Best performances - what a Joker!
Here’s another interesting list, this one that claims to be “The 25 Best Movie Performances of the Decade.” And of course there are many worthy selections on it.
But as the comments show, there are many others that, for one reason or another, got left off. In fact, the comments - which include the obligatory flamer or two - point out the list’s biggest flaw. Because the authors decided to limit each actor to one appearance, it automatically makes the list “The Best Movie Performances by Individual Actors of the Decade.”
There’s no other way to explain why - as several comments pointed out - you would include Heath Ledger for “Brokeback Mountain” and then leave off his scintillating performance as The Joker in “The Dark Knight.”
The fact is, some actors - by some blend of talent and opportunity - pull off more great performances than others. And that should be recognized.
I have no argument with the No. 1 selection. Charlize Theron’s take as Aileen Wuornos in “Monster” is an all-time performance. I would, though, rank Ledger’s Joker as No. 2.
Below: Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos.
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dfratini on November 20 at 5:48 a.m.
Was Punch Drunk Love the 1 Adam Sandler movie that you recommended for non Sandler fans?
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Gato on November 20 at 6:37 a.m.
Ledger's Joker performance seemed better than it was because the other actors were so wooden.
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Dan Webster on November 21 at 10:29 a.m.
Yes to you, Dan. And while I agree that the other “Dark Knight” performances were fairly wooden (with the possible exception of Aaron Eckhart), that doesn't take away from Ledger's great performance.
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