Issue date: 12/4/09 Section: Opinions

I think it is natural for people to identify with certain actors. We all have that actor or actress that, for whatever reason, regardless of how horrendous the film they appear in may be, we will always watch it.

Maybe it has something to do with that dream in all of us to see our name in bright lights; maybe we simply see something in that actor we see in ourselves.

For one reason or another, though, we all find one person that we will always watch.

For me, that man is Christian Slater.

Oh, laugh if you want. Mock me; my family does all the time. But the fact remains that I have always loved the cinematic works of Slater.

Way back in the '80s when John Cusack was everyone's lovable underdog and Rob Lowe was the popular jerk everyone loved to hate, Slater stood tall (as tall as anyone who is 5' 8" can stand) as the best eyebrow-cocking smart-aleck around.

Perhaps I am a big fan because he is only an inch taller than me; it could also be that I am also known for being quite the smart-mouth.

But let's run down the man's credentials, shall we?

In "Pump Up The Volume," Slater starred as an angst-ridden teen, transplanted from New Jersey to the suburbs of Arizona where he begins an underground pirate radio station that earns the admiration of his peers and the ire of adults who "just don't get it."

That's pure gold, people. Way before YouTube made it easy for any Joe Schmoe to get his name out there, Slater was swearing and making fart jokes on the radio. And who doesn't want to be the secret hero, hiding behind the true identity, voicing all the anger of your generation.

That's Slater, being a trendsetter.

Then there was "True Romance," which is just a plain, old overlooked classic. Slater plays the hero, stuck in a small town trying to outwit drug dealers and shady characters all the while just trying to make it out with the girl in hand.

There's Slater playing the reluctant hero.

Then you've got the under-rated roles in "Kuffs" where he takes over the neighborhood policing duties of his departed older brother; he was Will Scarlet, Kevin Costner's younger brother in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves"; and an armored car driver going toe-to-toe against Morgan Freeman in "Hard Rain," which, in all honesty was an awful film. But you've got to give that one a break because, after all, it stars Morgan Freeman.

That's old Slater, being the supporting player and starring tough guy.

But time and time again, Slater has proven that, even if your efforts fail and you run into off-screen personal troubles, you can still survive with just a raised eyebrow and a sarcastic grin.

Whatever the reason, we all have that one person that gives us a silly emotional boost. As people, we get a certain satisfaction from films. Everybody needs a release at the end of a tough day. Some play sports, some meditate; personally, I can always relax with a good movie.

And as finals draw closer, we all truly need a way to relieve stress. And my suggestion is that you go rent a Christian Slater film and thank me later.

David Thill is a senior journalism major and can be reached at 581-7942 or DENopinions@gmail.com

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