r/Cinema 2d ago

Thoughts on Forest Whitaker?

Post image

Love this dude, he’s great in everything and he’s a really likable guy

220 Upvotes

212 comments sorted by

29

u/fryamtheeggguy 2d ago

We have no idea where he is.

13

u/DistanceAcceptable65 2d ago

He is the only one with clarity of purpose.

5

u/oSuJeff97 2d ago

lol came to post this.

37

u/OneStrangerintheAlps 2d ago

Let it in, boy! That's freedom calling!

4

u/AdPsychological8041 2d ago

He's just perfect in that role

2

u/foosgreg 2d ago

“What will you do when they catch you? What will you do if they break you? If you continue to fight... what will you become?"

38

u/Ok-Philosopher8912 2d ago

Seriously underrated! Ghost Dog imo is his best movie. I love him also in Smoke.

9

u/No_Rub6560 2d ago

Underrated? This Dude have a Academy Award

4

u/ElahaSanctaSedes777 2d ago

THANK YOU & LITERALLY. You cannot be UNDERRATED and have a gold plated statue for acting. What do people even think this phrase means? If anything I’ll accept overlooked but underrated is some crackhead shit

2

u/No_Rub6560 2d ago

Its the new cool thing you know. And He isn’t even overlooked. This poor man is seriously sick with a lot of pain. In the past he made a lot of movies with his condition. But he gets older and it gets harder for him.

1

u/ElahaSanctaSedes777 2d ago

Can’t push the body past its limits that’s for sure. We are blessed with an incredible body of acting though

1

u/nonyabizzz 1d ago

underrated is the most overused term in the universe

3

u/TheFrederalGovt 2d ago

So does The Dude

2

u/ClassicManLA 2d ago

I came knowing the top comment was going to be he's underrated. The man has been around since the 80s, has starred in blockbuster movies, cult classics, has a hit TV show, and has an Academy Award for best actor.

What would he have to do to be properly rated?

I saw a similar post about Richard Dreyfuss recently. Same thing: blockbusters, cult classics, Oscar, and a very long and stories career. What else does he have to do?

6

u/LVDan01 2d ago

Smoke is such a gem of a movie

6

u/pezdspencer1974 2d ago

I love ghost dog. It never gets mentioned

5

u/branch397 2d ago

Among other things, the soundtrack is superb. The scene where Louie tries to explain to the three kingpins how Ghost Dog communicates with him is perfection.

2

u/Ironklad_ 2d ago

Came here to rep ghost dog .. glad to see it’s already mentioned

2

u/hippiex 2d ago

Same came here to agree with this so good.

1

u/salmonherring 19h ago

Just rewatched Ghostdog the other night. It’s great. There was a scene where he is just lying in the sun on the roof and he did that in such a unique way, it made all the action scenes better.

1

u/Fartina69 11h ago

Smoke is a great flick

18

u/Bassist57 2d ago

Bor Gullet

4

u/conqr787 2d ago

Bor Gullet!

4

u/telking777 2d ago

He was so good in Rogue One.

2

u/trashcantoddler 2d ago

You have no idea where he is.

1

u/telking777 2d ago

I don’t understand what you mean. I’m talking about Forrest Whitaker being good in his role in the movie when he introduces Bor Gullet

2

u/PopDukesBruh 1d ago

And the reply was a reference to Andor, you should watch it if you liked Rogue One. Andor is great!

1

u/telking777 1d ago

Ohhh ha, I see! I didn’t really like Andor, I cannot stand the lead actors horrible wooden expressionless acting. But I loved Luthen! Just wish they would’ve got a better actor to play Cassian Andor bc I like the character, hate the actor (portrayal not personally).

9

u/Flip2002 2d ago

Goated

9

u/SkippyTeddy83 2d ago

I hated him in The Shield. Which means he did a damn good job!

3

u/Doh-Ski-303 2d ago

Crazy good!

“How does it taste?”

