Noah Emmerich is one of the more underrated supporting actors working today. He was one of the main reasons why The Truman Show worked so well, and his efforts a few years back in Little Children may have gotten more notice had Jackie Earle Haley not so completely eviscerated his role. Now the brilliant, largely unsung actor is moving to television in a starring capacity, and my interest in the project has skyrocketed thanks to his presence.
According to Deadline, Emmerich will play the lead in NBC’s new pilot S.I.L.A.. The rambling story arc jointly focuses on Los Angeles’ seedy unbelly, as well as its politicians and police force. Its main character is a recent returnee to the city who investigates special problems for the mayor and moonlights as a father trying to foster a relationship with his daughter and ex-wife.
If this gets a series order and Emmerich gets noticed in JJ Abrams’ upcoming Super 8, I may have to reconsider my evaluation of the actor’s underratedness, but something tells me he won’t mind getting a little more press for a change.
