from sanluisobispo.com

Actor Michael Madsen scheduled to appear at SLO Film Festival
By Sarah Linn

Michael Madsen, the smirking heavy behind such films as “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill,” will make two appearances at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, organizers announced this afternoon.

Madsen is a last-minute addition to the film festival, which kicks off Friday with a train-themed gala at the Santa Margarita Ranch.

He will make two appearances in San Luis Obispo next weekend, said Wendy Eidson, executive director of the film festival.

Madsen is set to appear at a screening of his 2007 boxing film “Strength and Honour” at noon, Saturday, March 15, at Downtown Center Cinemas.

He’ll also attend a March 16 screening of “Through Your Eyes,” a documentary about deaf-blind triplets that he narrates with frequent co-star David Carradine. That movie screens at 2 p.m. at the Palm Theatre.

The brother of “Sideways” star Virginia Madsen, Michael Madsen is known for his gravelly voice and intimidating screen presence.

His memorable turn as Mr. Blonde in Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” includes a scene in which he slices off a captive police officer’s ear and douses him with gasoline –all to the tune of “Stuck in the Middle With You.”

He’s alternated turns as murderous crooks with the occasional softer role, such as a loving foster dad in “Free Willy” and “Free Willy 2.” Madsen has also recorded dialogue for several video games including “Grand Theft Auto III.”