Monday 30 November 2015

Alternate Best Actor 1962: Patrick McGoohan in All Night Long

Patrick McGoohan did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Johnnie Cousin in All Night Long.

All Night Long is an interesting film which is a modernized version of Othello through the world of Jazz and set on a single night in London.

Patrick McGoohan plays Johnnie Cousin but for the purposes of the story he serves the role of Iago. Johnnie is an ambitious drummer and just like Iago he plans the downfall of his "friend" and fellow musician Aurelius Rex (Paul Harris), and Rex's wife as well as retiring Jazz singer Delia (Marti Stevens). The film gives a bit more of a motivation for Iago than Shakespeare settled on as it is obvious Cousin's plan is to make it so he gets Delia as a singer for the band he wants to start since she has decided to retire after getting married to Rex, and I'll admit I always preferred when Iago's malevolence is left a mystery with the performance being the main clue. That's not to say that Johnnie Cousin is too much a simplified version of Iago, certainly not through McGoohan's performance. McGoohan, just as he would later do in the other performance of his that I covered that being as Longshanks in Braveheart, rejects once again that very proper and dignified voice he has. Instead this time McGoohan takes upon a voice that might be best described as a bit jazzy in style, though this actually is an effective choice once again by McGoohan as his normal voice make make Johnnie's intentions a bit too obvious. The voice McGoohan gives him makes him seem more at home in the Jazz world depicted in All Night Long, even if his intentions as a man make him more fitting of the cutthroat world that Othello is usually set in.

His choice of accent also helps set up Johnnie Cousin, as old honest Johnnie for most of the people in the room that night, though it seems everyone should be trusted anyway as everyone seems pretty supportive of each other at the start, except for old Johnnie who has plans of his own. McGoohan is quite good in putting on the most obvious of Johnnie's faces, the one he shows to everyone except for his wife and for a brief moment Delia. McGoohan plays it kind of a sly snake though just slick enough that his act does not become too obvious to seem false. McGoohan brings upon this certain eagerness about Johnnie as though everything he says is only in the service of the person he's telling it to. This is pivotal in making sense of Johnnie's specific abilities in the film since his method technically would not work with a lesser performer. The method being that Johnnie basically tells the person a problem in their life in an semi indirect way, while at the same time encouraging them to do something rash in an equally indirect way. McGoohan keeps this indirectness so well through his performance as he makes it as though Johnnie always seems detached from the negativity as though he has only stumbled upon gossip that he's so genuinely concerned about, then there is this encouraging quality in his voice as though his suggestions to do wrong seem like the right thing to do.

Now this version though does give a specific reason for his manipulations unlike Iago where there are only allusions. Again this easily could have taken away something form Johnnie as a character if it were not once again for McGoohan's terrific performance. McGoohan actually cleverly does not allow for the limitation of Johnnie just wanting to get Delia as a singer, as McGoohan does not portray this as what is exactly driving him. Instead McGoohan is excellent by making Johnnie perhaps even more despicable by showing a different motivator beneath the surface, fitting for a man who is just a man of faces. McGoohan gives a more sadistic edge to Johnnie, though in quite the compelling understated way. There's just this slightest hint of pleasure in the man as he sees his poisonous words work their way into each of his victims heads, and McGoohan suggests that witnessing their suffering is what truly compels Johnnie throughout the night. One of my favorite scenes of McGoohan's performance is his drum solo, which McGoohan makes more than just a man playing an instrument. McGoohan is brilliant as he attaches the solo to basically be what he is doing in the night, playing each person as he plays the instrument. McGoohan shows Johnnie truly relishing in the moment as he takes such horrible delight in being a puppet master that only results in pain for everyone other than himself.

Although many elements from Othello are simplified and softened in the adaptation, though I did not mind softening of some elements as I found myself feeling particularly sorry for Johnnie(Iago)'s victims in this version, McGoohan does his best to avoid this with his rendition of the Iago of Jazz music. McGoohan does not make Johnnie just an ambitious man who going to trick someone into allowing his band to come to fruition. McGoohan instead creates a fascinating villain with Johnnie through just how hollow of a man he is, as though there really isn't much past the mask he puts on. After Johnnie's deceit is discovered there remains one final scene for Johnnie after everyone has rejected except for his meek wife (Betsy Blair). The scene involves Johnnie's wife still indicating her love for him, while he rejects this which very easily could have been played as though Johnnie is just bitter after having lost his own potential chance at stardom. McGoohan though takes a far more interesting approach as though in the moment Johnnie's not being just his worst self, but his only true self. McGoohan makes Johnnie a void as he states essentially a disbelief in love, as there is such a disconcering lack of humanity in his words. Yes there is a palatable hate that McGoohan conveys but he does not present it as though it comes from just having lost his chance, but rather because he won't be able to inflict any more damage to those people around him. McGoohan gives a performance which enhances the film through his portrait of Johnnie Cousin, not as a jealous wannabe grasping for fame, but rather as a husk of man whose only joy comes from the torment of others. 

194 comments:

Anonymous said...

Louis: What do you think of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price as actors?

Anonymous said...

Louis: Also, what are your full thoughts on Million Dollar Baby since you gave it a 1,5?

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Louis: #'s 6-10 on best and worst Best Picture lineups please. If not the cast of Gigi, can I please have Leslie Caron's rating? I will agree, that the movie is creepy (Thank Heaven for Little Girls....)

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Also the movie seems misogynistic. I like the movie, but still.

Calvin Law said...

I actually don't mind Gigi as a film at all. I think Leslie Caron's good to fantastic in everything I've seen her in (Louis you must watch The L-Shaped Room for 1962) and though it's nothing too substantial I don't mind the colour scheme and most of the performances bar Jourdan, and I do like the songs. It wouldn't make my 1958 BP list (Vertigo, The Hidden Fortress, The Defiant Ones, Touch of Evil, Ice Cold in Alex) but I don't mind it winning that much.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Calvin: Jourdan is a very bland actor to me.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Calvin: I like most of the performances as well.

Calvin Law said...

