10 Great Directors Who Acted In Other Peoples' Movies
4. Barry Levinson - High Anxiety
He's dabbled in performing over the years, but Barry Levinson's reputation as a director of diverse and powerful subject matter is what'll go on his headstone. Diner, Good Morning Vietnam, Rain Man, Toys, Quiz Show... each one examined a different aspect of the American condition. Early assignments writing with Mel Brooks led to his best-remembered role, that of a jittery bellhop in 1977 Hitchcock spoof High Anxiety. Director Brooks wisecracked and warbled his way through the gag-laden tale of pyschiatrist Dr Thorndyke, who attempts to beat his fear of heights. He found a novel way to take off the Psycho shower scene, irking Levinson's character by repeatedly asking him for a newspaper. Reaching boiling point, the functionary attacked Thorndyke in the shower, screaming his frustration and stabbing at him with the papery knife of newsprint.
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
