Recently, with the passing of Emmet Walsh, the Stanton–Walsh rule articulated by critic Roger Ebert has resurfaced. Ebert correctly noted that any film featuring Harry Dean Stanton or Emmet Walsh in a supporting role cannot be bad.

https://img.inleo.io/DQmea1VZfFM9i76pdD1CnUKXxK1F3X2feKNTRnz8met1cqG/IMG_7719.webp

source

Returning from the enjoyable Bikeriders by the even more charming Jeff Nichols, one actor stood out among a rich cast (Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, Norman Reedus): Michael Shannon as the nosy biker Zipco. Shannon, who is somewhat of a muse for Nichols, has been collaborating with him since Nichols’ first film where Shannon played the lead. Shannon often plays villains, likely due to his menacing appearance. He has portrayed a sinister sheriff (Nocturnal Animals), a malevolent alien (Man of Steel), and an evil boss (The Shape of Water). However, Shannon has tremendous range, as demonstrated in another Nichols film, Take Shelter, where he played the lead. Following the success of Take Shelter, Shannon often found himself typecast in psychologically complex roles, which later evolved into villainous characters. Now, we are witnessing a third phase in Shannon’s career as a character actor, where he often plays quirky roles.

With the loss of the legendary character actors of Ebert's golden rule, I’ve been thinking about which two actors could carry this legacy forward. For me, Michael Shannon undoubtedly deserves a spot.
The other actor that comes to mind is another Michael: Michael Stuhlbarg

Stuhlbarg has also played supporting roles in many excellent films, most recently in two Guadagnino movies, where he transitioned from a wholesome father in Call Me by Your Name to a terrifying cannibal in Bones and All. Like Shannon, Stuhlbarg has proven he can carry a film on his own, as seen in the underrated A Serious Man by the Coen brothers. It’s no coincidence that both actors had significant roles in Scorsese’s HBO series Boardwalk Empire, a breeding ground for character actors.
I believe it’s time to establish the Shannon–Stuhlbarg rule because whenever these actors appear on screen, they bring a sense of reliability and integrity. I think Stanton and Walsh would be proud of their successors. Have you ever seen a bad movie featuring either Michael?

Posted Using InLeo Alpha