Also my personal top years for Best Picture:

1939
Gone with the Wind (5)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (5)
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (5)
The Wizard of Oz (5)
Ninotchka (4.5)
Of Mice and Men (4)
(only counting those I've seen so far)

1943
Casablanca (5)
The Ox-Bow Incident (5)
The Human Comedy (4.5)
In Which We Serve (4.5)
The Song of Bernadette (4)

1946
It's a Wonderful Life (5)
Henry V (5)
The Best Years of our Lives (4.5)
The Yearling (4.5)
The Razor's Edge (3)

1959
Anatomy of a Murder (5)
The Diary of Anne Frank (5)
Ben-Hur (4.5)
The Nun's Story (4.5)
Room at the Top (4.5)

1975
Dog Day Afternoon (5)
Jaws (5)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (5)
Barry Lyndon (4.5)
Nashville (4)

1976
All the President's Men (5)
Rocky (5)
Network (5)
Bound for Glory (4.5)
Taxi Driver (4.5)
1983
The Right Stuff (5)
The Dresser (5)
Tender Mercies (4.5)
Terms of Endearment (4.5)
The Big Chill (4.5)

1989
Field of Dreams (5)
My Left Foot (5)
Dead Poets Society (5)
Driving Miss Daisy (4.5)
Born on the Fourth of July (3.5)

1992
The Crying Game (5)
Unforgiven (5)
Scent of a Woman (4.5)
Howards End (4.5)
A Few Good Men (4)

1993
Schindler's List: 5
The Remains of the Day: 5
In the Name of the Father: 5
The Piano: 4.5
The Fugitive: 4

1994
Pulp Fiction (5)
Forrest Gump (5)
The Shawshank Redemption (5)
Quiz Show (4)
Four Weddings and a Funeral (3.5)

1999
The Insider (5)
The Green Mile (5)
The Cider House Rules (4)
The Sixth Sense (4)
American Beauty (4)

2012
Beasts of the Southern Wild (5)
Lincoln (5)
Amour(4.5)
Life of Pi (4.5)
Django Unchained (4.5)
Argo (4.5)
Les Misérables (4.5)
Silver Linings Playbook (4)
Zero Dark Thirty (4)

2014
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance): 5
Whiplash: 5
Selma: 4.5
The Theory of Everything: 4.5
The Imitation Game: 4.5
The Grand Budapest Hotel: 4.5
Boyhood: 4
American Sniper: 3

Matt Mustin said...

So, I *finally* saw Spectre. I quite liked it, although I completely understand the complaints people have.
My ratings for the cast:
Craig-4
Waltz-4
Seydoux-3
Fiennes-3.5
Whishaw-3.5
Harris-3
Kinnear-3
Christensen-4
Bautista-3
Scott-3.5

Matt Mustin said...

You know, on further deliberation, I think I'm gonna bump Fiennes up to a 4. He's more than solid throughout, and then his final confrontation with Andrew Scott (the scene that compelled me to add the ".5" to Scott's rating, by the way) is great.

JackiBoyz said...

Louis: What are your ratings and thoughts on the 1942 nominees for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress?

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

JackiBoyz:

I believe Teresa Wright is 3 (maybe a 3.5), Bette Davis is a 4.5 along with Joan Fontaine. I do not remember his thoughts, though. I could be wrong on all 3.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

JackiBoyz: Ignore that last part. Fontaine was not a nominee that year.

Luke Higham said...

Updated Review Predictions
Supporting Actor
Nominees:
Mark Rylance - Bridge Of Spies
Sylvester Stallone - Creed
Michael Keaton - Spotlight
Mark Ruffalo - Spotlight
Paul Dano - Love & Mercy
Alternate:
Tom Hardy - The Revenant
Benicio Del Toro - Sicario
Idris Elba - Beasts Of No Nation
Richard Jenkins - Bone Tomahawk
Nicholas Hoult - Mad Max: Fury Road
Samuel L. Jackson - The Hateful Eight
Kurt Russell - The Hateful Eight
Oscar Isaac - Ex Machina
Josh Brolin - Sicario
Tim Roth - The Hateful Eight/Stanley Tucci - Spotlight

Lead Actor
Nominees:
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Revenant
Matt Damon - The Martian
Ian McKellen - Mr. Holmes
Johnny Depp - Black Mass
Tom Hanks - Bridge Of Spies
Alternate:
Michael Fassbender - Macbeth & Steve Jobs
Tom Hardy - Legend
Jason Segel - The End Of The Tour
Abraham Attah - Beasts Of No Nation
Jacob Tremblay - Room
Tom Courtenay - 45 Years
Ben Foster - The Program
Ben Mendelsohn - Mississippi Grind
Jason Bateman - The Gift
Joel Edgerton - Black Mass/Kurt Russell - Bone Tomahawk

Robert MacFarlane said...

Hanks is not getting nominated.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Who do you think is gonna get that final slot.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Fassbender and Redmayne are probably going to be nominated whether you want them to or not. Replace Hanks and Damon with them and you got your likely 5.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I'm losing hope for Fassbender and I'd rather have Hanks instead of Redmayne.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I'm thinking Steve Jobs will at least get Fassbender and Winslet in.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: If there are any performances that you've decided not to save any more, then can I have your ratings & thoughts on them.

JackiBoyz said...

I dont think Paul Dano will get nominated regardless of that award he just won, his film has little to no buzz except for him, you rarely see Best Supporting Acting Nominees appear as the films sole nominee nowadays , it looks like a Daniel Bruhl kind of snub or James Franco for Spring Breakers, at least at this moment in time.

Robert MacFarlane said...

If Dano did get a boost from his Gotham win, I hope Bel Powley gets an even bigger one since she's still my favorite performance this year.

Michael McCarthy said...

Yeah I don't see Hanks getting nominated either. The five Robert suggested are the most likely, if there's a snub my prediction would be Will Smith beating out Depp.

Psifonian said...

"Mad Max: Fury Road" just won NBR. OH WHAT A DAY. WHAT A LOVELY DAY.

Also, SLAY SLY SLAY! Sylvester Stallone startin' his sweep.

Robert MacFarlane said...

That I don't buy. Smith's movie had such a shrug of a response that I just can't see him going anywhere.

Also, Fury Road just won NBR Best Film. Between that and AMVY last year, they're just spoiling me now.

Luke Higham said...

Psifonian & Robert: I'm incredibly pleased with their decisions.

RatedRStar said...

I can easily see Stallone doing well, all we need to see is a Globe or SAG nomination and Stallone has a great chance, if he misses those 2 however, I think he is finished, as far as a win goes.

I agree with Jack on Paul Dano, at this moment in time the film is just too small, there are too many veteran actors now sneaking in to the Oscar race and Veterans always tend to beat younger actors to nominations. As for Will Smith, I dont know, if he gets a SAG or Golden Globe maybe, if not then never.

Michael McCarthy said...

I don't know, Concussion's reviews aren't that much weaker than those for The Danish Girl, and that's likely getting a Best Actor nod just because of how Oscar friendly the subject matter is, which Concussion also has in its favor. Not to mention the amount of star power Smith has.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Fading star power. At most a nod at the globes.

Michael McCarthy said...

It seems like a performance that would get a Globe nod. If it doesn't, I'll retract the previous statements.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I don't believe that Damon has any chance of getting a nomination. I'd say his chances of getting one are non-existent, since the Academy won't nominate any actor/actress for their performance in a sci-fi film, with the exception of Weaver who got nominated for Aliens. And as much as I loved McKellen in Mr. Holmes, I don't see him anywhere near a nomination. Likely for a BAFTA, I'd say. Biopics mostly get attention from the Academy, so I'd say Fassbender still has chances of getting nominated, and Redmayne as well, although I'd want Hanks over him.

Luke Higham said...

Bridge Of Spies
Hanks - 4.5
Rylance - 5 (It's another terrific performance from the stage legend)
I liked the film and loved the chemistry between Tom and Mark.

Anonymous: I don't think Damon's chances should be underestimated.

Calvin Law said...

Luke: Oooh why the sudden belief in McKellen? Because he hasn't had any sort of added momentum thus far as I'm aware. I still think Damon has a higher chance of getting in than him. Although I am not complaining, McKellen is still my win thus far.

Saw Carol. LOVED IT. Hope Mara goes lead though, she is just about the farthest thing from supporting possible. Both she and Blanchett are easy 5's in my book.

I'll elaborate more in a bit. Stil quite emotionally stricken.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: I have a gut feeling, that is all. :)

Calvin Law said...

My predictions:

Best Actor
Depp
Redmayne
Fassbender
Damon
Segel/Courtenay/McKellen/Tremblay/Attah (for the latter two, you never know)

Best Supporting Actor
Rylance
Hardy
Stallone
Keaton
Dano/Jackson/Del Toro

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: You forgot about DiCaprio.

Michael McCarthy said...

Damon will almost certainly be nominated. Sure it's science fiction, but no more so than Gravity was, and Bullock was a shoe-in for a nomination that year. Plus The Martian was a huge hit, and Damon gives a very crowd-pleasing performance that I'd say is even more crucial to the film than Bullock's was to Gravity.

Calvin Law said...

Oh yeah, damn. Dicaprio too.

I hope Damon gets nominated he was great.

I think the best way for me to describe Carol at this stage is to compare it to The Assasination of Jesse James. Equally beautiful to watch with that magnificent sense of place and time. Blanchett is the Pitt to Mara's Affleck.

Robert MacFarlane said...

> Assassination of Jesse James comparison

It already had me at 'hello'. Now it's just teasing me, mocking me for wanting to see it so badly and it not coming to New Jersey any time soon.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

I have great news! I have been invited to see an early screening of The Big Short! I will tell you guys all I can tomorrow!

Calvin Law said...

http://actorvsactor.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-facilitating-dynamics-of-todd.html?spref=fb&m=1

I elaborate a bit more on here. Don't worry Robert, zi think the waiting will make it all the more incredible an experience.

My revised top 10:

1. Carol
2. Spectre
3. Brooklyn
4. The Martian
5. Mr Holmes
6. Mad Max: Fury Road
7. 45 Years
8. The End of the Tour
9. Ex Machina
10. Far From the Madding Crowd
Hon. Mentions: Suffragette, Black Mass, Sicario, Inside Out

Calvin Law said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99: That's awesome! Quite intrigued as to how it'll turn out. Have a feeling it'll be a mixed ensemble.

Predictions for Louis' ratings:
Bale: 4
Carrell: 3/3.5
Gosling: 3
Pitt: 4
Gillan: 3
Tomei: 3

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Boris Karloff - (One of the best Universal monster actors, but also one of the best actors from the 30's. Karloff was great at bringing an actual gravitas and emotion to his monsters that was truly remarkable. He also could be a lot of fun, though he always had this brilliant way of underplaying naturally over the top characters. Past that though he was always good in playing roles outside of the horror genre with such a strong presence, and always added character to his film. I've yet to see a genuinely bad performance from him.)

Bela Lugosi - (Lugosi unfortunately was always held back by his unshakable accent I think, and also he more easily could go a bit big, though to his credit was usually entertaining when doing so. It's a shame where he ended up as his best work did show a definite talent, and really he still tried even when working for Ed Wood.)

Vincent Price - (Someone who certainly put the character in character as you are pretty much guaranteed something memorable from a Price performance. Price was truly one of a kind with his flamboyant performances, but it needs to be said though that like Karloff he thrived outside of those specifics. In his more dramatic works, as long as he had a decent part, Price would deliver.)

Anonymous:

I kind of find Million Dollar Baby a loathsome film with Eastwood making such a excessively dour film, which is not helped by the film being perhaps the start of Eastwood's odd choice to make his film's so poorly lit. The story itself I find tiresome and not moving in the least because of how it needlessly somber all of it is even before the tragic twist. This is made worse though by a problematic tone made by one particularly unnecessary side character, and the excessively grotesque caricatures of Swank's character's family, particularly their last scene. The performances, outside of Eastwood himself, I find equally uninspired, and just so oddly tired. Every time I've watched the film I've found it to be a chore to get through.

ruthiehenshallfan99:

2

Give me some time to figure out the list.

Jackiboyz:

I think you can probably find those in the actor results of that year.

Robert:

I don't think I'd be quite THAT sure in regards to Hanks. I would not predict him personally at the moment, because Hanks apparently genuinely does not care anymore preferring to promote his co-stars, which bods well for Rylance though. Nevertheless that was the case for Captain Phillips as well which he definitely was almost nominated for still, so I think he could nominated if he gets in at SAG, which means he'll be in the running, as voters probably won't want to snub him again.

Matt Mustin said...

Louis, what's your rating and thoughts on Boris Karloff in The Grinch?

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Matt: I love that short!

Matt Mustin said...

ruthie: Who doesn't?

Louis Morgan said...

Matt:

Karloff - 4(It's great a vocal performance that works so well with the animation and tone of the short. I particularly like the two voices that he uses for his narration, which is so properly eloquent that makes it so the rhyming nature of it never become tiresome in the least, instead it makes it come to life in quite the special way. Then his grumbly adjustment for the voice of the Grinch is just perfect for the character as well as makes the story telling quite dynamic since his transitions are especially smooth through his slight variation while still making The Grinch and narrator feel as two distinct and separate entities.)

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

I love Thurl Ravenscroft's singing in the short as well. I believe you can also hear him in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (bass singer). And he was the original Tony the Tiger.

JackiBoyz said...

Luke: I cant find any of his thoughts on the Best Actress 1942 and Best Supporting Actress 1942, could you please find them =)?

Anonymous said...

Louis, just curious.. what is your top 5 for Best Actress/Best Supporting Actress for 2009? (with ratings for performances that you haven't rated yet too)

Anonymous said...

John Smith:

Bonus Review: Campbell Scott/Rodger Dodger

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your full thoughts on Harry Dean Stanton, William Powell and Claude Rains as actors?

Anonymous said...

Louis:...and Humphrey Bogart and Henry Fonda as well.

Luke Higham said...

Rylance wins NYFCC. :)

Robert MacFarlane said...

Somehow Keaton just won Lead Actor for Spotlight at the NYFCC.

Michael McCarthy said...

Aaaaand Todd Haynes gets Best Director. Wow I'm intrigued about Carol...

Anonymous said...

Luke: I kind of knew that he would win. :)

Calvin Law said...

Haynes deserves it, is all I can say. Haven't seen as beautifully directed a film in ages.

In fact at this point I can see him feasibly winning.

Calvin Law said...

Luke: Going to see Bridge of Spies now. :)

Michael Patison said...

Has anybody seen the 1997 French film Ponette? I just ran across it while exploring the NBR Awards and was intrigued to see that it starred a 4-year-old and that her performance was highly praised. I wanted to know if anybody had seen it, and, if so, what your thoughts on it are.

Calvin Law said...

Well Bridge of Spies was fantastic. Just the right balance of tension, thrills, and even humour. Technically speaking it's another Cold War thriller but Speilberg's direction is superb, the dramatic scenes are very well handled, it flows incredibly well and was just a great entertaining watch.

Hanks: 4.5/5 (the James Stewart comparisons are definitely apt)
Rylance: 5 (he had less screentime than I expected but he was even greater than I thought he'd be)
Also, I thought the rest of the cast was very impressive, especially Alda and Ryan, as they added so much character to the film in their limited roles.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Am I really the only one here who found Bridge of Spies to be a disappointment?

L Rime said...

Welp, that Batman v Superman trailer pretty much gave everything away. Thank you marketing team for that.

Anyway, Eisenberg stole the entire trailer.

Calvin Law said...

Yeah basically gave the whole arc of the film away.

Agree that Eisenberg was the best thing about the trailer.

Robert MacFarlane said...

The Internet has uniformly decided Eisenberg was the worst thing ever in that trailer.

Well fuck the Internet, he's the only thing worthy of attention. I've been looking for some high camp for a while now.

RatedRStar said...

This is completely off topic but, my brother actually went to the Asian television awards and snuck backstage to have drinks with Zhou Xun, Zhao Wei and Tong Dawei =D I am jealous lol.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

I follow fan page for a YouTube Channel, and most everyone hated the trailer and Eisenberg. But as Robert Said, he brings high camp. And I like camp every once in a while. As for the fanpage, I doubt you guys would like it, especially now. Only Star Wars and BVS is being discussed.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Seen anything new recently.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Sorry, I completely forgot that Bullock was nominated for Gravity (sci-fi).

Anonymous said...

Luke: So who are your updated predictions for the Oscar winners?

Luke Higham said...

Picture: Spotlight
Director: McCarthy
Actor: DiCaprio
Actress: Ronan
Supporting Actor: Keaton
Supporting Actress: Vikander

Anonymous said...

Luke: So far Streep hasn't been nominated for anything. But I've got a feeling that she will be nominated next year. She's doing another biopic. It will have mixed reviews, but since the Academy loves her so much, they'll probably give her another nomination.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I hope not. :(

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Your predictions.

RatedRStar said...

I am falling behind a bit on the films this year, today I did see Bridge of Spies and Love and Mercy, I cant find Steve Jobs anywhere, and nobody wants to see it with me in the Cinema, does anybody know if Steve Jobs is available anywhere cause I need to see it soon.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Your ratings for the casts.

Anonymous said...

Luke: What are you talking about? My updated predictions for the winners?
If so, sure:
Best Picture: Spotlight
Best Director: Innaritu
Best Actor: DiCaprio
Best Actress: Blanchett
Best Supporting Actor: Keaton or Rylance
Best Supporting Actress: Vikander

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Yes.

Anonymous said...

Luke: You know what I think? Even if she made some average films, Anne Bancroft always seemed to put more effort in her performances than Streep, and I vastly prefer Bancroft as an actress.

