I just saw that TREAT WILLIAMS, the actor, died. He was killed today in a motorcycle accident. What a terrible thing.
This isn’t a tribute to Williams, though he was (in my opinion) one of the most underrated screen actors I’ve ever seen. He should have been right there along with A-listers like Hoffman, Pacino, and others for the intensity he brought to all the characters he played.
One of the best movies I’ve ever seen is 1980’s PRINCE OF THE CITY. This is The Godfather of all cop movies, a true Shakespearean tragedy. Though I was never a police officer, I have heard some law enforcement people say this is one of the most realistic cop movies and legal dramas ever made. Loaded with great lines, standout performances, terrific writing and storytelling, twists, turns, and performances right out of The Actor’s Studio, this is one of those rare movies that alters your view on things and stays with you years and decades later.
Director Sidney Lumet was the king of great cop movies. His PRINCE OF THE CITY is rarely shown on TV, which is unfortunate. I remember my father took me to see it at the movies when I was 18, still a senior in high school. He once told me that when he “tests” movie critics (books with all their reviews, which used to be a big thing), first thing is he looks up their review of PRINCE OF THE CITY. If it’s given a top rating, that’s a trustworthy critic. If the critic missed the genius of this (lesser-known) movie, the critic could instantly be dismissed.
Here’s a great scene from PRINCE OF THE CITY with Treat Williams in one of his finest screen roles:
