You Talking to Him? Happy Birthday, Robert De Niro
Posted on August 17, 2023
by Eric P
Robert De Niro, 80 years old on August 17, has always been an actor’s actor, a serious craftsman who disappears into his roles. (Yes, even Analyze This.) (Yes, even Little Fockers.) (Yes, even We’re No Angels.) (Dirty Grandpa? I don’t know, probably, I haven’t seen them all, okay?) He’s one of those actors, like Meryl and Denzel, that other actors are eager to work with, to crash their skills into his and see what sparks.
So if you’re thinking of observing the occasion of De Niro’s newfound octogenarian-hood by watching a couple of his movies – maybe even one he didn’t make with frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese – one way to make your pick is be deciding who you want to see him acting opposite. Here’s some help.
Bang the Drum Slowly
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Vincent Gardenia, Danny Aiello, and that one prosecutor from Law and Order. Suggested meal pairing: peanuts and Cracker Jack.
Taxi Driver
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Cybill Shepherd and Jodie Foster. Suggested meal pairing: black coffee and apple pie with a slice of melted yellow cheese.
The Deer Hunter
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Christopher Walken. Caution: watching the two of them could lead you to a career as the world’s most obvious celebrity impressionist. You also get to see him acting with Meryl Streep and that one cop from Law and Order.
Raging Bull
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Cathy Moriarty and that one bartender from Cheers. Suggested meal pairing: steak.
Midnight Run
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, and that other cop from Law and Order. Suggested meal pairing: Lyonnaise potatoes.
GoodFellas
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, and that other other cop from Law and Order. Suggested meal pairing: sausage and peppers.
This Boy’s Life
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with future Scorsese muse Leonardo DiCaprio and one of the Spider-Men.
Heat
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Al Pacino and Val Kilmer. Suggested meal pairing: diner coffee.
Wag the Dog
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Dustin Hoffman, Kirsten Dunst, and that other bartender from Cheers.
The Irishman
If you want to see Robert De Niro acting with Joe Pesci. These guys have pretty good chemistry — they should do something else together sometime! You also get to see him acting with Harvey Keitel and with Everybody Loves Raymond. Suggested meal pairing: lard bread dipped in Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico.
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