Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper scene

Rating: 9/10 (23 July 2001)

There's nothing new I can add that hasn't already been said about this movie, so I would rather talk about what has to be one of the greatest scenes in movie history: the confrontation scene between Walken and Hopper.
We are so lucky to have this scene to watch over and over again. A lot of people have blasted Tony Roberts' direction, but he DID get these performances for this scene. The way Walken reacts and smiles at Hopper's "story" is subtle and brilliant. You can see from his reactions that his anger is increasing with each new sentence from Hopper, but he chooses to make it look as if he is amused, not letting Hopper know. Of course Hopper DOES know, having sized up Walken as well as the situation within seconds. This is his last hurrah -- he knows he is going to die, but he is actually getting the better of Walken in doing so, and you can see it in his eyes during this scene. Walken creates a sense of menace/impending doom while all the while being friendly and polite -- he is in my opinion the best actor in Hollywood today. (See The Dead Zone if you don't believe me.)
I have to also put in a good word for Gary Oldman's stunningly brilliant performance as well.