RatedRStar said...

Luke:

Bridge Of Spies
Hanks (4)
Rylance (5)
Ryan (3.5)
Alda (3)
Stowell (2)

Love & Mercy
Cusack (4)
Dano (4.5)
Banks (3)
Giamatti (3.5)


Robert MacFarlane said...

How the hell is Banks lower than Giamatti? She did way more with that role than most other actresses would have.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Anonymous: Is the biopic Streep doing on the awful singer Florence Foster Jenkins? I listened to her Queen of the Night and she is laughably bad.

If anyone wants to listen to her, here you go....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtf2Q4yyuJ0

RatedRStar said...

Robert MacFarlane: Maybe I was a bit too low although I could only possibly go .5 higher, I thought she was fine, but I still think the role was limited itself =).

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Oh by the way I love how her album was titled "The Glory (????) of the Human Voice"

and another "Murder on the High C's"

Anonymous said...

ruthiehenshallfan99: Yes, it is. It seems like Streep wants to prove to the audience and the critics that she can do any part.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Anonymous: But will she convincing in the bad singing parts? I hope she is not nominated....again. I will probably see it for a good laugh though.

Anonymous said...

ruthiehenshallfan99: You know the Academy, don't you? Biopics are Oscar bait. When the Academy sees a biopic, they feel the need to award that person with an award. Served pretty well for Arliss, Muni, Laughton, Cooper, Cagney, Streep, DDL, Redmayne, Theron and many others.

Anonymous said...

*Oscar

Robert MacFarlane said...

Let me put it this way; Remember the dinner scene with her and Cusack, and how as Cusack talks her face changes during the course of it from polite smiling, to pity, to worry. See how much she did there? Okay, now imagine Jennifer Connolly or Scarlett Johansson instead.

See? Suddenly Banks is a breath of fresh air.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Anonymous: One can hope. And yes, I am aware biopics are huge Oscar baiters.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

I am thinking of totally redoing my Top 250 Best Actor list, having been through this blog. Brando simply does not impress me as much as he used to. I'm taking quite a few out. I will update you all when I get the chance. Also I saw The Big Short last night.

Calvin Law said...

Best Picture: Spotlight (Carol, The Revenant, Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn, The Martian, Creed, Room, The Hateful Eight/Beasts of No Nation)

Best Director: Haynes (Scott, Innaritu, McCarthy, Miller)

Beast Actor: DiCaprio (Fassbender, Damon, Depp, McKellen/Redmayne)

Best Actress: Mara (I think hopefully they'll campaign her here)/Larson (Blanchett,Ronan, Lawrence. Mulligna/Rampling/Tomlin possibly, although this current 5 seems pretty darn hard to break through.)

Best Supporting Actor: Keaton (Stallone, Rylance, Hardy, Elba)

Best Supporting Actress: Allen (Vikander, McAdams, Winslet, Leigh/Mara if she's campaigned supporting)

Anonymous said...

Calvin: It seems like Stallone is getting hype for an Oscar nod.

Michael Patison said...

RatedRStar: Don't worry, I'm even further behind. Here's what I've not yet seen:
Mad Max: Fury Road
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Inside Out
Macbeth
Room
Mr. Holmes
Carol
Ex Machina
Creed
Son of Saul
The Danish Girl
The Lady in the Van (though it'll be Academy eligible next year as it premieres hear in January)
Black Mass
Anomalisa
Trainwreck
Slow West
Straight Outta Compton
He Named Me Malala
45 Years
The Gift
Man Up
The Falling
Spy
Legend
Trumbo
Shah
Suffragette
Amy
The Dressmaker
Steve Jobs
Crimson Peak
The Lobster
The Program
The Good Dinosaur
Youth
Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation
The Walk
Life
Child 44
Bill
The Peanuts Movie
The Age of Adaline
London Road
Ant-Man
Suite Française
Remember (another January release, and it could be disappointing like most of Egoyan's work since 1997)
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Ricki and the Flash
Southpaw
Danny Collins


Not sure about The Diary of a Teenage Girl. I mean it's been getting praise and all, but has anybody seen it to comment?

Also, they're on there in a roughly preferential order. And I know I'll never find the time to see them all.

Buries head in elbow in embarrassment for a good long while.



On a completely different note, has anybody ever seen An Awfully Big Adventure? Sounds interesting but trying to get a read on whether it's worth my time.

Michael Patison said...

Also these (no particular order):
The Hunting Ground
Tangerine
It Follows
The End of the Tour
Bone Tomahawk
Experimenter
Love & Mercy
Results
James White
Heaven Knows What
I'll See You in My Dreams
Grandma
Welcome to Me
Mistress America
The Prophet
Shaun the Sheep Movie

Michael Patison said...

What are the chances Louis Jourdan is a part of the In Memoriam? Anybody want to place a bet?

JackiBoyz said...

RatedRStar: Nice picture on Facebook lol what have you done to your hair.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Michael Patinson: I've been saying how much I love Diary of a Teenage Girl since SEPTEMBER. Bel Polwey is still my favorite performance this year, I said it on Facebook the other day.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

I'm further behnd then all of you. All I have seen is the Big Short. Speaking of which.... (I am so indecisive)

Gosling:3/3.5
Bale: 3/3.5
Carell: 3/3.5
Pitt: 2.5/3

JackiBoyz said...

ruthiehenshallfan99: Ouch lol seems like you didn't like the film too much, what did you reckon to it?

Michael McCarthy said...

Larson. Is. Winning. Best Actress.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Nah, I think Streep can pull of #4 for Ricki and the Flash.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

JackiBoyz: Thing about it now....

Gosling: 3.5/4
Bale: 3.5
Pitt: 3
Carell: 3.5 I guess

This is so hard. And I really liked the film

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Robert: If she gets in for that, I'm pulling out my hair.

Calvin Law said...

I'm sure she's fantastic but don't write Mara off yet. Her performance in Carol is something very, very special indeed, a once-in-a-lifetime sort of brilliance.

Calvin Law said...

