Tuesday, January 21, 1997
FILM:
Star of ‘Rappaport’ doesn’t conform to image of a Hollywood
celebrityBy Aimee Phan
Daily Bruin Contributor
Image is everything.
Most actors in Hollywood not only know it, but often do absurd
things to maintain the images they cherish. Ages and controversial
political stances, for instance, are flat-out denied if they do not
fit the persona an actor is attempting to maintain.
But Walter Matthau doesn’t bother. Wearing a baseball cap and a
casual windbreaker, Matthau doesn’t seem to fit the mold of a
typical celebrity and certainly does not act like one. He is more
concerned about the final score on a football game that day than
worrying about what any reporter might be thinking when he suddenly
announces his support for alternative political ideologies.
"[Socialism] is not popular, but who cares?" the fearless
Matthau asks. "I’m 76 and I’d like to put my viewpoint out where
everyone can see it."
The legendary actor is proud of his age, beliefs and
controversial political stances, much like his character in his
newest motion picture, "I’m Not Rappaport."
His newest comedy, "I’m Not Rappaport" allows Matthau to play
the eccentric character, Nat Moyer, a mischievous 81-year-old
Jewish radical who assumes fictional personalities in an attempt to
help the downtrodden from the evils of a capitalist society.
This will not be the first time Matthau has tackled an eccentric
performance. In fact, his popularity originally sprang from playing
memorable characters like Oscar from "The Odd Couple" and more
recently, Matthau has proven his staying power in comedies with
"Grumpy Old Men" and its sequel, "Grumpier Old Men."
Although he has had his share of dramatic parts in such
acclaimed films as "The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three" and
"JFK," Matthau prefers the comedic roles, relishing their intricate
timing and rich, colorful characters.
"Comedy is much more difficult and much more enjoyable than
heavies," says Matthau. "Heavies are simple. Just say the lines.
It’s too cut and dry."
Although Matthau was revved up to do a comedy, he did not want
to play his part in "I’m Not Rappaport" for the stage. Originally a
play, "I’m Not Rappaport" was the brain child of author and
director Herb Gardner, and it received great critical acclaim as
well as the 1986 Outer Critics’ Circle Award. But despite its
theatrical success, Matthau was not eager to do the play when
approached by Gardner for the role of Nat.
"I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it every night and twice on
Saturday," Matthau says. "So I told Herb to call me if they ever
made it into a movie. And he did."
When the story finally became a film, Matthau was especially
pleased because of his respect for the character of Nat. Since
Matthau is politically inactive ("I’m the non-confrontational
type"), the ability to vent his political beliefs through his brash
character was one of the perks in doing this film. While Matthau
does not think he is similar to his roguish character in the film,
he does admire the passion of Nat’s political beliefs.
"I believe that a country should be run like a family and that
everybody should help," Matthau says. "A government should look
after its citizens and not punish them for being unable to work or
earn a proper living. Everyone should have proper housing,
clothing, and meals."
Another perk Matthau found for doing the film was working with
his longtime friend Ossie Davis, whom he has known for 46
years.
"I’ve always admired Ossie," Matthau says, "He’s a marvelous
person with a magnificent voice and presence. He’s what I would pay
seven dollars to go see. He’s my pal."
Davis is not the only one from his past that Matthau holds great
respect for. Another person who he particularly admires and also
enjoyed working with is acclaimed director Billy Wilder. Wilder
directed him in "The Front Page" and "The Fortune Cookie," in which
Matthau won a Best Supporting Oscar for his wacky performance as an
ambulance-chasing lawyer.
Matthau recalls with fondness the greatest compliment he ever
received from a director.
"[Billy] said to me once, ‘Not only are you a good actor, but
you are efficient, which is more important."
Matthau’s work with Wilder has only been a highlight in his
prolific career. Since Matthau has achieved much critical and
material success as an actor in Hollywood, he doesn’t allow the
industry’s politics on money and power to infringe on his own
personal beliefs.
"I’m working as a citizen of a capitalist society," Matthau
admits. "I obey the rules. But I can earn a fortune as a movie
actor and still believe in social justice."