The world of acting is a tough one to crack. It takes years of hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck to become a successful actor. But once you’ve made it, the rewards can be truly incredible. From the thrill of standing on stage in front of a live audience, to the feeling of seeing your work on the big screen, acting can be one of the most fulfilling careers out there.
Watching some of the most experienced stars in the business perform is like taking a masterclass in acting. They convey emotions with the subtlest of gestures, and can make the audience feel exactly what their characters are feeling. They can make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. They can make you believe that they are their characters, and not just actors playing a role.
But it’s not just about their technical skills. These actors also have a deep understanding of their craft, and are able to bring a level of nuance and depth to their performances that is truly rare. They understand the motivations and emotions of their characters, and are able to bring them to life in a way that is both authentic and captivating.
Young actors can learn so much by watching how the experienced actors approach their craft. For actors who are aspiring to make it big in the acting world, there are a few performances that should not be missed. These performances are not only incredible, but they also serve as a valuable lesson for young actors who are looking to improve their craft. By learning from experienced actors, young actors can become better actors and achieve their dreams of making it big in the acting world.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
15 Al Pacino in The Godfather: Part II (1974)
Paramount Pictures
Al Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone in The Godfather: Part II is a masterful performance that is still talked about to this day. Pacino’s ability to convey the complexity of the character and the emotions that he is feeling is truly remarkable. From the ruthless businessman to the loving father, Pacino’s performance is a tour de force. He is able to make the audience feel the weight of the world on his shoulders and understand the struggles that Michael Corleone is going through. It’s a performance that is not to be missed.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
The Godfather: Part II is considered one of the greatest films of all time, and it’s not hard to see why. The story, the characters, and the performances all come together to create a cinematic masterpiece. Pacino’s performance is the glue that holds the film together, and it’s a performance that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
14 Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Orion Pictures
Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most iconic performances in film history. Hopkins’ ability to convey the intelligence, wit and the menace of the character is truly remarkable. He’s able to make the audience feel uneasy and yet, they can’t help but be drawn to him. Hopkins’ performance is a masterclass in how to play a villain, and it’s a performance that is not to be missed.
The Silence of the Lambs is considered one of the greatest thrillers of all time, and for good reason. The expertly-paced story, the complexity of the characters, and the way each act progresses is truly magnificent ride. Hopkins’ performance is undoubtedly amazing, and it’s a performance that is talked about till date.
13 Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Warner Bros.
Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire is nothing short of legendary. His raw, powerful performance captivated audiences and cemented him as one of the greatest actors of all time. Brando’s ability to convey the character’s animalistic nature, as well as his vulnerability and inner turmoil, is a masterclass in acting. The famous ‘Stella!’ scene is a prime example of Brando’s ability to convey raw emotion and make it feel authentic. It’s a performance that continues to be studied and admired to this day.
What makes Brando’s performance in A Streetcar Named Desire even more impressive is the fact that it was his first major film role. Brando was a relatively unknown actor at the time, but his performance in this film launched him into superstardom and set the bar for future actors. It’s a performance that continues to be studied and admired to this day, and it’s a must-watch for any aspiring actor.
12 Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice (1982)
Universal Pictures
Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Sophie Zawistowski in Sophie’s Choice is nothing short of astonishing. Her ability to convey the character’s inner turmoil, as well as her resilience and strength, is a masterclass in acting. Streep’s portrayal of a Polish Holocaust survivor is a prime example of her ability to embody a character completely and make it feel authentic. Her portrayal of Sophie’s heart-wrenching decision, and the emotional fallout that follows, is a prime example of Streep’s ability to convey raw emotion and make it feel authentic.
Streep’s performance in Sophie’s Choice was made even more remarkable with the fact that she had to speak in a Polish accent throughout the film. It’s a testament to her dedication and skill as an actor that she was able to pull it off so seamlessly. Streep’s performance in Sophie’s Choice is a must-watch for any aspiring actor, and it’s a performance that continues to be admired to this day.
11 Ralph Fiennes in Schindler’s List (1993)
Amblin Entertainment
Ralph Fiennes is a tour de force with his performance in the 1993 Holocaust drama Schindler’s List. His portrayal of Nazi officer Amon Goeth is profoundly disturbing, yet somehow, Fiennes manages to make him a sympathetic figure. He is able to bring out a range of complex emotions in the character, from his chilling cruelty to moments of humanity.
Fiennes also demonstrates an incredible physicality in the role, from the way he holds himself, to his body language. He is a master of conveying mood and conveying the full range of Goeth’s inner turmoil. It is an unforgettable performance that captures the horror of the Holocaust while still inviting the audience in to explore the depths of its main characters.
10 Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks is a master of playing likable everyman, and his portrayal of the titular character in the 1994 classic Forrest Gump is one of his best. Hanks is a perfect fit for the role, as he manages to bring an innocence and naivety to it while also conveying a deep inner strength. He conveys Forrest’s simple-mindedness in an endearing way, and his performance is both humorous and touching.
He is able to bring out the character’s heart and warmth in a way that few actors could, and his effortless charisma is a delight to watch. Hanks’s performance is the heart and soul of the movie, and it is one of his best.
9 Ellen Burstyn in Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Thousand Words
Ellen Burstyn’s performance in the 2000 drama Requiem for a Dream is a masterful piece of acting. Burstyn plays an elderly woman who is struggling with her own demons and her addiction to diet pills. Burstyn conveys a deep sadness and desperation in her performance, and it is heartbreaking to watch. She is able to demonstrate a wide range of emotions as her character slowly unravels, and her physicality is remarkable.
Burstyn conveys a sense of helplessness and despair that is truly devastating, and her performance is one of the most powerful in recent memory. She is able to capture the tragedy of addiction and the depths of human despair with a grace and power that few actors can match.
