I don’t recall Arnold saying that, at least not in his book. Regardless, whether he attended a protest or not didn’t matter, the issue with his eye meant that he was specifically advised against performing in front of stage lights.
I don’t know where you’re getting this idea that he decided to start phoning it in after he was “betrayed” or whatever. I don’t believe he was under any obligation to appear in any sequels at all.
Plldwn: this is a great thread - thanks for starting it.
Reading all the responses has reaffirmed my belief that the acting in the OT was very high overall for films of this genre. My gut reaction to the initial question was Mark Hamill for reasons already stated: mainly his wide range of emotions and progression in character maturity throughout the trilogy. But there are others I would place alongside to whom I had not given much thought until now. I agree that Anthony Daniels as C3PO was a real standout, and not only for his perfect delivery. Despite the limitations of being hidden away inside the robotic suit, he managed to convey great expression in the way he walked and moved. His body language during the various exchanges with R2D2 in ANH and Solo in TESB brings the character to life. The imperial officers were also all well cast. I thought Michael Sheard (Admiral Ozzel) and Jonathan Glover (General Veers) were especially memorable, although their roles were arguably too small to qualify them for “best overall actor”.
To me Guinness’ acting always felt a bit stiff and forced. I think ATM put it well in comparison to Cushing. If I express the same thing in my words: Guinness’ acting feels like someone good doing an unpleasant job just because it is a job, while Cushing’s acting feels like someone who is extremely enthusiastic about the role.
真実
Best performance(s) in the OT? The actors portraying the Imperial Officers.
As a poster already noted, they’re very watchable.
Mark Hamill was earnest in his performances throughout the OT, but imo, never convinced as a Jedi Knight in RETURN OF THE JEDI. He was more believable as a farm boy.
Ian McDiarmid’s Emperor was variable. Very effective in some scenes, but corny in others. Never did enjoy the funny voice or cackling.
Carrie Fisher was effective - even when wasted (drugs).
Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew probably deserve the most praise.
When Ford and Fisher’s natural mannerisms were allowed to come through in their performances, they were untouchable.
And then ROTJ happens.
I’m just here because I’m driving tonight.
Drewe Henley
I wouldn’t consider it the very best performance, but he’s certainly up there as one of my favourites.
It is a tie between the Special Effects and John Williams score.
I’ve always thought Alec Guiness’ performance is the best. He does Obi-wan’s gentle humour so well, but also communicates the past trauma of the Clone Wars and Jedi purge. The scene in Obi-wan’s hut is Guiness’ best - without his acting, the dialogue about past events might have felt like a forced ‘exposition dump’, just an insert of necessary worldbuilding - but instead he made me invested in those events before I’d seen them play out on screen.
His performance reminds me of Mark Hamill’s in TLJ a little, in that both actors were skeptical about the films they were in (Mark thought Luke was being fundamentally misunderstood, Alec thought the premise was cheesy and the dialogue was bad) but both set this aside to deliver deadly serious and compelling performances.
“Remember, the Force will be with you. Always.”
Alec Guinness i dont believe Ewan did Guinnes true justice in his role of Obi Wan
Guinness does very well in the entirety of the OT IMO, his disslike of Star Wars is not visible on screen. He provides a very comforting and familiar presence as a ghost, and he doesn’t come across as being bored to me, a far bigger issue I have with Kenobi is the fact that his entire lower half isn’t colored blue while he’s sitting on the log!
Use the Force, Joh Yowza.