The Official Raúl E. Esparza "Spread the Love" Thread, part two — Page 126

He's usually very clean.

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I originally typed this in a PM to Ashley, but wanted to share it with everyone instead. I just saw his performance (thanks to her) and felt compelled to comment! Anyway, I don't think anyone was wrong at feeling his performance was brilliant. I'm not sure I would have gushed over his performance if I didn't know it was him -- not in the sense that I didn't feel it was brilliant, but rather because I almost feel as if it would have gone unnoticed because it was so subtly brilliant. Ashley, you're definitely right in that he does a marvelous job acting with his eyes, so to speak. Much like in the role of the Emcee, it's great to see how he really becomes the character rather than acts like the character acts.

I'm so glad to hear that everyone seems really pleased with how he did... and I think that as fans we can be biased in favor of his performance, but probably also be more critical. I was sort of worried about what I'd think, since a lot of times stage actors don't come across as well on film or overact. Honestly, though, by the end of the trial scene I almost forgot that I was watching Raul and was so absorbed in what was going on between the characters. I think that he did a great job of subtly pulling you in, particularly with his eyes. He's so talented, not to mention ridiculously versatile.

I kind of doubt that I'd have paid his performance particular mind if I hadn't been a fan of his because that's what I expect when watching a movie, but I definitely wouldn't have guessed that it was his first time on film. I also think that the entire movie seems so well-directed acting wise by Lumet, so I'm sure that helps.

I just added it to Netflix. I'll have my dad watch it with me. He doesn't know who Raul is, so he doesn't have a bias toward him. I'll just ask him what he thought...

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I just finished Find Me Guilty. I couldn't stop squirming when Raúl was on the screen because it was...not him. It wasn't bad squirming, it was excited energy. I loved his character...which doesn't show much about me, does it? Maybe I should say I love his portrayal of the character. That sounds better.

So, after the movie I asked my dad what he thought of Raúl.

Me: "So, what did you think of the guy who played Tony?"
Dad: "Which one was he?"
Me: "The cousin, the one who shot Jackie."
Dad: "Oh, I thought he was a really drugged out...drug addict."
Me: O_o
Dad: "He did a really good job. He did the part very well...Why?"
Me: "Remember when I told you about how I was going to see Company and you couldn't stop me because I wanted to see Raúl live?"
Dad: "..."
Me: "Raúl Esparza."
Dad: "When did you say that?"
Me: "Multiple times."
Dad: "..."
Me: "Do you remember the guy who you said sounded like Kermit on the cast recording I played for you?"
Dad: "Oh! Yes."
Me: "Him."
Dad: "You watched this movie for him? He had a small part!" *laughs*
Me: "I told you that you would laugh at me because of the reason I wanted to watch it..."
Dad: "Well, he did a good job anyway."

So, my dad liked him. Oh, and the cast recording was 'Tick, Tick...Boom!'.

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Updated On: 7/3/06 at 11:41 PM

watching him act opposite Vin Diesel, the difference was absolutely breathtaking.

Pfft! A blind person could pick that out.

I haven't had a chance to see Find Me Guilty yet, but I did buy Winter Passing just the other day, and the first preview was for "Find Me Guilty".

Needless to say, I jumped up in my seat and let out a shriek. *sigh* And he wasn't even IN the commercial, unless I somehow missed him in my haze of glee.

*searches Ebay*

Hee, some of those pictures are funny =P

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Updated On: 7/5/06 at 10:14 AM