8 Natalie Portman in Black Swan (2010)
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Natalie Portman’s performance as Nina Sayers in the psychological thriller Black Swan is masterful and captivating. Portman’s portrayal of a young dancer’s descent into madness and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy is both powerful and nuanced.
Portman’s approach to the role was so visceral that her portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The intensity of her performance is palpable, as she is able to capture the darkness and fragility of a woman on the brink of insanity. Portman’s commitment to the role is evident in every scene and her portrayal of Nina is raw and unflinching.
7 Christian Bale in American Psycho (2000)
Lionsgate
Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman in the cult classic American Psycho is one of the most iconic performances of the 2000s. His portrayal of an unhinged Wall Street banker with a penchant for violence is chilling and unforgettable.
Bale’s commitment to the role is evident in every scene, as he captures the complex nuances of a character that is both deranged and sympathetic. His ability to capture the complexities of Bateman’s dual personas is remarkable and his performance is darkly humorous and disturbing at the same time. Bale’s performance is a perfect example of his range and talent as an actor.
6 Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver (1976)
Columbia Pictures
The role of Travis Bickle in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver was the perfect fit for Robert De Niro. His performance as the Vietnam veteran and cab driver is a masterful display of method acting. His character’s isolation and inner turmoil was captured with an intensity that is rarely seen in a film. The raw emotion that De Niro was able to portray in his role was a result of his deep understanding of the film’s script and direction.
His use of subtle physicality and facial expressions allowed the audience to gain insight into the character’s state of mind, and his use of monologues was a powerful device that conveyed the character’s inner thoughts. The role of Travis Bickle remains one of De Niro’s most iconic and his performance continues to be a benchmark of excellence for every aspiring actor.
5 Bill Murray in Lost in Translation (2003)
Focus Features
Bill Murray’s portrayal of Bob Harris in Lost in Translation is an excellent example of a complex and nuanced performance. His character’s loneliness and vulnerability were explored with a subtle yet powerful delivery. Murray’s performance was able to capture the inner turmoil of a man in a foreign land, struggling to find meaning in his life.
His interactions with Scarlett Johansson’s character, Charlotte, were full of warmth, humor and pathos, and his comic timing was as masterful as ever. His use of body language and facial expressions to convey the character’s emotions was a testament to his skill as an actor and his ability to draw the audience into the story. His performance in Lost in Translation was a masterclass in subtlety and continues to be an inspiration for aspiring actors.
4 J.K. Simmons in Whiplash (2014)
Bold Films
J.K. Simmons’ performance as Terence Fletcher in Whiplash is an example of a tour de force performance. His portrayal of a demanding and abusive music teacher is an intense and powerful performance that was both menacing and captivating. His character’s ruthless pursuit of perfection resulted in him pushing his student over the edge, leading to some of the most intense scenes in the film.
Simmons’ performance was accentuated by his use of physicality and vocal inflections, which allowed the audience to feel his character’s intense passion for music. His ability to move between extremes of calm and rage, as well as his use of subtle nuances, made his performance one of the most memorable in the film. Simmons’ performance in Whiplash is an example of an actor at the peak of his power and an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere.
3 Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight is the stuff of legend. An Academy Award-winning feat, Ledger’s performance was a masterclass in intense, unpredictable, and menacing evil. His Joker was a psychological riddle, a chaotic force of nature, and a brilliant criminal mastermind. Ledger literally embodied the character, displaying a level of physicality and range that was simply astounding. His Joker was far from the campy performance of Cesar Romero’s version; this was a darker, darker portrayal of the villain. From his creepy laughter to his gut-wrenching monologues, Ledger’s performance was a chilling reminder of why the villain is such an iconic character.
Ledger’s commitment to the role was unparalleled, and it showed in every frame of the film. His performance is widely regarded as the definitive version of The Joker and is one that no aspiring actor should overlook. His performance is a testament to the power of character and the depths an actor can go to capture the essence of a character. Ledger’s performance is a lesson in how to create a memorable villain, and a reminder that a great villain can make or break a movie.
2 Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood (2007)
Ghoulardi Film Company
Daniel Day-Lewis’ performance in There Will Be Blood is one of the greatest performances of all time. The character of Daniel Plainview is the epitome of ambition and greed, and Day-Lewis brought him to life in a way few actors could. From his intense monologues to his subtle facial expressions, Day-Lewis’ performance was electrifying. His ability to convey so much emotion with so few words was remarkable, and his character was as captivating as he was despicable. Day-Lewis brought a level of realism to the role that was rarely seen before and gave the audience a glimpse into the dark inner workings of Plainview’s mind.
Day-Lewis’ performance is a lesson in how to bring a character to life. His commitment to the role was absolute, and his attention to detail was astounding. He was able to bring a level of realism to the role that few actors can match, and he was able to capture the essence of the character in a way that few actors can. His performance is a reminder of how powerful a performance can be when an actor truly commits to a role and immerses themselves in the character.
1 Toni Collette in Hereditary (2018)
PalmStar Media
One of the most talked about performances of 2018 was Toni Collette’s in Hereditary. As Annie, Collette brought a level of intensity to the role that few actors can match. From her emotional breakdowns to her quiet moments of reflection, Collette is captivating and heartbreaking. Collette was able to bring a level of realism and vulnerability to the role that was simply astounding. Her performance was one of the reasons the film was so successful, and it was a reminder of how powerful an actor can be when they are able to truly connect with a character.
Collette’s performance is a lesson in how to bring a character to life and how to make an emotional connection with an audience. Her performance was raw and powerful, and it was a reminder of how powerful a performance can be when an actor is able to tap into the emotional core of a character. Her performance is one that all aspiring actors should take note of, and it is one that will be remembered for years to come.
