'An actor's most valuable asset is his voice', a great actor with a great voice once said. More than familiar tics, a well-travelled face or the ability to undergo a complete 'method' transformation, an actor's voice is what marks him apart. A naturally piss whiny squeak of a voice cannot be disguised or forgiven. A true thesp must naturally project a distinct and prominent tone. Humphrey Bogart. Toshiro Mifune. James Earl Jones. Brian Cox. Arnold Schwarzenegger. It is no shiny happy coincidence they are some of the best actors to ever walk the earth (and indeed other planets in Jone's case, as voice of Darth Vader). And yet it's a sad mystery that most would forget to include another name on their list of personal faves: Harvey Fierstein.Best known for his three self-penned plays The Torch Song Trilogy (1982-85) and the subsequent movie of the story in 1988, the works combined Harvey's talents for writing and acting and went on to become classics in gay theatre/cinema. Pooling his experiences as a stand-up, drag queen and columnist on gay issues, Harvey produced a piece of awarded and recognized work. Whatever. It's really all about Harvey's voice. THAT is the man's great talent, it's all you need to know. His 'gruff yet soft' voice is the real classic here.
This author first became aware of Harvey's work in the movie Independence Day (1996). Misunderstood by high brow pundits, the sci-fi extravaganza is nonetheless much-loved by small children and has since proved it's critical worth by generating $811,200,000 in worldwide box office (14th biggest worldwide gross of all time). Harvey's role as Marty Gilbert, the flamboyantly camp boss of Jeff Goldblum's journalist character was a real eye opener. Effortlessly weaving his acting style with the emotional landscape of the story, Fierstein danced beautifully between each scene. Light comedy early on, gritty drama with the rising panic of the alien invasion and finally a subtly played death as Marty is crushed by a falling car. It was a role that allowed Fierstein free reign with his voice, and rising to meet the heights of big 'event' cinema he soared with elegance and poise. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
It was around the time of ID4 that Harvey enjoyed some spotlight shine, working on Elmo Saves Christmas (1996), Kull The Conqueror (1997) (with the almighty Kevin Sorbo) and voicing one of Disney's most underrated pictures, Mulan (1998). Sadly for Harvey and the world it was a fragile level of success, much like Scott of the Antarctic - beaten in his pioneering race to reach the south pole, dying tragically on his return journey to base camp. All the respect but none of the glory, Harvey fell through the ice of Hollywood over-exposure and has struggled treading cold dark water for nearly a decade since.
We can only hope that a rumored 'Untitled Harvey Fierstein Project' TV series will go on to enjoy the same attention as recent hot shows like The Sopranos. Personally I hope it will feature Harvey dancing and singing (he is an accomplished singer) and reading monologues in an all white room, so we can really focus on his unique talent. Just Harvey, not even a chair or a microphone to distract the viewer; not even clothes, let the world see Harvey's raw naked ability. Each episode we will get a little more of the routine until finally, when watched in it's 24 hour entirety, viewers will burst into tears and know what they've missed all these years. They will know the name of Harvey Forbes Fierstein.
Landon Garrett for Heterogeneous Shed 2006
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