I would however, rather she be nominated for lead and lose than be nominated for supporting and win. Because her performance is so firmly lead. Not even the Casey Affleck argument of 'sometimes Robert Ford leaves the film with focus on Jesse James' argument can be made here.

Controversial opinion, I know. But seeing as how last year was so free of category fraud, hoping this year goes the same.

Calvin Law said...

So if I think about it that way...Mara and Blanchett would likely cancel each other out, Lawrence won 3 years ago, Streep's unlikely to get no. 4 for a modestly reviewd film, Mulligan might not even be nominated now given the lacklustre critical response/competition.

So in fact it might come down to Ronan/Larson.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Question everyone. What does it mean when someone's direction is "womanlike" and is it really a bad thing?

Robert MacFarlane said...

It's "workmanlike", not "womanlike". Workmanlike basically means it's functional but uninspired direction.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Robert: I must have read it wrong. I'm sory.

Michael Patison said...

Robert: Okie dokie then. I hadn't seen any other mention of her from you on Facebook so I thought that might have been sarcastic or something.

Anonymous said...

Louis: So when's the next review coming?

Anonymous said...

Louis: I know you still haven't answered my questions on what you think of some actors, but what are your full thoughts on Separate Tables as a film?

Louis Morgan said...

I apologize, but due to various reasons I won't be able to respond to your questions or finish the next review until at least tomorrow.

Calvin Law said...

Of course that's fine Louis, your own priorities are our highest concern :)

Anonymous said...

Kind of off topic but has anyone here seen mr robot? (awesome tv show).the lead actor rami malek is excellent

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the critical reception for The Revenant.

Calvin Law said...

Saw Beasts of No Nation. I'm so spoilt for choice.

1. McKellen
2. Damon
3. Segel
4. Fassbender (Macbeth)
5. Attah
6. Hardy
7. Craig
8. Depp
9. Courtenay
10. Hanks/Edgerton/Eisenberg/Dano/Foster

1. Mara
2. Ronan
3. Blanchett
4. Mulligan (Far From the Madding Crowd)
5. Theron
6. Cotillard
7. Mulligan (Suffragette)
8. Wasikowska
9. Vikander (Testament of Youth)
10. Blunt

1. Rylance
2. Elba
3. Schonaerts
4. Del Toro
5. Hoult
6. Jenkins
7. Brolin
8. Sheen
9. Waltz
10. Chandler

1. Vikander (Ex Machina)
2. Debicki
3. Cotillard
4. Seydoux
5. Banks
(need to see more)

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Your thoughts on Attah and Elba.

I have to say, I'm actually quite pleased with The Revenant's RT Score so far.

Calvin Law said...

Attah: A fantastic reactive performance. He carried each moment of horror and disillusionment so realistically, and so compellingly, and I actually thought the second half of the film still worked well enough thanks to his fantastic presence.

Elba: thinking about it I might actually put him below Del Toro and Schonaerts again for the time being. He's terrifically scary and oddly charismatic, finally being given a silver screen opportunity to show his talents, my only reservations were that his accent was a tad bit distracting at certain moments and his final scene, though great, is as people said cut off too early.

Anonymous said...

Looks like DiCaprio went full method for The Revenant. He slept on animal carcasses and ate raw bison meat. Damn, he really got into the role.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Can't wait for the Bear Attack scene.

Anonymous said...

Luke: It'll be something to see...

Calvin Law said...

Some reviewers have actually preferred Hardy over DiCaprio, saying he gives the more complex performance. Regardless I think DiCaprio will win the Oscar this year, no doubt.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: That's not a bad thing by any means. DiCaprio's silent for most of his performance.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I'll bet that Hardy will finally have his first nomination. And it'll be surely deserving.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: If he does then great, if not, I'm fine with it, because I think he's gonna be overlooked and am more concerned with the quality of the lineup.
At the end of the day, I care more for Louis' reviews.

Anonymous said...

Luke: So, here's another worthy nominee for Louis to review as a bonus: Boris Karloff in The Body Snatcher.

RatedRStar said...

Heres a good question, which of the films do you think is gonna be the big loser at this years Oscars, you know, the film that gets 9 nominations and loses them all, like The Color Purple and True Grit.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Bridge Of Spies or Carol.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I'd say Bridge of Spies. Carol could win Best Actress.

Anonymous said...

But Bridge of Spies could win Best Supporting Actor (Rylance), although I'm more keen on Keaton winning for Spotlight as a consolation award for having lost for Birdman.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Cotillard in lead and supporting for the same performance??

Louis Morgan said...

Jackiboyz:

Garson - (Garson has always come off somewhat cold to me in this performance in particular, and I just don't feel she exudes the natural grace that everything in the film suggest Mrs. Miniver has. I frankly preferred in Random Harvest, well at least for the first half before she also became oddly cold)

Davis - (One of here better performances. She does not exactly have the transitions for her character completely there as she goes from her extreme to normal rather easily, but that's more of the film's fault. She deserves credit though for handling both sides very well. As the healthy woman she is charming and quite moving in depicting her emotional plight. Then as the nervous woman she also is very effective in realizing just how at an edge she is. The recovery and descent are somewhat overlooked, but again she hits the main point really well)

Wright - Pride - (I swear I've given my thoughts on her before, but it's all about her charm which she has plenty of, but really has far too little to work with past that)

Wright - (Also depends a lot on her charm which again she has plenty of. She actually given more here, though I ponder if she even has that much less screen time with her supporting performance. Wright though is allowed a bit more to do and I like the quiet yet fierce determination she underlines her performance suggesting the sort of willing spirit that the film and I honestly wanted out of Garson's work)

Cooper - (She's so good at being just so cold and you absolutely believe that her influence would harm Davis's character the way it does. In addition though Cooper never makes it as though it is just a pointless evil, and subtly suggests a certain personal desperation that actually compels this behavior.)

Whitty - (It's right in her wheelhouse and she does well at being the confrontational yet goodhearted woman)

Peters - (Her performance unfortunately is not able to make up for the thinness of her role that's basically an unneeded distraction to stretch the running time a bit. It just adds nothing, and is yet another thing that makes the second half of Random Harvest so disappointing.)

