Paul Giamatti shines in The Holdovers as an Oscar contender. Remembering comedian Richard Lewis with biting humor and personal struggles. Justin Chang reviews Dune Part Two for an insightful film critique.
Paul Giamatti's portrayal of a challenging character showcases complex development and introspection.
Richard Lewis was known for his biting takes on love, life, and health in his standup routines.
Deep dives
Paul Hahnem's Unlikable Persona and Unique Conditions
Paul Giamatti plays the role of a pompous and disliked classics professor named Paul Hahnem at a boarding school, known for his high academic standards and merciless grading. Hahnem's unlikable traits extend to his physical appearance, including a lazy eye and a severe body odor due to a rare disease known as fish odor syndrome. His character's interactions with students and faculty members reflect his challenging personality and create tension in the school.
Paul's Relationship with Students and Personal Growth
Despite Paul Hahnem's unpopularity at the school, he faces personal and professional challenges, such as failing a major donor's son and clashing with the school's headmaster. The dynamics shift when he is tasked with babysitting students over winter vacation, forming a bond with a junior student named Angus Tully and the school's head cook, Mary. Through these relationships, Paul's character experiences growth and connection amidst loneliness and isolation.
Paul Giamatti's Character Development and Acting Choices
Paul Giamatti's portrayal of Paul Hahnem showcases complex character development as he navigates challenges and introspection. The character's evolution from initial unlikability to moments of vulnerability and self-realization highlights Giamatti's nuanced acting. By exploring the character's flaws, wit, and self-awareness, Giamatti adds depth and appeal to a challenging role, aligning with the storytelling's themes of redemption and change.
Influences on Paul Giamatti's Acting and Personal Insights
Paul Giamatti's performance in this role draws from personal reflections and influences, including his experiences at a boarding school and his upbringing around academia. The character's traits and interactions resonate with Giamatti's memories of teachers and academic settings. By tapping into unconscious memories and familiar personalities, Giamatti brings authenticity and depth to his portrayal of the complex and intriguing character of Paul Hahnem.
Paul Giamatti stars in The Holdovers as a pompous and disliked teacher at a boys boarding school in the '70s. He's now up for an Oscar for best actor. Giamatti spoke with Sam Briger about the role and reuniting with director Alexander Payne, 20 years after Sideways.
Also, we remember comic and Curb Your Enthusiasm actor Richard Lewis, who died Feb. 27. The Brooklyn-born comic made his standup debut in 1971. His routines were full of biting takes on love, life, and physical and mental health. Lewis spoke with Terry Gross in 1988 and 2000.