90s children are aware of PCU, a Jeremy Piven-vehicle! that also starred David Spade, a robust Jon Favreau, George Clinton!, and Jessica Walter (Lucile Bluth)
I will not belabor the plot (it will not hold up under modern scrutiny). I mention it to remark upon one storyline that revolves around two members of the eponymous fraternity PCU whose thesis dealt with a theory that at any time, a movie starring Michael Caine or Gene Hackman was on TV. It often comes to mind when I see two actors in the same movie who I am sure are in hundreds of movies together. It came to mind when I recently watched Take Shelter, in which Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham appear together. I was sure that if I were to read their respective IMDB pages, I would be looking at two identical pages. So sure was I that the two had signed a thirty-picture contract with the sole stipulation that they appear together in every movie.
But, reader, I was disabused of this notion. Evidenced by the very inclusion in this newsletter, you will know that they have appeared in three movies* I recommend, all worthwhile adds to your respective queues.
*Technically they’ve appeared in four, but one, listed below, is not worth watching.
Of course, the original notion was influenced by the two’s most famous collaboration; appearing in pivotal roles in Terrence Winter’s Boadwalk Empire HBO show. While many may quibble with aspects of the show, one cannot deny the absolute gem casting (a mix of well-knowns and up-and-comers, but all brilliant actors in their own regard).
Many you will see in upcoming movies, some of which feature more than one Boardwalk alum. That is to say, if PCU were remade in 2021, the new “thesis” would be at any moment in time on TV, there is at least one movie featuring two former Boardwalk Empire castmembers.
1) Take Shelter
Michale Shannon slowly and then quickly goes crazy because he keeps hallucinating about grave events involving the weather. Shea Whigham is his construction worker friend who tries to convince him what he’s seeing is not there.
2) The Quarry
Has the unfortunate debut date of April 2020, this one is worth seeking out. Lot of spirituality, violence, vengeance, and secrets. And Michael Shannon driving around a motorcycle looking like this:
As one YouTube commentary put it: Take Shelter 2: Quarry Bunker
3) Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Now we’re talking. Starring the original inspiration for this Substack, Nicolas Cage, this absolute banger features a crack-cocaine smoking Lt. played by Cage, evidence room supervisor Mundt played by Shannon, and well-connected man Justin played by Whigham. You do not get the Boardwalk duo in a scene together, but you do get this:
It’s maybe Nicolas Cage’s most unhinged role, and what a statement that is, my friends.
BONUS
4) Tigerland
A 2000 Joel Schumacher-directed, Colin Farrell vehicle whose enjoyability is solely dependent on what the words “Joel Schumacher-directed, Colin Farrell vehicle” inspires in you. Shannon plays a Seargent. Whigham a Private.
Check out the first three, skip the last one, and let me know what you think.