absolutely beautiful and the score is atmospheric and scary. As a beleaguered protagonist, the young C. Thomas Howell is put to the test. It's good too, but one reason that people like The hitcher and he continues to collect fans 33 years later, it's because of Hauer. He is the ultimate enigmatic villain. Playful, intense, charismatic, strangely friendly and almost mythical, his approach to the role has intimidated his young co-star. If you watch material behind the scenes, Rutger's penchant for the "in the moment" impulse really adds to the character. It can be a handkerchief through the window of a car that pbades by or catch a tear from Howell's cheek on the blade of the knife that he stands dangerously close to from the eyeball of C Tommy. It's that kind of impulse, instinct and creativity that Ridley Scott found so interesting in Blade runnerthus leaving Hauer a little freedom to give Batty as much whimsical originality, not to mention Hauer's most iconic addition to Batty's last moments … the infamous "Tears in the Rain" speech. Where Scott left the actors alone, many felt slightly abandoned by a more visual-oriented director, while Hauer relished the free roaming license.
Rutger, one of the best Dutch exporters, had led a long and illustrious career. Of an extremely divergent quality, he found himself immersed in a world of special films and directly in genre video films. From time to time, a Chris Nolan, Robert Rodriguez or Luc Besson called him to bring something interesting in a supporting role in a great movie. Not being American, it was hard to fit in some movies. He was known to be a prominent man in the 80s. Perhaps too intense to be a consistent hero. He has always been an exceptional villain, but he was cataloged there (and wanted to move). In the same way, the box office did not unfortunately stick to him. This led to the inevitable regression in the world of video, but no matter, he always injected something interesting into his roles.
Hauer, however, should be considered Pacino, De Niro. He was so talented. He was so good. It's just that it never happened like that. Not that he does not savor his fate in life. Sometimes an artist never receives the recognition that he deserves fully. He is an icon, but in reality, he is one of the best of the best.
As a long-time fan, I certainly recommend a number of his favorites. Check the Dutch work of Hauer is definitely recommended and a good starting point is Soldier of orange (directed by Paul Verhoeven). Watch him also steal the movie under Sly Stallone's nose in Nighthawks, his escape to Hollywood. The 80s are a treasure trove of interesting and eclectic genre films in which Hauer is the star. Another collaboration of Verhoeven in Flesh and blood. Blind fury is a routine action movie and a riff on Zatoichi that has Hauer in a mischievous form. Bright fights and an excellent confrontation with Sho Kosugi. Wanted dead or alive, Blood of heroes, The weekend of Osterman and Ladyhawke also mark the pleasant roles of Hauer.
If a neglected jewel is visible, it's The legend of the sacred drinker. For years, correct versions of this movie were not found (unless you pay huge fees for a VHS on eBay). From the screenwriter Ermanno Olmi, this beautifully designed fable considers Hauer a homeless man with 200 francs. Hauer promises to pay him back as soon as possible, but life continues to tax him. It is a beautiful photo. A recent version of Arrow, a Blu-ray, is an amazing edition that has essentially revived a jewel to discover. It's one of Hauer's most restrained, thoughtful and nuanced works. This is a great piece of cinema that is worth watching, as well as for Hauer fans, a film that even the most ardent may not have even discovered yet.
More recently, Hauer has tended to play lesser roles (and many of them). We always offered him the gem, including Hobo with a shotgun. It is a pure mill and one of the best of this era of the postmodern mill inspired by Tarantino and Rodriguez. However, what distinguished her from most people was how captivating Hauer's performance was. The rest of the film is unusually trashy (intentionally) but Hauer justifies it by this fantastic performance making the movie more emotionally engaging than it was entitled to be. Plus check Rutger in The Heineken abduction, far superior to the Hollywood remake (where Anthony Hopkins played the incumbent, Mr. Heineken).
With a lasting legacy of iconic performance, Hauer will be missed. There was always the feeling that if the call came from a filmmaker, he would have been willing and able to produce something special again. Whatever it is, Hauer has never been less than magnetic. Rest in peace.
What is your favorite Hauer movie? Tell us what you think about Hauer on our Twitter @FlickeringMyth page or in the comments below.
Tom Jolliffe is an award-winning screenwriter and pbadionate moviegoer. He has three feature films in DVD / VOD to be released in 2019 and several short films touring festivals. Find more information on the best personal site you'll ever see … https: //www.instagram.com/jolliffeproductions/
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