M. Emmet "Everyman" Walsh
M. Emmet Walsh embodies the "everyman" spirit in a movie; he gives you a character you can hang your hat onto. Can't quite identify with the star? No problem, insert yourself into the story through Mr. Walsh, and you'll do just fine. He's also great at cracking wise at the expense of the marquis star, and smartasses always have a special place in our hearts here at TNMC HQ.
From his unforgettable police captain in "Blade Runner" to his maniacal killer in "The Jerk" to his sleazy private eye in "Blood Simple" to his homespun factory worker in "Raising Arizona", you can always sense a connection, a kindredness of spirit that brings the movie home to you, in Walsh's characters. Add in his pivotal roles in "Slapshot", "Pope of Greenwich Village", "Back to School" (as the coach), and "A Time To Kill" (as the sleazy defense psychologist), and his quick hitter cameo spots in "Escape From the Planet of the Apes" and "Serpico", and you have got one major Hall-of-Fame carreer.
Of course, that means we must forgive his transgessions ("What's Up Doc", "Fletch", and the abysmal "Wild Wild West"), but what the heck, nobody's perfect. M. Emmet Walsh, the Thursday Night Movie Club salutes you!
"C'mon don't be an asshole Deckard. I've got four skin jobs walking the streets."
