Midnight Run, the 1988 film starring Robert DeNiro, featured Charles Grodin, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 86, as Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas, is a delightful, fun film. The supporting cast was fabulous; Dennis Farina, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Joe Pantoliano.
Grodin, known throughout his career for his deadpan manner and flat affect, acting mostly with his eyes, reached perfection in Midnight Run. The contrast between DeNiro and Grodin makes the film. The studio originally wanted Robin Williams for the role played by Grodin but it would not have worked nearly as well. In this scene, Grodin, a fugitive caught by bounty hunter DeNiro, impersonates the FBI Special Agent who is chasing them both. Observe Grodin carefully and pay attention to his timing. I love when he turns to the old guy at the bar (who really was a local hired for the role) and asks, "you seen any suspicious looking characters around here?", the guy answers "No"; Grodin then asks, "are you from around here?", the guy answers "Yep" and then Grodin holds his look!
Grodin was also known for his performances as a guest with Johnny Carson and David Letterman in which he is alternately amusing, irritating, and insulting. In the piece below we see Grodin v Carson, two masters, sparring for twelve minutes. It is worth watching in its entirety.
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