He's a Scene Stealer by nature and by the quality of his work . . .

It is said that Michael Wincott is an actor who "lives the character" and he himself says, "You have to be careful so you don't make your character dull and predictable. Sometimes you have to bend the script a little".  Well, just watch three different movies and you'll see three different characters, but not Michael.  He blends in like a chameleon.  Mind you, a gorgeous one.

This section of michaelwincott.org is devoted to sharing the "little scene stealer's" best short appearances. Some of these characters may only grace the screen for a scene or two, but you will always remember the performance.  Good movies are made even better by his skills.  I will add more as I get a chance.

Scaphandre et le papillon, Le (2007)  (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)

A Fashion Photographer with a mid-1990s rock star flair . . .

Director Julian Schnabel says in the commentary that Michael is like his lucky charm and was the only actor he brought from the US to France to be in his film. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was nominated for numerous awards as was Schnabel, so Michael must really bring good luck to his multi-talented friend.

Before Night Falls (2000)  * Herberto Zorrilla Ochoa

Cuban poet and alleged counter revolutionary activist . . .

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Hidden Agenda (1998)  *Larry Gleason         

US Embassy Consular Affairs Minister with his own agenda . . .

And he looks really

good in this suit!

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MORE ON SCENE STEALER 2 THE SEQUEL . . .

The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004)  *Julius Bicke

A stern Jewish businessman {one extremely amazing scene}

Based on the true story of Samuel Byck, The Assassination of Richard Nixon stars Sean Penn as a lonely, somewhat insane little guy who, in his paranoia, feels screwed by the “cancer in the system”. For the fictionalization, the name was changed to Samuel Bicke. The film’s Bicke struggles to keep his family together, hates his job, dreams of grandiose things, but has no means or intelligence to achieve them, and ends up alienating everyone.  

In his crazy mind he blames President Nixon for his problems and those of most of middle class America. He hatches a plot to assassinate him by hijacking a plane and making it fly into the White House. Of course, his plan fails and he is killed, but the journey to the desperate state is explored through a quality performance by Sean Penn, although at times a little over the top. 

Michael Wincott plays Julius Bicke, the much more sophisticated and sane brother of Samuel. He is a Jewish businessman with a successful tire store and has likely had to put up with years of difficult situations created by his brother’s lack of focus and reliability. Yet even in the dramatic confrontation they have in their only scene together, it is made obvious Julius still loves Samuel.  

For nearly 20 years I have watched Michael relay his craft through many different roles and I study great performances by other actors. It is my opinion that this one brief scene is his best work to date. The subtle tone of the writing helps as well, but the emotion and also lack of emotion portrayed by Michael leaves even a non-diehard fan a bit breathless. If there is a negative to be said, it is that we didn’t see enough. Which as we all know seems to be a running theme; there is never enough of Michael in his films.  

Always leave them wanting more . . .

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The Sicilian (1987)  *Cpl. Silvestro Canio

Inexperienced policeman who joins an outlaw band . . .

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