Martin Landau’s top 5 movie roles
We were extremely saddened to hear that legendary Oscar-winning actor Martin Landau passed away unexpectedly over the weekend at the age of 89 after a brief stay in hospital. To celebrate the life of this incredible actor, best known for his work on TV series Mission: Impossible and Space: 1999, join us as we reflect on the best five movie roles of his career.
1. Ed Wood
Landau, who played Bela Lugosi in this acclaimed 1994 biographical film, won a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and an Oscar for his efforts. “I began to respect this guy and pity him,” Landau said at the time. “I saw the humour in him. This, for me, became a love letter to him.”
2. North by Northwest
This 1959 Alfred Hitchcock thriller marked Landau’s first major film appearance, playing the role of Leonard, criminal sidekick to Phillip Vandamm (played by James Mason).
3. Crimes and Misdemeanours
Landau’s starring role as Judah in this 1989 Woody Allen film earned him his second Oscar nomination. Reflecting on the casting process, Allen described Landau as “completely natural”. “Of all the actors I've ever worked with, he gives expression to my dialogue exactly as I hear it.”
4. Rounders
Despite receiving mixed reviews and underperforming at the box office, this 1998 film has since become a cult classic. Starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton and John Malkovich, Landau’s character Professor Petrovsky is one of the most beloved figures in the movie – not to mention the poker world.
5. Tucker: The Man and His Dream
This 1988 film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, marked something of a comeback for Landau and even earned him an Oscar nomination. “I've spent a lot of time playing roles that didn't really challenge me,” he said of the film. “You want roles that have dimension. The role of Abe Karatz gave me that.”
Tell us in the comments below, what was your favourite Martin Landau role?