Dennis As An Actor

[Ed Roach]

I just happened upon this quote from Monte Hellman, about casting Dennis in "Two Lane Blacktop", and I was quite impressed by the comparisons he makes to him here:

Three days before shooting, the mechanic had yet to be cast.  "The night before, it was getting so close to the wire I took out a copy of Aurthur Hopkins' Reference Point which is kind of a bible to me," Hellman said.  "He wrote about the Casting Gods and how always at the last minute the Casting Gods can bring you a Humphrey Bogart or a Katharine Hepburn.  I said, well, now's the time for the Casting Gods to help me.  The next day, Dennis Wilson walked in."  Hellman found Wilson "very sensitive, very emotional, and he's tuned into the character in a funny way: he has built and driven racing cars himself."  Hellman's selection of musicians to play both the driver and the mechanic was "just an accident."  However, Hellman realized that "as musicians James and Dennis respect each other in a way that is analogous to the rapport between The Driver and The Mechanic."


Not bad, eh?

[endofposts]

Why didn't Dennis do more acting?  He was pretty good in "Two Lane Blacktop" for someone who hadn't acted before.  It was starting at "the top," too, a starring role in a movie.  Most actors, even good ones, start out with small parts in lesser projects of sometimes questionable quality.  Dennis showed that he photographed well on movie film and could project basic emotions and personality, which is really all you need to prove you have the potential to be cast in other roles.  He did better than James Taylor, I thought. 

[shelter]

Even though it's a bit depressing and not really going anywhere, Two Lane Blacktop is an excellent movie. And I'm not just saying that because Dennis is in it. After I first saw that movie I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. Very impressive piece of work.

[TdHabib]

It's a funny thing--I've often compared Dennis to Richard Manuel...in their emotion and music, talent and downward spiral into oblivion...they have a lot of parallels. One more is Manuel did I think one serious film role (maybe a quick cameo in addition) and it was also unsuccessful commercially.

[?]

Thanks for posting that, Ed!  Monte Hellman is a fucking genius.

[adamghost]

Wasn't Dennis up for the lead in MIDNIGHT COWBOY and he shined it?  Jon S. would know the details...

Another bit of trivia that I picked up is that a young Elton John was considered for the lead role in HAROLD & MAUDE...

[mtaber]

Which role for Elt?  Harold or Maude?

[Ed Roach]

Wasn't Dennis up for the lead in MIDNIGHT COWBOY and he shined it?  Jon S. would know the details...

You know, I was thinking about this, in wanting to respond to another post:

Why didn't Dennis do more acting?     ...was starting at "the top," too, a starring role in a movie.

and I had to reach for Jon's book, but it was to see if I was quoted about this by name or not.  (I remember that Karen Lamm disputed my version, claiming she was the one offered a role, not him!  And I thought Jon might have kept me anonymous in that one...)  You're close, by the way, however the film was MIDNIGHT EXPRESS - my god, who would he have played in COWBOY?  Joe Buck?  Hate to say it, but by '83 he might have nailed Ratso...
But I digress, partly because I hate that he didn't act more!  He never had the patience to read scripts, and knew that I devoured them, so always asked me to read them for him.  Upon reading EXPRESS, I was blown away, ( & could totally envision him nailing the role of Billy Hayes), so returned completely ecstatic.  His response was that he couldn't do it, or he'd forever be associated with drugs! 
I shockingly replied that a). it was a little late for concern, as that ship had long ago sailed; and b). this film was, if anything, and anti- drug film.  There's never anyone shown enjoying & partaking in drugs; the character is quickly captured trying to smuggle hash, and is savagely incarcerated.  But his mind was made up, and that was that!  I sincerely believe that he accomplished all that he did in such a very brief time without ever totally believing in himself....

[adamghost]

That's right!  I knew which movie it was, I just got the title mixed up.  It is a pity...what an opportunity!

[Magic Transistor Radio]

Kurt Russel in Escape from New York always reminds me of Dennis.

[The infamous Baldwin Organ]

I've always wished that they cast the Beach Boy in Star Wars instead of the normal crew.

Mike as Obi-wan, Dennis as Hans Solo, Carl as Chewbacca, Alan as Yoda ,... leaving Brian as Luke Skywalker. 

[MBE]

Carl as Chewbacca. What a mental image.

[Fall Breaks]

What about Bruce? Jar Jar Binks?

