First of all, my close personal friend Townsman E. Pluribus Gergely, can pack his Hot Tuna album for me when he comes over next week for a night of film watching. The following clip from the undeniably excellent Two-Lane Blacktop includes a character with a Southern accent. And there’s no denying the greatness of this movie.
Two-Lane Blacktop
Furthermore, there’s no denying the greatness of any performance by Warren Oates. Really, had there been a more menacing-yet-folksy, confident-yet-cracking actor since Orson Welles in Lady From Shanghai? Before or since the Age of Oates, has there ever been an actor so adept as delivering powerful dialog with a cigarette dangling from his lips (and some spittle.)? I think not!
Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia
Fork over that Hot Tuna lp, Gergs, and more importantly – more importantly than your stupid Southern accents question, answer me this:
What is the best film starring Warren Oates? Is it Two-Lane Blacktop? Is it Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia? Is it my likely winner (as tough as it is to choose), Race With the Devil? Or is it something else?
Race With the Devil
While you’re at it, feel free to suggest the rock ‘n roll equivalent of Warren Oates. We’ve gotta keep stuff slightly on topic, you know.
Johnathan Richman might be the Warren Oates of Rock, for the both have a nice sheen of perspiration.
Maybe it’s Jack Nitzsche.
or Mick Jones.
or Gram Parker.
I’ll go with Alfredo Garcia. The role was inspired by the self-destructive ways of director Sam Peckinpah: Oates even wears some of his clothes. The film is one of the most realistic portrayals of spiritual desolation I’ve ever seen.