FRC Feature – Woody Harrelson: The Man You Love to Hate
Out next week on DVD and Blu-Ray, Rampart is arguably Woody Harrelsons best film to date, Scott takes a look at the career of the man you love to hate
Woody Harrelson started his career as the lovable bartender on the hit series Cheers, but since then he has taken on far darker roles which have boosted him into film stardom. His most recent film Rampart, out on DVD and Blu-ray July 9, gave Harrelson the opportunity to portray the corruptness of the LAPD as the no holds-bar cop David Brown. However this most certainly is not the first time that Harrelson as played the captivating “bad guy.”
Harrelson received his first box office hit with the role as a white basketball player in the highly praised film, White Men Can’t Jump. His role as a street hustler brought him the much deserved praise from critics and audiences all around.
Two years later, following the fame of White Men Can’t Jump, Harrelson next role was the savvy serial killer Mickey Knox in yet another box office smash, Natural Born Killer. Harrelson’s work in this film showed his flexibility as an actor and proved that no role was too extreme for him.
From that point on Harrelson’s film career only gained in momentum. He continued on to play iconic roles in films such as King Pin, The Thin Red Line, and his Golden Globe award nominated performance in The People vs. Larry Flint, where he took on the persona of the infamous Hustler Magazine publisher Larry Flint.
Harrelson has never been one to shy away from the role of being the bad guy; in fact he seems to gravitate towards it. In the film No Country for Old Men he plays the self-satisfied bounty hunter that audiences loved to hate. That is the talent that Harrelson has acquired over the years, making seemingly unrelatable and arrogant characters irresistible.
Woody Harrelson isn’t afraid of any role; instead he will take on that role and make sure that audiences can’t turn away from it. And Rampart is no exception. As the cop with no ethics Harrelson gives an eye-opening performance that shines a light on the LAPD’s unfortunate reputation for being crooked.
Rampart is released on DVD & Blu-ray 9th July 2012
About The Author – Scott Lawlor
Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE
Are you a fan of Harrelson? What was your favourite role? Comment below…
Scott Lawlor
He is such a fantastic actor. I haven’t seen Rampart yet, but I loved his work in Game Change this year. I love his performances in Natural Born Killers and People vs Larry Flynt. Can’t wait to see his work in Seven Psychopaths, it will most likely be tons of fun.
Thanks Sati for the comment.
Woody Harrelson is a funny one for me, I kinda didn’t like him for a while, I blame Indecent Proposal… which is not his fault… just bad memories.
Seven Psycopaths sounds great fun… when is that out?
November or December, I bet limited release in USA so they get a chance in Oscar Season. In UK probably a bit earlier that that.
Can’t wait to see Rampart. Though I heard quite a few people saying Harrelson is the only reason to see it? Is it wrong that he stands out to me most in one of the Austin Powers films when he does that cameo? ‘That looks like a great big’… CUT TO ‘Woody!’
Harrelson is the strongest factor of the film, and makes it well worth a watch, imho.
Ah Austin Powers , now you are taking me back!!
He’s so funny in Cheers! Wow, he’s certainly come a long way since then, I mean his career is certainly far better than Ted Danson’s. He’s proven to be quite a versatile actor, he’s good in Indecent Proposal as well as the wronged husband.
He totally has done a lot better than Danson. Have you seen Ted’s hair lately? I was shocked… Although he does look good as a Silver Fox ahahah
Ted Danson was great in Damages and fairly amusing in Bored to Death… but looks like he’s happy slumming it in CSI.
I think his best role has been in Larry Flynt. Then, The Messenger. Then,… well, I think he was hilarious in Zombieland.
Woody’s a great actor, and by all accounts a pretty decent guy. Nice write-up, Scott!!
Thanks matey. Zombieland was a great film all round and definitely helped by the cast inc. Harrelson.
He is a legend
He is brilliant in White Men Can’t Jump. One of my favourite roles of his. Along with Zombieland. He had a great turn there. Have yet to see Rampart, but heard nothing but good things about Woody in it.
I still haven’t seen white men can’t jump or most of his recent films and need to sort this out asap! My favourite performance of his is definitely in Larry Flynt, he seemed so naturally suited to that role.
He certainly has come a long way since “Cheers” hasnt he?
He plays the good guy, plenty, too though… “Defendor” and “Zombieland” (like Rodney said) being the most recent example I can think of. Maybe the gay friend in “Friends with Benefits” if that counts.
And let’s be honest, Mickey Knox is the HERO of Natural Born Killers.
Haven’t seen Rampart yet, but Harrelson is rarely in a role that I enjoy.
A great spotlight here, Scott. nice work. Thanks for posting it.
Another under-appreciated actor who is finally being given his due as of late. All of Rampart’s success was solely due to Harrelson.
It took me a while to appreciate him, but Harrelson won me over with his impressive work lately. Loved The Messenger and Zombieland, and can’t wait to see Rampart.