(via chicksandbikes)

Michael Madsen from the filming of “Hell Ride.*”

I actually have this picture framed in my living room, hanging on my wall amongst the other dozen other tough guy film-related photos and posters. Admittedly, his film work is spotty, (and he himself has stated he’s done more than a few flicks purely for a paycheck or a favor for a friend) but he also has turned in more than a few very good performances. Donnie Brasco, Free Willy (yes, I’m serious), Thelma & Louise, Kill Bill 1&2, all showcased different facets of his acting.

It was Reservoir Dogs, though, that introduced him to the cinematic world as a legitimate on-screen sociopath. He was the coolest, meanest, smoothest, most dangerously psychotic killer in a film overflowing with criminal machismo. He made an indelible impression on pop culture, and despite other fine performances, may unfortunately never truly leave that particular performance behind.

While a more than competent actor, I’m actually a big fan of his writing**. He has a surprisingly adept hand for writing poetry.

True, he would not be confused with Maya Angelou, but he certainly shares has strong kinship with writers who walk along the Bukowski line. I have all three of his books, and they’re each well worth tracking down if you’re the least bit curious - “The Blessing of the Hounds” being my personal favorite - particularly if you, like me, grew up idolizing genuine silver screen tough guys from a bygone era.

His writing has an honesty you rarely see, and it seldom shows him in a positive light, but that also makes him all the more relatable.

And that, I think, coming from a guy whose best known for dancing to Steeler’s Wheel while using a straight-razor to lop off a cop’s ear after a botched diamond heist, is pretty awesome.

*”Hell Ride” is a bit self indulgent and meanders too much for my taste, but it also has a few decent performances - namely Madsen and Dennis Hopper; worth checking out for the interesting bikes if nothing else.

**Full disclosure* Burning in Paradise, Madsen’s first book, was a very big influence on my first collection ( www.bloodyknucklesbrokenheart.com ) so I may be am a bit biased.