Re: The Character of Duncan

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Mohican WWWboard ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by MMMMarcia on July 29, 1999 at 19:20:21:

In Reply to: The Character of Duncan posted by Gayle on July 29, 1999 at 18:50:37:

Leave it to you, Gayle, to get a thread going on one of my favorite characters from the movie. I can't comment on the Duncan Heyward of the book, as I haven't read that one...yet...but Michael Mann's Duncan is portrayed beautifully by Steven Waddington, I believe.

There are those on this board who think Duncan a cad through and through, but I see him as a brave, though misguided, fellow, doing his best in a situation that is way beyond his ken. That's right...I saw it that way then, and I see it that way now. I truly believe Duncan was a man of honor and bravery, and that he loved Cora completely. Yes, he knowingly lied to Colonel Munro, but I think he weighed his options and believed he was acting in the best interests of the Crown.

But any man who would go to the stake for his ladylove (when he could have let the Hurons take Hawkeye, as per Hawkeye's own request) can't be all bad. He knew Cora loved Hawkeye, and he also knew there was no way they were all leaving there alive, so he gave his life for her best chance of survival.

As for Steven Waddington's portrayal, it was marvelous. A lot has been said on this board about Wes Studi's wonderful ability to convey great depth of feeling with a mere expression, and to be sure, he can. But let us not overlook that same ability on the part of Steven Waddington. You mention the canoes going over the waterfall...a perfect example. The look on his face as he approaches the fall registers shock, and then determination in rapid succession. But better still is the look of pleased surprise as his canoe lands & he realizes he has survived! Such brief moments that say so much.

Two other examples that come to mind: the look of disgust and contempt when he lets General Webb know without too many words just what he thinks of negotiating with the Colonials; and the look of disbelief and utter dejection when Cora tells him her final answer must be no.

I would really like to see him in another good role, and if anyone has info on anything he's involved with currently, I'd love to hear about it.

MMMMarcia

Follow Ups:

Re: The Character of Duncan Sarah M. 20:22:08 7/29/99 (3)
- Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 20:37:43 7/29/99 (2)
  - Re: The Character of Duncan MMMMarcia 22:06:59 7/29/99 (0)
  - Re: The Character of Duncan Vita aka Olde TC 21:19:54 7/29/99 (0)
Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 20:18:08 7/29/99 (14)
- Re: The Character of Duncan MMMMarcia 22:20:40 7/29/99 (13)
  - Re: The Character of Duncan Pat 15:23:27 7/30/99 (12)
    - Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 17:46:42 7/30/99 (11)
      - Re: The Character of Duncan Kate 19:57:09 7/30/99 (10)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 20:55:55 7/30/99 (2)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Kate 13:46:13 8/01/99 (1)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 14:50:52 8/01/99 (0)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan MMMMarcia 20:08:18 7/30/99 (6)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Rich 03:22:12 7/31/99 (1)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 15:47:37 7/31/99 (0)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Jess 20:38:51 7/30/99 (3)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 21:04:03 7/30/99 (2)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Jess 21:29:38 7/31/99 (1)
        
        Re: The Character of Duncan Gayle 08:32:47 8/01/99 (0)

Post a Followup

Name :
E-Mail :
Subject :

Comments:
: Leave it to you, Gayle, to get a thread going on one of my favorite characters from the movie. I can't comment on the Duncan Heyward of the book, as I haven't read that one...yet...but Michael Mann's Duncan is portrayed beautifully by Steven Waddington, I believe.

: There are those on this board who think Duncan a cad through and through, but I see him as a brave, though misguided, fellow, doing his best in a situation that is way beyond his ken. That's right...I saw it that way then, and I see it that way now. I truly believe Duncan was a man of honor and bravery, and that he loved Cora completely. Yes, he knowingly lied to Colonel Munro, but I think he weighed his options and believed he was acting in the best interests of the Crown.

: But any man who would go to the stake for his ladylove (when he could have let the Hurons take Hawkeye, as per Hawkeye's own request) can't be all bad. He knew Cora loved Hawkeye, and he also knew there was no way they were all leaving there alive, so he gave his life for her best chance of survival.

: As for Steven Waddington's portrayal, it was marvelous. A lot has been said on this board about Wes Studi's wonderful ability to convey great depth of feeling with a mere expression, and to be sure, he can. But let us not overlook that same ability on the part of Steven Waddington. You mention the canoes going over the waterfall...a perfect example. The look on his face as he approaches the fall registers shock, and then determination in rapid succession. But better still is the look of pleased surprise as his canoe lands & he realizes he has survived! Such brief moments that say so much.

: Two other examples that come to mind: the look of disgust and contempt when he lets General Webb know without too many words just what he thinks of negotiating with the Colonials; and the look of disbelief and utter dejection when Cora tells him her final answer must be no.

: I would really like to see him in another good role, and if anyone has info on anything he's involved with currently, I'd love to hear about it.

: MMMMarcia

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Mohican WWWboard ] [ FAQ ]