Nathan Keepers: Pay Attention

Every once in a while, an actor comes along, who not only defines his generation, but surpasses it in timelessness. That actor is Brian Atene. Seen here, in his audition tape for Stanley Kubrick for Kubrick's upcoming Full Metal Jacket, Atene somehow manages to funnel all races and experiences into S.E. Hinton's Johnny Cade from The Outsiders. It is a bonus treat that Atene allows us to compare his singular performance with that of Ralph Maccio, who comes off as a total hack. I mean, Maccio's so natural and nuanced! Where's the Drama, the feeling, the yelling? Where are you Brian Atene? The Fannings and Lipnickis of the world need your mighty actorly hand to guide them!