Ray Milland : Type of acting

Type of acting

I realize Milland was a great leading actor and a bankable star at Paramount for many years as a lead. But can we also say that he was a great character actor? This thought is especially present in his later acting choices such as The Lost Weekend and Dial M For Murder.

Thoughts and opinions, please!

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Re: Type of acting

The acting style of Mr. Milland was somehow naturalistic for his era, and that covered all of this bases: romantic leading man, comedic straight man, drama, adventures, etc. In The Lost Weekend he expressed his acting naturalism to his maxim capacity, some people would even qualify it as a Method performance.

Re: Type of acting

Ray Milland in the LOST WEEKEND, gave a performance that has rarely been touched in the present time. Besides the horrific scenes where he has the DT'S, there is subtle, and wonder 1908 ful scenes in the bar with Nate, the bar owner. There is a poetry to the conversations, that as you say, may even be compared to the METHOD. He is fragile and tragic all at the same time. I liked him a lot in the noir films too. Especially, but not limited to, MINISTRY OF FEAR, and THE BIG CLOCK. He is best, I think, as the villain. Example would be DIAL M FOR MURDER, which he should certainly have been nominated for. SO EVIL MY LOVE, a dark noir, based on a Victorian novel, is one of his best.

Re: Type of acting

Loved him in 'The Uninvited' and with Ginger Rogers in Billy Wilder's under-rated comedy 'The Major and the Minor'

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Re: Type of acting

I like the UNINVITED, a good story with a great cast. Not like today where everything is computerized. There is enough to be afraid of, with just the suggestion of shadow, and darkness. I think that everyone has had the feeling that someone who has passed, is present by the scent of a flower or perfume or even a slight touch. I know I have.
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