Sunday 3 July 2011

Best Actor 1957: Results

5. Anthony Franciosa in A Hatful of Rain- Franciosa is downright terrible, in a role that could have been good. He overacts everything that he does in this film.
4. Marlon Brando in Sayonara- Brando gives either one of or his worst performance from his earlier period. He portrays the part inconsistently, and never is able to make him into an interesting character.
3. Anthony Quinn in Wild is the Wind- Quinn's performance is hindered it by the film that unfortuantely uses his character as more of a plot device than it should have, but still Quinn is spot on with his performance anyways, and remains strong even when the material underwrites his character. Also when it does not underwrite his character he is amazing.
2. Charles Laughton in A Witness for the Prosecution- Laughton gives a delightful performance, that is filled with wit throughout. He gives an effective intelligent performance, that is always entertaining to watch whether he is tearing into a witness in the courtroom or bickering with his nurse.
1. Alec Guinness in The Bridge on the River Kwai- This is one year that was not at all close for me. Guinness stands out far and above for me in his fascinating performance. He creates a unique character out of what could have been entirely stock in the wrong hands. He portrays the character's devotion to the letter of thee law, as a madness, and his further descent into this madness is amazing to watch.
Deserving Performances:
William Holden in The Bridge on the River Kwai
Kirk Douglas in Paths of Glory

7 comments:

joe burns said...

I thought he'd win, sometimes the winner is a clear choice, and I expected that to happen this time.

RatedRStar said...

=) sweet, wonder whats next.

dshultz said...

I knew Guinness would win, his performance was going to. He stands heads and shoulders above the nominees this year, and he is simply outstanding.

Anonymous said...

What about Laurence Olivier in The Prince and the Showgirl?

Louis Morgan said...

I have not seen him, but since I really like Olivier I probably should.

Michael Patison said...

What about Henry Fonda in 12 Angry Men and Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis in Sweet Smell of Success.

Louis Morgan said...

Fonda I thought was fine, and I liked Lancaster and Curtis. I am on the fence a little on whether Lancaster is lead or supporting though.