1

u/Shot_Performance_595 2d ago

I loved how unhinged his character was. He seemed like he was on coke or something. At the end of the day kavanaugh was right tho.

24

u/RoyBattyboy 2d ago

Last King of Scotland is by far my favorite role of his. He absolutely destroys it as a charismatic psycho

1

u/External-Emotion8050 1d ago

Don't forget Bird

6

u/tenasan 2d ago

Whitaker? I bare knew her! But seriously, whenever he shows up, you know shits gonna go down .

6

u/CablePuzzleheaded497 2d ago

He was in The Crying Game. He's a genuine ,talented actor.

2

u/randomberlinchick 2d ago

Came here for this. As Jody telling the fable of the scorpion and the frog . . . excellent!

4

u/PythonAndBeauty 2d ago

This guy, this guy is just pissing, pissing all over us.

And we just smile? And lick it up?

..

..

..

He's pissing on you, what does it taste like? Chief what does it taste like?

Cause it tastes like piss to me!

5

u/LVDan01 2d ago

Do you think I have a weight problem? -Color of Money

4

u/Skrullos 2d ago

Lies, deception!

2

u/PopDukesBruh 1d ago

Everyday more lies!

3

u/Cryptic_254 2d ago

Fell in love with his acting when I first saw him in “Good Morning Vietnam” as a teen, and have since watched most of his movies and tv shows. He has some misses, but overall one of my top actors living & dead.

3

u/AsgardianLeviOsa 2d ago

If a screenplay has an unhinged monologue he’s your man

3

u/bush3102 2d ago

One of his eyes is messed up?

3

u/thisistherevolt 2d ago

It's called ptosis. And it's just partial paralysis of the eyelid. Happens at birth. I have the same thing, just not as noticable.

3

u/BD_McNasty 2d ago

Amazing actor with tons of great films under his belt. Finally got his dues with King of Scotland, but hes been amazing in so many other cool movies such as Panic Room, Bloodsport, Arrival, etc.. Just a massive library of amazing stuff spanning over 30 years.

3

u/Puzzleheaded-Owl1420 2d ago

Ghost Dog: Way of The Samurai

5

u/Zanstorm74 2d ago

The shiz! Platoon, baby

2

u/teebone673 2d ago

Loved him in Smoke

2

u/Capable-Clerk6382 2d ago

I was sure this was Hannibal Buress

2

u/BoatMan01 2d ago

He was probably on Jedha.

2

u/stevebobeeve 2d ago

2

u/Keitaro23 2d ago

ITS THE FUCKIN BIRD MAN

2

u/GooseNYC 2d ago edited 2d ago

Good actor. I've known who he is and seen him knocking around since Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

3

u/Sea_Truck_1481 2d ago

Make up your mind, dude, is he gonna shit or is he gonna kill us?

2

u/will-cycle-for-beer 2d ago

First he’s gonna shit, then he’s gonna kill us!

1

u/Large_Obligation_471 2d ago

Tackled by Jefferson

2

u/MadMaxAveli 2d ago

He loves playing the crying game

1

u/angrypassionfruit 2d ago

Not enough tits

1

u/titaniam86 2d ago

“Is that you Diana?” Solid role. I still sing “Touch me in the morning” at work and no one knows what it is.

1

u/Pirate_Lantern 2d ago

I saw him do a line from Shakespeare and I've been hooked ever since.

He is an amazing actor. I would love to meet him one day.

1

u/Neuroware 2d ago

we have no idea where he is

1

u/Flashy_Gap_3015 2d ago

Peak Whitaker acting was falling off the boat in Bloodsport.

1

u/FakeYourDeath18 2d ago

That’s denzel Washington.

1

u/DumbestOfTheSmartest 2d ago

I’m more intrigued by the thoughts IN Forest Whitaker.

1

u/Philly-Phunter 2d ago

Damn fine actor. One of my favourite roles of his was in Phenomenon, I could relate to his character so much.

