Forgotten Characters 2:2

Often forgotten characters are cameos that enhance their films, even their not remembered long afterwards. If done right I’m always ready for a good cameo even though it’s more common in the comedies. In 2004, though, a favourite cameo and forgotten character occurred with this man:

                         

Jude Law in The Aviator

As Errol Flynn

Jude Law has one scene in The Aviator, a film that towers at just below three hours. It’s no surprise that this is forgotten stuff, it’s not exactly that essential to the plot, but it sure is interesting. Howard and Katharine Hepburn are out on what’s probably their first of dates when Hughes’ press agent and the brash Mr. Flynn crash their table. Jude Law exudes the charm of old Hollywood; it’s the kind of cameo that you wish could become the subject of a film – because he certainly could pull it off. It’s of course just an excuse for us to hear about Old Hollywood, but it is welcome. Errol kisses Kate’s hand praising her turn in Alice Adams whilst simultaneously remarking that she should use Lux on her hands, to which she self consciously looks at her knuckles. He then launches into a hilarious tirade involving his prospective seduction of a “Ms. DeHavilland and her equally luscious sister”. It all culminates in Errol extracting a pea from Hughes’ dinner plate which only ticks the schizophrenic Hughes off. What makes this scene work is that Jude plays it as if he’s the star here, and it’s perfect for what we perceive Hollywood legend Flynn to be like. What’s even more delightful is Scorsese’s directing. As Howard and Kate leave the Coconut Grove we pan over to Flynn beginning a fight with a not-so-innocent patron that hints at – but doesn’t overstate – his anger issues.

                                  It's like he wants her hand for dinner...

Jude Law is an excellent actor, even if he’s hit a slump lately and his bit performance in The Aviator is just proof of his talent, and seeing Cate opposite him [even if it's only for a few moments] is good enough for me.

               

Do you remember Jude’s Errol Flynn? Or did The Aviator leave you cold?

             

Previously Forgotten...