Bob Hoskins died suddenly on April 29 and I can hardly believe it. He was one of the cinema greats and he made it look so easy. I discovered him in The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne and I fell in love with him right away, even though it was Maggie Smith's movie. Nonetheless, in a rather thankless role as the duplicitous landlady's brother, Mr. Hoskins still shone and delivered a wonderful performance, imbuing his character with humanity even though we should despise him. Through his great effortless art, we almost understood James Madden, after all, he wants to be happy too and it might be for him, his last chance too. How he goes about it is wrong, of course, but as a true artist, Mr. Hoskins couldn't help but touch us deeply in everything he did, no matter how small, insignificant or brief . Rest in peace Bob, we shall miss you.
