James Caan, who died Wednesday at 82, constantly found ways to subvert his image, showing up in projects that gently satirized his character in 'The Godfather' and seeking out roles that softened his edge, writes d_arkin.
"The Godfather" defined the actor in public consciousness, but he found ways to flip the script in later roles, subverting — and sometimes parodying — his big-screen persona.
Three years after"The Godfather" put Caan in the gangland pantheon, he starred opposite Barbra Streisand in"Funny Lady" , portraying the theatrical showman Billy Rose. He showed a knack for self-deprecation in Mel Brooks' slapstick spoof"Silent Movie" , playing a version of himself. "You are making big profits from my work, my risk, my sweat," Frank tells a Chicago Outfit boss in one key scene."But that is OK, because I elected to make that deal. But now, the deal is over. I want my end, and I am out."
Caan is by no means the only Hollywood star to amass an eclectic filmography, but his later roles often seemed to be in direct conversation with his earlier work, tweaking expectations in sometimes delightful ways.Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
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