November 19, 2002
OUT LIKE FLINT:
Oscar-Winner James Coburn Dies at 74 (John Rogers, November 19, 2002, Associated Press)Actor James Coburn, who took on the role of the tough guy in such films as "Our Man Flint" and "The Magnificent Seven," but whose anguished portrayal of an abusive father in "Affliction" finally earned him an Oscar, died Monday. He was 74.
Mr. Coburn pulled off a rare double, along with Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson, starring in two of the greatest guy flicks of all time: The Great Escape and The Magnificent Seven. We just recently reviewed his surprisingly conservative film: Our Man Flint. Posted by Orrin Judd at November 19, 2002 8:34 AM
I posted a picture of Coburn from The Great Escape on my office glass wall and I had my law students ask me who he was. I informed them that it was James Coburn and he was in two of the best movies ever made, The Great Escape and The Magnificent Seven. Imagine that, 23 year olds who don't know this actor and these movies.
Rest in peace.
Coburn was the title character in "The President's Analyst." There's a great scene when he goes to the White House for the President's first session. He goes in the door, bursting with pride that he has been chosen. He comes out the door with a shocked "Oh my God! That man's the President?!
" look. No dialog, just acting.
I recommend the film if you like over-the-top spoofs.
pchuck:
That's why I loathed my fellow law students.
Actually, I don't think Coburn's role in "Our Man Flint" and "In Like Flint" was so much a tough-guy role as a marvelous spoof of the cool, multi-talented, tomcattin' Bond persona - and yes, I did catch the surprisingly conservative tone, especially the sexual morality. No spoilers here, though...
Posted by: Joe at November 19, 2002 5:49 PM