[MBE]

Two Lane is interesting because we get to see Dennis at his peak. He looked great, his voice was in its natural form, he was happy and was writing great songs. Some of his charisma comes off, but I never liked the film to sit and watch much. I just don't get what it's supposed to mean. I would have much rather seen something with a real upfront script or better yet have watched James and Dennis jam for two hours. It's just not my kind of film. At the same time I can't say Dennis couldn't have taken other roles that would have been more my speed. I think he was interesting enough to watch for him to have tackled more then just the one film. It's one of the many what ifs caused by his decline and death. I don't mean to be harsh but after 1977 or so I can't imagine Dennis would have been calm enough or healthy enough to tackle a major part.

[shelter]

I just don't get what it's supposed to mean.

This observation made a lot of sense to me:

For all its gloss and the iconic soundtrack Easy Ride is a testament to the death or failure of the 60’s dream and is sometimes looked at as the end off the 60’s others suggest Woodstock or the death of 60’s icons Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison mark the end of the decade. However you look at it Two-Lane Blacktop offers something different and can possibly be considered the first film of the 70’s. America and the world were going through changes at the time and there was less hope and optimism this is reflected in the film. I always feel that the film is saying to the 60’s and the Easy Rider generation that was your dream not mine.

Full article: http://fandangogroovers.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/two-lane-blacktop/

[Roger Ryan]

I just picked up the Criterion Collection version of TWO LANE BLACKTOP last night (for $20 which is a steal given Criterion usual pricing). I can't say it's a great film, but there is something mesmerizing about it's austerity. It's perhaps even more unique now given that the America it documents is long gone.

"...it's a bit depressing and not really going anywhere..." - shelter

That's the point, really. The characters have nowhere to go and, yet, they are forever on the road. The Driver and the Mechanic seem content with the narrow margins they've allowed themselves to live within (don't feel too much, don't aspire to too much, don't get distracted) whereas GTO (the great Warren Oates) is desperately searching for some new thrill. He is constantly inventing alternate personal histories for himself in an apparent attempt to make it appear he has a true purpose or destiny. His great line at the film's end, "Those kind of satisfactions are permanent", is so striking because you realize he has never known such a satisfaction.

[punkinhead]

About Kurt Russel and Escape from New York.....I always thought Kurt in 'The Thing' looked a lot like Jim Morrison!

[Manchini]

I might be alone in this curiosity, but I think it would be so cool to see Dennis Wilson in one of Woody Allen's early '70s movies.  Particularly "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex..." Or he should have been Woody's sidekick in "Sleeper."  I'm always interested in the comedian side of my favorite songwriters and musicians.

Speaking of James Taylor, he is playing at the Hollywood Bowl with Carole King in May.  Should be cool.

[Jon Stebbins]

I just picked up the Criterion Collection version of TWO LANE BLACKTOP last night (for $20 which is a steal given Criterion usual pricing). I can't say it's a great film, but there is something mesmerizing about it's austerity. It's perhaps even more unique now given that the America it documents is long gone.

"...it's a bit depressing and not really going anywhere..." - shelter

That's the point, really. The characters have nowhere to go and, yet, they are forever on the road. The Driver and the Mechanic seem content with the narrow margins they've allowed themselves to live within (don't feel too much, don't aspire to too much, don't get distracted) whereas GTO (the great Warren Oates) is desperately searching for some new thrill. He is constantly inventing alternate personal histories for himself in an apparent attempt to make it appear he has a true purpose or destiny. His great line at the film's end, "Those kind of satisfactions are permanent", is so striking because you realize he has never known such a satisfaction.

Roger, this is a really thoughtful assessment of the TLB film. I can see that you understand what Hellman was going for. So many people don't even come close to getting this film, and commentary about it's slow pace and lack of dialogue is usually pretty shallow. Its nice to read that someone correctly recognizes those things as integral to the perspective that was intended. Its a pretty heavy film, definitely unique.

[MBE]

I just don't get what it's supposed to mean.

This observation made a lot of sense to me:

For all its gloss and the iconic soundtrack Easy Ride is a testament to the death or failure of the 60’s dream and is sometimes looked at as the end off the 60’s others suggest Woodstock or the death of 60’s icons Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison mark the end of the decade. However you look at it Two-Lane Blacktop offers something different and can possibly be considered the first film of the 70’s. America and the world were going through changes at the time and there was less hope and optimism this is reflected in the film. I always feel that the film is saying to the 60’s and the Easy Rider generation that was your dream not mine.

Full article: http://fandangogroovers.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/two-lane-blacktop/

What you and Roger say makes a lot of sense, but though the intent is clearer I still think Dennis would have been better in more of an intense role. Fred Vail once told me he thought Dennis was more suited for the driver and I really agree with him.

