The first time I saw actor Matt Damon on screen was in 1992's School Ties. I remember going with a group of friends and although many were bored with the private school drama, I was in Heaven watching Brendan Fraser, Chris O'Donnell, Cole Hauser and Randall Batinkoff. Although I was mostly crushing over Brendan and Chris at the time, I certainly took notice of Damon for his both his acting, and of course, when he dropped his towel to join to join the others in the shower scene showing his cute little backside.
School Ties (1992)
Damon has been an interesting actor to watch. Although he has certainly used his talent, looks and appeal to take on blockbusters like the Bourne series, Damon has also taken on smaller movies with more character driven parts, such as the object of Jude Law's affection in 1999's drama The Talented Mr. Ripley.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
At 42, Damon is still looking mighty fine and a meatier Matt, still delivers. The movie was watchable, good, but not great. I had a small issue with Damon in this role, as think it significant that Scott Thorson was 17 when first seduced by the 60 plus year old piano player. Although Damon was terrific, he still could not quite pull off 17 which I think will change the way the relationship will be perceived by viewers. Michael Douglass was good, I could not help but feel he missed an opportunity by downplaying the role. Although Douglass still played Liberace as a manipulator and predator, he gave him almost the same degree of flamboyance on and off the stage which I found made it more difficult to see him more of a caricature more than the real person I had hoped the movie might unmask.
Behind the Candelabra (2013)
The movie really did belonged to Damon..His scenes demanded your attention, and not just because of his lack of wardrobe. The movie wasn't so much a Liberace piece as much as it was Scott's journey through his six year old relationship with the entertainer. Damon was able to bring a real face to the plastic one, most people got to know in magazines and newspapers.
