Nicole Kidman...Al Pacino...Viola Davis...Robert De Niro...Harrison Ford...Denzel Washington...Gary Oldman... The list goes on and on of amazing actors and their stellar performances. So many performers have taken the craft to a higher level, encouraging many other actresses and actors to want to improve their skills.
And then there are those off the beaten path. Ones that don't get enough recognition. Ones where you watch them and you are blown away because they either transcend the material or you just didn't expect it from that performer.
A few examples I can think of off the top of my head:
- Bob Hoskins in WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. Not only did he play it completely straight, but his performance showed tons of layers and emotional depth in what was, undoubtedly, a special effects-laden movie. I completely bought that he lived in a world where humans and toons lived side-by-side.
- Michael Caine in A MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL. This is definitely my favorite adaptation of Dickens' classic tale, and that is in no small part due to Caine. He treated the Muppets as actors, and gave 100% in his portrayal of Scrooge.
And, in one definitely off-the-beaten-path...
- Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca in STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. This is my least favorite Star Wars movie (and I am a big Star Wars fan), but the moment when Chewbacca learns that Leia has died is truly heartbreaking. His anguish is felt strongly without a single utterance of dialogue, only his growls and physical reaction. It's a highlight that was unfortunately shoved into the background.
Who would you add to the list?
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Nick Frost as Ed in SHAUN OF THE DEAD. My favorite sidekick. A drug dealing lazy roommate who's flatulence provides his BFF Shaun with many laughs through out the movie. "You've got red on you!" Finally saving Shaun from the Zombies, as he becomes a Zombie himself. In True BFF form, Shaun keeps Ed as a Videogaming Playmate in his Shed, as the movie ends. I loved his Monkey. And why is the Jukebox playing??? "Its on Random!"
If you haven't seen SHAUN OF THE DEAD, shame shame! One of the best Horror-Comedy's ever made.
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Gabriel Byrne as Tom Reagan in Miller's Crossing. He doesn't say much, and sometimes what he says contradicts what he feels. But you can tell the difference through the subtleties of his acting. One of my favorite film characters of all time.