Untitled from Grizzly Peak Films on Vimeo.

I’m not sure if I would say that Tim Thomerson is a national treasure, but for someone my age (39), who grew up with cheap, straight-to-cable movies that showed after hours on Cinemax and Showtime, before the era of Sharktopus and Mad Men, there were certain performers who, despite the schlock they were working on, elevated the material with their talent and professionalism.  And we saw them again and again, in b-movie after b-movie.  They worked cheap, they worked hard, and they were pretty damn good actors.

A little research reveals that the two I saw most often, working in ten or more films a year during the late 80’s and early 90’s, (not to mention EVERY TV show in the 80’s, from Dukes of Hazzard to Matlock) were actually partners in crime off the set.  As much as I saw Thomerson’s tough-guy, leading man stuff, I probably saw Brion James‘ signature bad-guy even more.  And it turns out they were cooks together in a tank company of the national guard.

James went on to become an icon for his performance as Leon in Blade Runner.  If he had never done anything else, he would always be remembered for that role.  But there is no doubt in my mind that what makes Leon so special is the extra quality that James brought to the part.  Without his artistry the richness of that portrayal would not exist.  James didn’t really become a “big time movie star” after that (certainly not like Harrison Ford), but he enjoyed a new level of respect as he continued in his usual modus operandi until his untimely death in 1999.

Thomerson has never had that “one role” for which he will forever be remembered, perhaps until now.  “Bring Me The Head of Lance Henriksen” is a mockumentary in the style of Spinal Tap that uses comedy to highlight the ageism that extremely talented performers like Thomerson now face as they move into their 60’s and 70’s.  The premise is that all those leading man roles are going to Lance Henriksen and Thomerson can’t get any work as a result.  The indie project now appears to be fully funded, and, based on the trailer, looks delightful.

As very young viewer, I was really drawn to these quirky, low budget movies, featuring Brion James, Tim Thomerson, and yes, even Lance Henriksen.  It is only now that I realize why – the craft and talent of intensely committed professionals.  I am looking forward to a film that celebrates their legacy.