De Niro: Psychotic and Scary
De Niro’s take on the character was far more psychotic and dangerous than the version played by Robert Mitchum in the original 1962 film.
His chiseled physique and ground teeth made him look like a character is a horror flick. De Niro’s Cady was weirdly mesmerizing with reverend-like delivery of each line and southern drawl.
De Niro went the extra mile in preparation for his role in the 1991 thriller by adopting a workout regiment and diet that reduced his body fat to the single digits. His ultra-muscled body was crucial to emphasize his physical stature, as Nick Nolte was noticeably taller than him
He also made suggestions for his character’s multiple tattoos, and spoke with the native of North Carolina to ensure his southern dialect was right.
His first scene with Juliette Lewis scared her so much, that she repeatedly forgot her lines.
Always reliable in a Scorsese picture, De Niro’s interpretation of Max Cady is easily one of the best in the filmmaker’s career.
Oscar Nominations: 2
Actor: Robert De Niro
Supporting Actress: Juliette Lewis
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context: Year of Psychotics
The winner of the Best Actor Oscar was Anthony Hopkins for The Silence of the Lambs, which also won Best Picture.
Mercedes Ruehl won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for a passable work in The Fisher King.
Cast
Robert De Niro as Max Cady
Nick Nolte as Sam Bowden
Jessica Lange as Leigh Bowden
Juliette Lewis as Danielle Bowden
Joe Don Baker as Claude Kersek
Robert Mitchum as Lieutenant Elgart
Gregory Peck as Lee Heller
Illeana Douglas as Lori Davis
