What jab?
I thought Belushi's performance was on par with what I'd expect from a gangster/Casino owner in his situation. He reminded me a more-in-control version of Vince Vaughn's character in True Detective. There have been far worse actors in this show so far in my opinion (I don't think any actor so far has been bad, mind you). Does the OP have a pre-existing bias for the actor? My friend, whilst watching, said that his performance hinted at "stability" in the brothers relationship. That Belushi is the level-headed and cool tempered brother, whilst T-Dog is the mad-egg. I look forward to seeing him in future episodes.
I was puzzled by his inclusion initially as well, as I have never enjoyed him in anything I've seen him in. My theory is he was cast because he was in Wild Palms (along with cast member Ernie Hudson), a show I never saw but was heavily marketed at "the next Twin Peaks" (as if there could be such a thing) back when Twin Peaks was on the air. Thus Wild Palms could be seen as Twin Peaks' doppelganger, and casting him on this show adds to the unreality of it. Or, maybe it was just a mistake everyone grew to regret.
No, nothing against Belushi, I love him in a lot of films, it's just that he doesn't feel Lynchian, which for me means something "dreamy". Even the guy from Scooby Doo has something weird, something strange about him, his eyes, the overreacting, that make him a bit surreal.
And Jim Belushi is so here-and-now. So real and grounded. T-Dogg has that sadistic side of himself, and Jim? He just lacks something.
I must be one of the few who thinks he works as a counter to the world of Twin Peaks, I think he's meant to not "fit in". I also like this sub plot....it will all converge in the one place eventually, everyone is being pointed to Dougie Jones in some way. Sidenote: It's a pity Gordon wasn't watching the news! 🙂
I must be one of the few who thinks he works as a counter to the world of Twin Peaks, I think he's meant to not "fit in". I also like this sub plot....it will all converge in the one place eventually, everyone is being pointed to Dougie Jones in some way. Sidenote: It's a pity Gordon wasn't watching the news! 🙂
He feels like the only character grounded in mundane reality. I love this presentation, others may scorn it.
The role he served in last night's episode is something we'll just have to get used to being performed by other actors if the series does extend beyond the next 8 episodes.
Usually this is the role that Miguel Ferrer played for us; the sarcastic retort that lets ever spouse out there stuck on a sofa who doesn't care at all about the show enjoy a hearty guffaw at the show's expense.
So that's what Belushi was filling in yesterday. For everyone staring at "Candie" go through her motions (I have a theory on that in another thread - I think it's pretty important), we were all thinking "4 effing hours????"
I'm not sure what range anyone could really put into his role as written. Sizemore's character has a bit more to it and gives him more leeway.
I know nothing at all about the background to Belushi's involvement in the show, nor the ad libbing, subsequent telling off or what happened later. What I do know is, he's ok at being a thug in the show. I don't think it's to the detriment of the show, though. Not everyone can be first violinist in the orchestra, after all.
That said, I admit he appears to have no discernible talent. And at the risk of bringing down the wrath of everyone here, I didn't rate his brother, either.
What jab?
He was interviewed at the premiere and made a sneaky jab about a rumor, disguised as a compliment to Lynch. The ungrateful a-hole.
I just have a hard time trying to take him seriously. That gruff look on his face just looked silly and over exaggerated.
I just have a hard time trying to take him seriously. That gruff look on his face just looked silly and over exaggerated.
Remeber the scene in Pulp Fiction, when the guy hiding in Brett's bathroom runs out and unloads at Jules and Vincent? The look they gave each other before drawing their guns?
That's what the scene in the casino monitoring room reminded me of and I just bet that's what Belushi was aiming for.