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Oliver Reed's last performance was, in my view, one of his most significant. More than a cameo - not quite a full supporting role - but enough screen time to contribute something genuinely important to a modern classic.
It's easy to be over-sentimental about Olly, easy to laugh too quickly (in an affectionate way) at what was at times a tragically drink-sodden existence. But - as well as the darker times that must have made life for those around him truly hellish - Oliver Reed was undoubtedly one of the precious few big screen actors with genuine star quality and charisma.
His slow, powerful delivery of his lines - at times booming, at times a compelling, steely whisper - that magnetic gaze; and his sheer barrel-chested physical presence made this bit of casting spot on. Ridley Scott did us all a huge favour by including Oliver and Richard Harris in this epic.
Oliver, from what I've read, was often highly critical of his own work looking back down the years. In this movie the role of the deeply proud, ageing iron man and former champion of the arena was made for him. And he didn't let us down. Thanks to technology - even dying before the film's end couldn't ruin a winning performance.
I named my youngest son Oliver - largely in tribute to Mr Reed (though my wife has a slightly different take on things!). He was a man who was unremittingly larger than life. You only live this life once and - rightly or wrongly - the way Oliver Reed went about business meant that he most certainly LIVED his. I hope all four of my children apply that philosophy to their lives too - albeit a slightly healthier version!
A flawed man. A great man. And this, I suspect, was a performance he would have been rightly very pleased with. There probably won't be anyone reading this on your excellent website who hasn't seen this movie. I'd simply urge them to set aside an evening and a good bottle of wine to do the same again soon.
Every career has a full-stop. Thank God that there was enough ink left in the pen for Oliver Reed to end his final chapter with something that he and all of his fans could be proud of. I certainly am.
He gave a lot of pleasure to a great many people.
Rest in well-earned peace Oliver Reed.
Alan Rook, Herne Bay, Kent, England.
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