Moorehead's in Holt's review for the same film.

Anonymous:

Luke did I cover 09 already?

Anonymous:

You know I've been thinking maybe I should do something a bit more official in regards to direct thoughts on actors, like a specific post to cover an individual actor from time to time.

Separate Tables - (I find the whole thing fairly weak as I find it never quite feels like it really gets into the characters as well as it should. We get glimpses of shades of the characters, but it is kind of frustrating to only get the most emotionally extreme moments that lack the substance they should have. The other lingering threads really don't add up to much, despite Wendy Hiller's best efforts.)

Robert:

Come one you're not at all excited to see Jeremy Irons trying?

ruthiehenshallfan99:

For more information on workmanlike please consult your local Ron Howard filmography.

Luke:

The apparent response for the Revenant is about what I expected, and it's most assuredly still my #1 most anticipated. On other points I'd be extremely surprised if DiCaprio doesn't win, and it sounds like Hardy's role is the type of villain that gets you the nomination but not the win.

Spotlight (Thoughts forthcoming)

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Thoughts on the film & ratings & thoughts on the cast.

I'm relieved that you're still looking forward to The Revenant.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Okay, you got me on Irons. I missed him.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I agree with you on Hardy, It's Fassbender/12 Years A Slave all over again.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: You did cover '09, though you forgot to rank Laurent & Kruger in Inglourious Basterds..

Anonymous said...

Louis: Since you felt that Myrna Loy was miscast in Manhattan Melodrama, who would have you chosen over her?

L Rime said...

Bostom Film Critics gave a healthy amount of awards to Mad Max, including Best Picture and Best Director. A little surprising considering Spotlight is a movie about Boston journalism. But I'm not complaining. Mad Max: Fury Road is the best movie of the year. It deserves most if not all the accolades it receives this award season.

Michael McCarthy said...

I'd really like to see Room pick up some Best Picture awards. That's likely gonna stay my pick this year.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Spotlight is an excellent procedural, and deserves the comparisons it is receiving to All The President's Men. It tells something that technically is arduous in such a dynamic and engaging fashion. It is particularly interesting in looking at it compared to All The President's Men, and for me the greatest procedural of all time Zodiac. Like those other two films it connects so well the emotional connection to the given facts, and it is never simply just about telling a story.

Saving the likely nominees as well as Schreiber and Tucci (at least until I decide who I liked more). I will say that everyone is supporting.

McAdams - 4(Although my problem with her is often she does not really register, here with a very understated character I thought her performance worked quite well. She's effectively conveys basically the style of her character's way of deriving information she needs as she brings this certain assertive incisive quality while always bringing a genuinely empathetic front as she convincingly shows how she breaks down the barriers away from the story. Also, like most of the cast, her portrayal just feels honest and even though the background details are sparse you meet a person that lives past the confines of getting the story)

d'Arcy James - 3.5(He gets the least to do out of the Spotlight crew, but he does very well just to still make you feel like you've gotten to know something about his character in the few scenes he does get to himself not mention thrives very well in the group dynamic moments.)

Slattery - 3.5(The fact that he plays Ben Bradlee Jr. is almost too perfect. I quite liked his performance that indeed served a similair purpose to Jason Robards as the Sr Bradlee. Slattery never makes his character's objections ever seem that of a obstacle but rather well reasoned arguments of a passionate man. Again though like almost everyone else he's just really good in the margins of the film so to speak)

Crudup - 3(Appropriately slick with just enough slime without going overboard in his scenes, but I also quite liked his moment where he defends himself where Crudup shows the shark persona fade away)

Jenkins - 3.5(For only being a voice over the phone he makes quite the impact. I did not recognize him and found every scene he spoke in extremely compelling, as he helps to make a pivotal revelation scene (of just a group of people listening to a phone call) absolutely captivating.)

The actors playing the victims or just other minor side roles were also uniformly good.

Michael McCarthy said...

Wow, only a 3 for Crudup? I really hope that goes up on rewatch.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

I hear Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were offered the parts that Hayworth and Lancaster were given. It makes sense since the characters are British. If only...

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

How about Barbara Stanwyck.

Michael:

That should have been a 3.5.

Louis Morgan said...

Michael:

And I'll also say re-watches probably will only benefit most of the performances.

Calvin Law said...

Creed is getting a lot of love. Stallone and BP aside I think Jordan is seriously in the running for Best Actor too.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: He's certainly in the running & prediction-wise, he's my #7.

Rating Predictions for Spotlight, Brooklyn and The Revenant.
Spotlight
Keaton - 5
Ruffalo - 4.5
Schreiber - 4.5
Tucci - 4.5

Brooklyn
Ronan - 5
Cohen - 4/4.5
Gleeson - 4
Walters - 3.5/4
Broadbent - 3.5

The Revenant
DiCaprio - 5
Hardy - 5
Gleeson - 4.5
Poulter - 4

Anonymous said...

Louis: What other actors do you think could have played Ethan Edwards as well as Wayne? I think Mitchum could have been great.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I think that most of your predictions are spot on. :)

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: For Creed, Jordan - 4.5, Stallone - 4.5

Calvin Law said...

My predictions for Louis' ratings:

Spotlight
Keaton - 5
Ruffalo - 4/4.5
Schreiber - 4.5
Tucci - 4/4.5

Brooklyn
Ronan - 5
Cohen - 4.5
Gleeson - 3.5
Walters - 3.5
Broadbent - 3/3.5

The Revenant
DiCaprio - 5
Hardy - 5
Gleeson - 4.5
Poulter - 4.5

Creed
Jordan - 5
Stallone - 5

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Stallone possibly, but I can't see Jordan getting a 5.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I'm predicting a 2.5 for Ruffalo. Wasn't a fan of his work myself.

Calvin Law said...