Jon just because I don't like the film beyond its curio status doesn't make my observation shallow. I've watched it five times and honestly it's simply not compelling to me except for the fact that Dennis is in it. To be fair some of the songs are also very good. The use of a rare alternate of Jerry Lee Lewis' 1963 "Hit The Road Jack"  single for instance scored big points with me.
I remember in your book you said Dennis was a more compelling rock drummer then actor. That whole paragraph where you discuss seeing the film at the drive-in rings very true. Maybe your opinion has changed since then but please realize (and I say this with respect) that I wouldn't comment unless I invested time into the movie. My tastes are admittedly different then many film critics but hey isn't  that what makes debate here or anywhere interesting? No hard feelings in any case.

[Jon Stebbins]

I just don't get what it's supposed to mean.

This observation made a lot of sense to me:

For all its gloss and the iconic soundtrack Easy Ride is a testament to the death or failure of the 60’s dream and is sometimes looked at as the end off the 60’s others suggest Woodstock or the death of 60’s icons Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison mark the end of the decade. However you look at it Two-Lane Blacktop offers something different and can possibly be considered the first film of the 70’s. America and the world were going through changes at the time and there was less hope and optimism this is reflected in the film. I always feel that the film is saying to the 60’s and the Easy Rider generation that was your dream not mine.

Full article: http://fandangogroovers.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/two-lane-blacktop/

What you and Roger say makes a lot of sense, but though the intent is clearer I still think Dennis would have been better in more of an intense role. Fred Vail once told me he thought Dennis was more suited for the driver and I really agree with him.

Jon just because I don't like the film beyond its curio status doesn't make my observation shallow. I've watched it five times and honestly it's simply not compelling to me except for the fact that Dennis is in it. To be fair some of the songs are also very good. The use of a rare alternate of Jerry Lee Lewis' 1963 "Hit The Road Jack"  single for instance scored big points with me.
I remember in your book you said Dennis was a more compelling rock drummer then actor. That whole paragraph where you discuss seeing the film at the drive-in rings very true. Maybe your opinion has changed since then but please realize (and I say this with respect) that I wouldn't comment unless I invested time into the movie. My tastes are admittedly different then many film critics but hey isn't  that what makes debate here or anywhere interesting? No hard feelings in any case.

My comment wasn't directed at you, you didn't mention the slow pace or lack of dialogue in your post. I have seen a lot of people put this movie down because of those things specifically...plus I liked what Roger wrote. No harm intended. And yeah...my opinion of the film has evolved over the last 11 or 12 years. I don't watch it very often, maybe once every other year...but every time I do it gets better.

[MBE]

No problem Jon thanks for clarifying. I hope the more I see it the more things will stand out. I'm glad it exists certainly and I liked what Roger wrote too. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

[shelter]

I have seen a lot of people put this movie down because of those things specifically...

Most people seem to like it though. It's currently 92% "fresh" on RottenTomatoes.com (meaning that 22 of the 24 professional reviews they've collected were positive). That's an excellent score.

[Ed Roach]

Gosh, I'm so glad to see that this site that I'm going to refer you to still exists!
I was about to share an anecdote about Dennis meeting my 'boss' back in '72, the head of the film department at The School of Visual Arts in New York, and the discussion that they had about the film - (& I will still tell that sometime) - when I read some previous posts here.  I saw people like Roger just beginning to dissect the film:

"That's the point, really. The characters have nowhere to go and, yet, they are forever on the road. The Driver and the Mechanic seem content with the narrow margins they've allowed themselves to live within (don't feel too much, don't aspire to too much, don't get distracted) whereas GTO (the great Warren Oates) is desperately searching for some new thrill. He is constantly inventing alternate personal histories for himself in an apparent attempt to make it appear he has a true purpose or destiny. His great line at the film's end, "Those kind of satisfactions are permanent", is so striking because you realize he has never known such a satisfaction.

and then I remembered this women's site.  You can read the script here, too!   http://www.cinetropic.com/blacktop/index.html

[Jon Stebbins]

I have seen a lot of people put this movie down because of those things specifically...

Most people seem to like it though. It's currently 92% "fresh" on RottenTomatoes.com (meaning that 22 of the 24 professional reviews they've collected were positive). That's an excellent score.

TLB has long been a favorite with critics, filmmakers and hardcore film buffs...its everyday "people" that seem to have trouble sitting through it, and don't seem to quite get what its all about.