Philip Baker Hall dead at 90: 5 best movies to remember him by

Philip Baker Hall died at 90, leaving a vacuum in American cinema. The actor was known for his character portrayals, but made a mark with several notable roles, especially in Paul Thomas Anderson’s films. Characterized by a gravelly voice, distinctive eyebags, and an air of wisdom, many of Hall’s roles also give off a sense of battle-weariness. However, his portrayals are usually layered, and sometimes help carry a film altogether. Here’s a look at five of Philip Baker Hall’s best films. 

Hard Eight (1996)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s feature debut tells the story of a veteran gambler who wants to pass off his wisdom but ultimately finds himself facing a calamity. Philip Baker Hall steps into the role of the discreet and self-contained old-timer, who takes John C Reilly’s character under his wing. The film isn’t one of Anderson’s most notable works, by far, but almost entirely rests on Hall’s Sydney. 

Secret Honor (1984) 

This film, based on the stage play by Donald Freed, sees Hall deliver one of the best on-screen portrayals of US President Richard Nixon. Capturing resentment and paranoia, which Nixon has often been associated with, Hall’s face came the closest to reminding viewers of what the former president was like. 

Boogie Nights (1997)

Paul Thomas Anderson takes on pornography in Los Angeles in this movie, and while Mark Wahlberg and Burt Reynolds arguably hold our attention, along with a very memorable performance from Julianne Moore, Hall makes his mark playing a movie-theatre person who wants to strike a deal with Reylonds’ character. 

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Hall’s performance captures the essence of being a hustler and a cynic, while subtly portraying the character’s tragic truth that he’s too old to be hustling.  

Magnolia (1999)

A film that is often spoken of in debates about PTA’s magnum opus, ‘Magnolia’ captures the despair of the human condition like no other. The director’s assortment of characters is fascinating, perhaps no one more than Tom Cruise’s Frank T.J. Mackey – the slick, and a little sleazy, motivational speaker. 

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However, Hall manages to carve a niche for himself here as well, playing Jimmy, the game host of a children’s television show. The sense of horror in the character’s very existence is evident when we realize his grownup daughter is troubled by her belief that he abused her. The worst part is that the boozy Jimmy with his bleary memory can’t remember if this is true.  

The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

Matt Damon’s character becomes a serial killer due to his obsession with Jude Law’s character in this film, based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel of the same name. 

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Hall portrays Alvin MacCarron, a private detective, delivering a memorably serious performance of the very type of role he’d effectively satirized in ‘Seinfeld‘ while playing the doggedly persistent librarian.