Charlton Heston: Great Comedic Actor....

In very recent obituaries Charlton Heston's work was praised in high profile epic type films that were popular in the 50's. Heston work in films such as Ben Hur, The 10 Commandments and El Cid was more interesting and influential than most realize. This style of heroic acting has informed performances by such popular present day icons as Russell Crowe, Viggo Mortensen and especially Harrison Ford.

Few, if any obituaries mentioned the humor Heston often brought to his roles. This was especially true in the later part of his career when his performances relaxed in a way that revealed his enjoyment of his own sense of humor. Heston's famous rant at the end of Planet of the Apes (1969) is justifiably memorable, but on later viewings it is possible to detect a certain kind of humor within the cadence and timing of Heston's verbal and physical hysterics.




Following close on the heels of Planet was Omega Man (1971). This work was similar in theme to Planet of the Apes and Heston's performance was even more enjoyably stilted and mannered and the comedian in his rock of gibraltar persona began to show itself.



Another minor performance of Heston's during this time also showed a willingness to display a certain sardonic humor to humanize what might have been an ulikeable character otherwise. The film, Major Dundee, was a minor Peckinpaugh film with Heston in the lead. The film was a bit of a mess, but Heston has fun chewing the scenery.



After a 30 year run of strong performances in high profile films, Heston's work in the 80's was less memorable. He did work regularly and had a couple of good roles in nightime soaps and television mini-series, but nothing resonated with the public and in many ways these role were beneath him.



The 90's saw Heston return and make strong impressions in some popular and high-profile films. He was long past his leading man work, but he did run off a series of very memorable and often hilarious cameos. Most notably in a self-conciously bit part in Wayne's World 2 (!) in which he conspired with Mike Meyers in a riff on The Graduate.



Other nice bits followed in a variety of films such as Ken Branagh's Hamlet where he had a nice, memorable turn as the Player King.



Heston's prospects in television improved as well and he did nice work, playing against type, as Long John Silver in a well-crafted adaptation of Treasure Island (directed by his son Fraser).



Heston had other nice moments in popular films like True Lies (sporting a Nick Furyesque eyepatch) and returning to his western roots in Tombstone.
By the early 21st century Heston had mostly retired from film work, but he did a great deal of narration work. Unfortunately, his last memorable film appearance was in Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Much has been written about Heston's participation in this film and it need not be re-visited here. It is hoped that film afficianados will give Heston's work a much deserved re-discovery as his life and work have been remembered this week.