Rip Torn, Coming Together

Rip Torn is finally getting the attention he deserves, or at least a profile in the New York Times Magazine. I've always been a fan of this character actor--perhaps it's his longevity (he's 75). The laudatory NYT article speculates on why he didn't become the next Brando or Dean. The article also refers to a little-seen, cult flick of his called, "Coming Apart" (What a great marquee image: "Rip Torn in Coming Apart"). The 1969 film was supposedly wildly daring at the time. Viewing it today, it seems slightly pretentious and self-indulgent, a time capsule of the worst of the druggy hip '60s. Still, it's worth renting.