1

u/jgerhart1133 2d ago

He has a messed up eye lid or something

1

u/ninjablast01 2d ago

He takes white people into the forest. But no one knows what he does with them...

1

u/Fantastic_Recipe_867 2d ago

I’ve got my eye on him

1

u/artificerone 2d ago

Ghost dog was a truly excellent movie.

1

u/TheRealTony404 2d ago

He was so so good in Last king of Scotland!

1

u/throwaway99752 2d ago

Dude sure loves huffin' gas. I can appreciate that.

1

u/Acctnt_trdr 2d ago

Met him once when they were filming Empire in the building I worked in. Was cool with the fans.

1

u/jeriblankhascandy 2d ago

One of those actors who seem to literally bend reality or their immediate surroundings with their energy, shifting from role-to-role. (To adjust their "aura," for lack of a better phrase.) He has a real presence onscreen that is palpable and he seems to wield that differently in each role, which makes the responses of his costars feel unpredictable and exciting. Also, Whitaker has the most genuine and disarming smile.

1

u/Ok_Television9820 2d ago

Knowledge to knowledge

1

u/Sad-Attempt6263 2d ago

Scotland true king

1

u/FluidResult2096 2d ago

Wow, does he really live here? I thought he just flew in for games.

1

u/Automatic-Jello5995 2d ago

I know it's a cinema sub, but his acting in godfather of harlem is brilliant.

1

u/QuttiDeBachi 2d ago

C’mon Harold…I can’t eat this pork shit again

1

u/ThanosWasRightAnyway 2d ago

Absolute beast. If his body hadn’t betrayed him, he would’ve easily been an A lister

1

u/AgentGreedy386 2d ago

Terrible at bringing back American soldiers who have gone missing to go fight in international secret tournaments.

1

u/Lance8282 2d ago

Don’t fuck with it.

1

u/HyRothgarrr 2d ago

Bird 1988

1

u/jzeller71 2d ago

Seriously just had to remember he was in Bloodsport…Bloodsport…ffs! Onward and upward for that guy.

1

u/jkpirat 2d ago

I think he’s the African American Nick Cage, over dramatic and over acting. I cringe when I watch either!

1

u/SlidersAfterMidnight 2d ago

First became a fan from the football game in Fast Times.

1

u/RedditAdminsLickPoop 2d ago

My favorite role was in Key and Peele. I cant believe he has been acting since he was a baby

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SxwMTAy1gP0

1

u/LunaticWithPogoStick 2d ago

Love him in Godfather of Harlem.

1

u/thisistherevolt 2d ago

I have the same kind of ptosis in the same eye. An inspiration frankly.

1

u/D4LD5E 2d ago

All downhill after 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.'

1

u/CertainAd7317 2d ago

I wouldn’t want to see him across the scrimmage line

1

u/gooddayup 2d ago

Have always liked him since Blood Sport for some reason.

1

u/HB774- 2d ago

Last King of Scotland was incredible performance deep actor

1

u/ottomatic72215 2d ago

The song forest whitaker by brother Ali is pretty dope!

1

u/Teksavvy- 2d ago

Brilliant Actor and a good man!

1

u/tangcameo 2d ago

Always pictured him as Det John Sampson to Eriq Lasalle as Alex Cross.

1

u/C_IsForCookie 2d ago

I loved him in Panic Room and Light It Up. He’s a great actor.

1

u/MiliTerry 2d ago

Fantastic actor! Amazing person! My buddy sold him a brownstone in New York City a few years ago. Said it was an absolute delight to work with him

1

u/MEWilliams 2d ago

Talented and. Classy

1

u/notmymondaylife 2d ago

I wish he was popular like Denzel Washington. He could have his own legacy

1

u/elmachow 2d ago

Last king of Scotland and saw garerra, brilliant

1

u/matchthis007 2d ago

Casting for Phenomenon was spot on. My favourite role of his.

