Today we lost a great character-actor and leading man, Bob Hoskins. I use the term “leading” because Hoskins attained this unlikely status in 1988 — even though the odds were against the portly, average-looking, gravelly-voiced, middle-aged theater actor. But Hoskins won over both kids and adults in the ambitious and very expensive blockbuster, Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Not only did Hoskins enjoy the rare opportunity to co-star with cartoon legends (Mickey, Daffy, Bugs, Goofy, and Donald), but he was able steal the scene!
Hoskins represents a rare case when a respected stage thespian could suddenly propel into headlining a studio feature. For Hoskins, it wasn’t because he was ladykiller or, by standard definitions, a leading man. He was just that damn talented.
Granted, the studio inevitably knew Roger Rabbits’ draw would be its cavalcade of animated legends. But someone as brilliant as Hoskins had to show commitment to sell the fantasy. He had to believe every single solitary moment that the prop ping-pong ball in front of his eyes would eventually transform — via brilliant effects — into a cantankerous, walking, talking bunny! If Hoskins had flinched, the movie would have failed. If there’s any doubt to the level in which Hoskins’ contribution made Roger Rabbit a success, then please watch the ripoff film, Cool World (1992) where Hollywood archetypes like Brad Pitt and Kim Basinger fail to convince us that cartoons and humans can co-exist.
Hopkins used Roger Rabbit to jump into leading parts in Mermaids and seemingly disguised himself in supporting bits in major studio films like Hook. Hoskins eventually settled into various walk-on roles as both the villain, the comic foil, the boss, and even the lead hero again in the disastrous Super Mario Bros. (1993) However, could you argue that Hoskins was the perfect choice — even if every other decision was not?
Hoskins could play comedy and drama with equal devotion and concentration. He wasn’t a lucky actor; he was just afforded the right part for the right actor. He could show millions of film viewers just how wonderful he looked on the screen. He could invoke a twinkle in his eye and invoke glee. He could also furrow his brow and squint his eyes and display a menace equivalent to the villain he once thwarted in Roger Rabbit. I remember how daunting it was to see Hoskins, the actor, speak with his thick cockney accent after pulling off such convincing linguistics as a hard-edged 1940s American private eye.
Hoskins’ last few years television and movie work varied in quality, but he always entertained. Even bit-roles in travesties like Snow White and the Huntman and Son of the Mask rose a few decimals thanks to his unbridled professionalism and commitment. There are some great bit-parts Hoskins had; moments that draw your attention to him, despite the fact that his role is not the center of the story. I recall his crazed, looney social service repair-man from Brazil, his conniving, paranoid turn as J. Edgar Hoover in Nixon.
But Hoskins will be immortalized because of one film. His turn as the alcoholic, tortured detective, Eddie Valiant, who displayed bigotry and disdain towards his cartoon co-stars but somehow displayed a likable sincerity throughout. Hopkins could have easily let the cartoons take his thunder, but he remained steadfast in his craft and created a performance that’s as miraculous as its effects.
Speaking of Hopkins and Roger Rabbit: I, like every American, always fantasize about being rich and what I would spend (nay…waste) my fortune on. When it comes to movie memorabilia, I can think of a few items, but the one most precious would be one of the film cells that contains that rarest of moments when Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse — the most iconic of cartoon characters — share a scene together. To me, that’s priceless because this crossover is unlikely to ever occur again. And it’s immortalized even further with Hoskins being the brunt of their joke. Behind the scenes, it’s just Hopkins in front of a blue screen, suspended by wire, talking to ping-pong balls. But Hopkins sold the fantasy better than anyone and is now immortalized for generations to remember him as an unconventional leading man who earned his place with the greats, both human and toon.
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