1/6. George Dzundza as John in THE DEERHUNTER (1978)

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Imagine being so good that you steal a scene from John Cazale just by trying to stifle your laughter.

Dzundza’s character, John, singing in the choir during the wedding and setting up so much heart for a seemingly minor role. A range of emotions going through his mind but right here it looks like only pure delight about his pal getting married.

Finding his friend Axel (Chuck Aspegren) at the reception hall’s bar

Dancing with Linda (Streep)

The hunting trip begins. Stopping for a break on the way.

John can’t believe Axel just dunked his bread in the mustard

At a bar during the hunting party just before their friends head to Vietnam. Dzundza was actually playing Chopin’s Nocturne No 6.

Dzundza's character was as layered as the other roles in the film but he didn’t necessarily bring levity to the film’s first act. We knew it was dark and foreboding. John was the sensitive friend who wanted everyone to feel better, like great buddy triage.