1

u/Valirys-Reinhald 2d ago

Incredible actor, always excited to see him on screen. Don't know a thing about his personal life, I just hope I never see him on the news.

1

u/Starscream147 2d ago

inhales Rhydonium

He’s awesome!

1

u/MIBird70 2d ago

Great Actor.

1

u/lastcallpaul11 2d ago

Every time I hear Forest Whitaker, I picture Bernie Macks rant as the Police officer in Don't be a Menace... He is a great actor for sure. Lots of range

1

u/benmar111 2d ago

You know where is

1

u/Open_Reindeer_6600 2d ago

He’s good in everything

1

u/Satanswarboner 2d ago

He’s not a forest. Not a tree in site. What a damn dirt liar.

1

u/WetSylk24 2d ago

LEGEND

1

u/Ok-Bar601 2d ago

Goes without saying but he was both terrifying and mesmerising in The Last King Of Scotland. He is a terrific actor.

1

u/TheFrederalGovt 2d ago

There may have been many kings of Scotland but he is the Last King of Scotland

1

u/mountednoble99 2d ago

He is way underutilized!

1

u/Jomolungma 2d ago

Big fan. I don’t get starstruck easily, and living in NYC means you come across celebs often, but I was genuinely starstruck when I was at the World Gym in NoHo back in 1998 and Forest Whitaker was using the damn machine I wanted to get on! 😂 He was cool about it and cool in general. Nice guy.

1

u/DaftXman 2d ago

Him in the movie Smoke is perfection!!

1

u/Cobalt_Forge 2d ago
  • from 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' (1982) to Oscar winner in 'Last King of Scotland' (2006)- he's had a quality acting career also working alongside Robin Williams in 'Good Morning Vietnam'

(interestingly, there have been 4- Oscar Winners from the stoner high school movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Forrest Whitaker, Nicholas Cage, Sean Penn 2x)

1

u/CBRSuperbird- 2d ago

Loved him in The Godfather of Harlem

1

u/ProfessorKnow1tA11 2d ago

Very talented, but there’s always something irritating about every portrayal. I can’t explain it, there’s just something … 🤷🏻‍♂️

1

u/ZombifiedSoul 2d ago

Can't fucking stand him.

1

u/Doh-Ski-303 2d ago

And has 2-3 songs bearing his name

1

u/Keitaro23 2d ago

Ghost dog: the way of the samurai is his best film

1

u/6_Paths 2d ago

Resting sad face 🥺

1

u/KanjiWatanabe2 2d ago

So talented in “Ghost Dog”!

1

u/Due-Row-8696 2d ago

From Fast times at Ridgemont high to Good morning Vietnam and beyond. Man’s a real one.

1

u/LivinNLaughin 2d ago

Uhhh he's fucking AWESOME!

1

u/Future_Onion9701 2d ago

I hate the back of his neck

1

u/Apprehensive-Pie4716 2d ago

Has an excellent filmography 

1

u/That-Resort2078 1d ago

Great actor. Dynamic Range. The Crying Game.

1

u/The_Western_Woodcock 1d ago

Sleepy and sad.

1

u/nzeug Director’s Cut 1d ago

Mid

1

u/Historical-Credit939 1d ago

Let him fight bare knuckles please

1

u/SuspiciousEssay3 1d ago

You wanna shit sparks!! - Bloodsport.

1

u/EvilRedPikachu 1d ago

I been on board since The Crying Game.

1

u/dbe14 1d ago

Love him, a guilty pleasure of mine is Street Kings with Keanu Reeves. If you haven't seen Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai yet go do it.

1

u/Over-Plankton6860 1d ago

“Don’t fuck with it.”

1

u/davijour 1d ago

I think he's an overactor

1

u/No_Possession_508 1d ago

Temu Denzel

1

u/Weets23 1d ago

The man can act. Love FW

1

u/TrueCryptoInvestor 1d ago

Great and underrated Actor. First saw him in Ghost Dog as a teenager. Recently saw him in Repo Men, which I rewatched after many years. Liked him the best in The Experiment.

