one of my latent anti-heroes must be the late brad davis (1949-1991). his fame is, similar to that of james dean, limited to a few landmark movies… notably the 1978 alan parker film midnight express and rainer fassbinder’s querelle 1982 based on jean genet’s 1947 novel.
i probably saw him the first time in chariots of fire, but my hormones had not kicked in completely at the time… and it was only when i saw him in midnight express that i was magnetized by his sex appeal. laced with crime and punishment both these roles feature davis in a very delicate balance between bad boy and poor soul… i suppose it is this innocence which added to my affinity.
his life was turbulent enough and after he contracted aids (which he kept secret to continue working) he committed suicide at the age of 41 with an intentional drug overdose. to me he still lives on through his characters with a charming broodiness and sensuality…