James Mason was one of the finest actors of his generation. He could play chilling villains, decent and gentle heroes, and complex and intriguing characters. His brooding and intense expressions coupled with that voice of his made him quite the screen presence indeed.
I would like to share my three favourite screen performances from James Mason. The films are all excellent too, and I recommend them all to anyone who hasn’t seen them before. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and Pandora And The Flying Dutchman are two of my favourite films of all time.
Pandora And The Flying Dutchman(1951)
In this haunting and poetic love story, James plays Hendrick van der Zee, a cursed man who is doomed to live in the world for all eternity. He must live onboard the vessel known as the Flying Dutchman. He can break free of his curse, but only if he finds a woman who loves him so much that she will willingly die for him.
James is terrific in this role. He conveys the tenderness and longing his character feels for the woman he loves, and also the fear of getting too close to her, as he doesn’t want her to die if she is the woman who could break his curse. He also convinces in the scene where we see the moment of jealousy and madness that led him to be cursed in the first place.
James has this otherworldly air about him in this, and this aura really helps us buy into him being a man who has walked the earth for centuries. He and Ava Gardner manage to convince us that their characters souls are calling out to one another.
The monologue James delivers during the flashback sequence is truly a performance for the ages. This is a film that I return to again, and again, and again. James Mason’s performance plays a major part in my love for this one.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)
This was the first film that I ever saw James Mason in. Every single time I watch this film, I am always struck most by how complex and intriguing James managed to make Captain Nemo.
At times James makes Nemo frightening and intense. At other moments he allows us to see this man’s inner torment and hopes, and we really sympathise with him and admire him .
I have never seen any other actor play this character quite like James Mason did. James really managed to capture the varied facets of Nemo’s tormented soul. It is a remarkable performance, and it is one that is still highly fascinating and powerful when viewed today. The film is cracking too!
Bigger Than Life (1956)
James plays Ed Avery, a middle aged teacher who becomes addicted to some prescribed medication. His entire personality changes due to the effects of the drug. He goes from being a loving, warm and gentle husband and father, to becoming a tyrannical brute. His family become afraid of him and he won’t listen to the advice from anyone around him.
If you want to see what a good actor James Mason was, then this film is one that you should check out. His performance here really is extraordinary. At times he makes us despise Ed for his actions brought on by the medication, and yet at other times he makes our hearts break with his plight.
James does a terrific job of conveying Ed’s pain, fear and uncontrollable behaviour to us. It’s one of his best screen performances as far as I’m concerned. I never get tired of watching this film and enjoying James Mason’s magnificent performance in it.
What do you think of James Mason’s performances in these films? What are your favourite performances from him?
Never seen “Pandora” but it’s on my list. Agree on “Leagues” and “Bigger Than Life”. Also “Odd Man Out”, “Journey To The Center Of The Earth”, “Lolita”, “Lord Jim”, “A Star Is Born”, “North By Northwest”…..my brother-in-law met him once and said he was a very nice fellow. Cheers, Mark “Five Fingers”, “Salem’s Lot”, “The Verdict”…
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Pandora is such a unique film, it is like entering a dream when you watch it. He was terrific in so many films. Glad to hear that he was nice in real life. 🙂
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Like you, my introduction to James Mason was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Such an intriguing character and actor. That distinct voice was indelibly etched in my mind.
He chose and played such a variety of interesting characters in his long career. I would like to give a tip of the hat to his charming Dr. Watson in Murder by Decree. He surprised me with that one.
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His performance as Nemo is unforgettable.
Oh yes!He was wonderful as Watson. I actually would have liked to have seen him and Christopher Plummer reprise those roles again.
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Pandora and the Flying Dutchman sounds incredible! I will have to watch that. Thank you for sharing these lovely recommendations.
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It is a beautiful and unique film. I hope you enjoy it.
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You know, I think “20,000 Leagues” was the first James Mason movie I ever saw, too. I remember thinking Captain Nemo had an amazing voice. (Duh!)
I’ve yet to see “The Flying Dutchman”, but I agree re: his performance in “Bigger than Life”. He is SO GOOD in that film that it’s hard to watch.
I’ve been trying to think of a so-so performance Mason has given, and I can’t think of one. He is superb every. single. time.
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I also cannot think of a film where he wasn’t superb. Truly one of the greats. His voice is awesome.
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20,000 Leagues Under The Sea awesome, you know what you make me so want to watch it again. Meant to be raining tomorrow! Be apt to delve into the sea with James Nemo Mason.
Sure I’ve seen Bigger Than Life in my youth but can’t remember it, I need to see it again and I don’t know Pandora And The Flying Dutchman(1951). I’m not doing very well on the Mason movies!!! Time to make amends.
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It sure is! Hope you enjoyed your deep dive if you ended up checking this one out again. Enjoy your James Mason film discoveries.
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So sorry to read that you are unwell, Maddy. I am sending my best wishes for a rapid return to feeling much better.
As ever, Pete. x
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Thanks so much, Pete. Hope all is good with you and yours.
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My three:
1) A Star is Born
2) Odd Man Out
2) North by Northwest
Bigger Than Life is now on my “watch list.”
Get well soon!
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