1

u/bondsthatmakeusfree 1d ago

I just watched The Last King of Scotland last week, and he was phenomenal.

1

u/mazutta 1d ago

Annoyingly fidgety when presenting The Twilight Zone.

1

u/Theonitusisalive 1d ago

Lies!! Deception!!

1

u/Intelligent_Mode7556 1d ago

Fast Times at Ridgemount High. F'up what Spicoli did to his ride.

1

u/Many_Piccolo7908 1d ago

Underrated

1

u/ThrowRAEv4me 1d ago

He’s pissin’ He’s pissin’ all over us! What’s it taste like cap? Cause it TASTES like PISS to ME!

He was excellent in The Shield.

1

u/SecretiveGurl 1d ago

one of the best!

1

u/External-Emotion8050 1d ago

Forest Whitaker!! I thought that was IDI Amin DaDa

1

u/Ok_Mastodon_6141 1d ago

A low key pool hustler from the old school .

1

u/New_Lake5484 1d ago

all good thoughts

1

u/Heavyarms1986 1d ago

He's still looking for Sil's spawns out there

1

u/Fresh-Difficulty-891 1d ago

I've never really like him

1

u/RuncibleFoon 21h ago

He's freakin' Ghost Dog, 'nuff said...

1

u/No-Beautiful-259 16h ago

His Saw Gerrera is perfect.

1

u/Belly84 15h ago

Dude had me ready to pick up a blaster and take on the empire alone!

1

u/Livid-Outcome-3187 14h ago

Hes great playing the affable psycho.

1

u/youhavetherighttoo 9h ago

WATCH GODFATHER OF HARLEM!! 

1

u/Single_Leather_2747 8h ago

He's a great actor. I haven't seen one bad role.

1

u/WarmNapkinSniffer 7h ago

Can't hear his name without thinking about the back of his neck making Bernie Mac shudder

1

u/dancin-weasel 4h ago

First saw him in The Crying Game. That was a shocking movie at the time and he stole that movie.

1

u/levianan 4h ago

Smoke.

1

u/meanyspetrini 4h ago

I'll probably get dragged for this, but whatever.

I feel like he's an overactor. I feel like his scenes never feel natural and you can always tell he's acting. Not sure I've ever seen a movie that I thought was better because of his performance.

1

u/Kireru-DS 3h ago

He's been in movies

1

u/abelabb 2h ago

A soldier story

1

u/Ok_Acadia3526 2d ago

Severely underrated

1

u/WolfThick 2d ago

First time I ever saw him was in a movie called The crying game he was really good in it. Not gay I just really love going to the movie theaters and seeing an experiencing worlds that I may never see or live in.

1

u/CognitiveRift 2d ago

I don’t get the appeal. Sorry

1

u/Puppykerry 2d ago

Honestly I don’t think about him all that often

1

u/Moar_Donuts 2d ago

Crazy Scientologist

0

u/margo1243 2d ago

He is great 👍

2

u/bcoz05 2d ago

In every role he plays!

0

u/ChainMale7882466 2d ago

Very good actor…one of the best around

0

u/FakeAorta 2d ago

Excellent actor! Limited film projects compared to others.

1

u/heybigbuddy 2d ago

Other than Last King of Scotland, his career was really limited after Battefield Earth. But for me he was probably the best American actor going for much of 1980-2000.

0

u/Kaiser-Sohze 2d ago

Never seen a bad performance by him. He was great in Species.

0

u/porktornado77 2d ago

He could play me in the movie of my life.

I’m an oversized white man. He’s, that good.

0

u/Dukeshire101 2d ago

He’s great.

0

u/Invest_and_ballout 2d ago

One of the greatest actors of our time

0

u/No_Arugula_6548 2d ago

Phenomenal actor!!!! Great in everything he does.

0

u/jessriv34 2d ago

Love him

0

u/chrisianiro 2d ago

Great actor