I've watched clips and his mannerisms seem fairly distracting, we'll see. I thought Schreiber, Keaton and McAdams were very impressive from the little snippets I saw, especially Schreiber.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Tucci and Schreiber were both my favorites of the cast, plus I share Michael's enthusiasm for Crudup. I like Ruffalo less and less the more I think about him. Psifonian is even more negative on his performance than I am.

Anonymous said...

Luke and Calvin: I'll join in the predictions.

Spotlight
Keaton: 5
Ruffalo: 4,5
Schreiber: 4,5
Tucci: 4,5

Brooklyn
Ronan: 5
Cohen: 4.5
Gleeson: 4
Broadbent: 3.5
Walters: 3,5

The Revenant
DiCaprio: 5
Hardy: 5
Gleeson: 4.5
Poulter: 4/4,5

Creed
Jordan: 4/4,5
Stallone: 4

Robert MacFarlane said...

Stallone will be higher than a 4, and honestly I'd be shocked if Gleeson gets a 4 for Brooklyn. He's barely in it and has the least interesting part in the movie.

Luke Higham said...

Shannon (99 Homes) Wins LAFCA.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Yeah, which is a weird choice. Outside of his first scene I wasn't too impressed.

Luke Higham said...

FASSBENDER! :)

Robert MacFarlane said...

Ugh.

Michael McCarthy said...

Yeah that's a waste.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I mean, it's not like I'm stumping for anyone with a chance right now. Depp hasn't stuck with me at all, not passionate about Damon, and I just find Fasbender sort of one note. I hope Segel could win one, but they stuck him in Supporting for stupid reasons.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I supported Fassbender's win, just as a fan, not for the performance. If there's a performance I really wanted to win, it was Ian McKellen's.

I'm glad Anomalisa won. I've been looking forward to that for awhile now.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I'm a fan of him too and I would never do that in a million years for an actor.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Fair enough. :)

Is anyone looking forward to seeing Anomalisa.

Calvin Law said...

McKellen needs awards. No idea why Segel isn't getting more momentum; he really is brilliant and it's strange there's not more attention towards it. Fassbender is getting nods for the wrong role. Like Robert, Depp is starting to wane on me, as is Hardy.

Of the leading contenders it's really only Damon I'd love to see win.

Calvin Law said...

Glad Vikander and Rampling won :)

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Apart from Hardy, who I still like a great deal, I have to agree with you.

I'm pleased that Fassbender won LAFCA, though like yourself, I wish it was for Macbeth.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Or just as he did in 2011, they could've given it for his body of work.

Calvin Law said...

YES LUKE. Exactly. I wouldn't have minded if it was awarded for every film he did this year as I thought he was amazing in Macbeth, decent in Steve Jobs and the best thing about Slow West (though in my opinion that's not saying much).

I still like Hardy in Legend a great deal, it's just that the Ronnie side of the performance does start to grate on me after a while. I do think his work as Reggie is some of the finest onscreen work of 2015. Hopefully he'll give an amazing performance in The Revenant.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Even though I wasn't big on Slow West, I actually prefer Fassbender in that to Steve Jobs.

Michael McCarthy said...

Because of what people have been saying about Hardy in Legend recently, I just wanted to say that I saw Legend a little while back and honestly liked his portrayal of Ronnie a lot more than I thought I would. I wasn't crazy about the way it seemed like entire scenes were written in just for Hardy to show off in that role, but the broad strokes he took with the character made the moments in the latter half where you realize the two brothers aren't that different after all that much more striking.

Also, my favorite moment of the film may have been Ronnie's command to Frances's mother to "FUCKIN' SING."

Calvin Law said...

To be fair I do need a re-watch. I saw it twice but second time round probably wasn't in the best of circumstances.

I think it would still be behind The Drop, Locke, and Bronson in terms of my favourite performances of his (and maybe even Tinker Tailor).

Anonymous said...

53 percent for Joy on Rotten Tomatoes.

Luke Higham said...

Hooray. :)

Robert MacFarlane said...

Ooh, excepted at least 70%. Maybe we'll get lucky and it'll free up a slot in Best Actress.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: If that happens, then please let it be Mulligan.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Nein, let it be Mara pushed to lead. Or maybe a surprise, out of nowhere surge for Bel Powley. Okay, that won't happen, but I can dream.

Anonymous said...

I think that Mara will be nominated in Supporting, which is category fraud.

Calvin Law said...

Better push Mara to lead although I doubt the Academy will miss out a chance to give Lawrence a nom.

Calvin Law said...

Because Mara in supporting would be THE worst category fraud of all time, beating out Roland Young in Topper, Casey Affleck in Jesse James, Jamie Foxx in Collateral.

Robert MacFarlane said...

mumble mumble I want Bel Powley still mumble mumble

Calvin Law said...

Luke: I have a feeling Mulligan could just about sneak in even if Blanchett and Mara both go lead.

Blanchett
Mara
Mulligan
Larson
Lawrence/Rampling/Tomlin

Luke Higham said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Luke Higham said...

Calvin:
Should be:
Blanchett
Mara
Larson
Ronan
Rampling/Mulligan/Vikander

Calvin Law said...

Oh yeah, damn, forgot Ronan.

Robert: thoughts on Skasgaard and Wiig in Diary of a Teenage Girl.

Robert MacFarlane said...

So are you guys never going to watch Diary of a Teenage Girl? Because I cannot deal with any Best Actress talk that doesn't include Powley.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I'm going to whenever it's online.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Luke:

Wiig - I like her work the more I think about it. At first she seems like a drunk caricature, but as the movie goes on you see that it's sort of an act. She's in particular great at showing a sort of infantile selfishness towards her daughter. Even in the scene that could be described as her character's "redemption", Wiig still manages to imply jealousy. Really strong work overall.

Skarsgaard - A pleasant surprise. He's really great at playing a sort of creep without ever making him seem like one. Even better when he subverts expectations of "coolness" and shows how pitiful and hopeless his character is.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Calvin asked for your thoughts, not me.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Oops, sorry. Also, Chris Meloni is really good too.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Mitchum would have been good, but honestly I don't think anyone could have bested Wayne in that role.