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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