5. Bruno S. in The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser - S. creates a proper enigma as he is always at a certain distance yet is always compelling.
Best Scene: Philosophies.
4. James Caan in The Gambler - Caan gives a terrific performance where he plays with his usual image to create a man at odds with himself as essentially meek man deluding himself with the risk his gambling addition entails.
Best Scene: End of the game.
3. Robert Mitchum in The Yakuza - Mitchum is a proper badass as you'd expect yet he finds a real substance within the role by so effectively exploring the history with the man.
Best Scene: Amputation forgiveness.
2. John Hurt in Little Malcolm - Hurt gives a downright brilliant performance that makes sense of his potentially unwieldy material, and is always engaging even as the film loses steam.
Best Scene: Malcolm's delusions are confronted.
1. Warren Oates in Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia - Good Predictions
Luke, Charles, Robert, Tahmeed, Omar, RatedRStar, Matt C., BRAZINTERMA Prêmio Fictício, Anonymous and
Calvin. Oates easily wins this lineup for me for his dynamic and daring portrayal of a man already on the edge falling off.
Best Scene: "Because it feels so good."
Updated Overall
Next Year: 1974 Supporting
56 comments:
Warner (Little Malcolm and From Beyond The Grave)
Takakura and Jordan - The Yakuza
Harris, Sharif and Hopkins - Juggernaut
Christopher Lee - The Man With The Golden Gun
Louis: Your Ratings/Thoughts on the other Lead performances you watched and your Female Lead/Supporting top tens with raings and other 4+ performances.
My request is a special review for Tony Jay's work in The Hunchback Of Notre Dame.
I'll go with Luke's suggestions plus Harvey Keitel and Kris Kristofferson in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (which I'm so glad you seem to have liked).
My request is Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Brick for 2006 Lead Actor.
Louis: You forgot to include me among those who won the prediction.
You can see it here: http://actoroscar.blogspot.pt/2017/09/alternate-best-actor-1974-john-hurt-in.html
By the way, rating and thoughts on Heston in Earthquake, Poitier in Uptown Saturday Night, Caan and Arkin in Freebie and the Bean.
Louis: Your ratings and thoughts on Rampling in The Night Porter, Brigitte Mira in Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, Diahann Carroll in Claudine, Madeline Kahn in Blazing Saddles, Farrow and Black in The Great Gatsby and Burstyn and Ladd if you have seen Alice Doesn't live Here Anymore
*with ratings
Two consecutive wins for me, its been a while since that happened, that makes me feel a little better after i felt quite down that The Snowman became the biggest disappointment of the year so far, ill get you those 2 winning requests tomorrow or something.
David Warner -Little Malcolm
Ken Takakura - The Yakuza
Richard Jordan - The Yakuza
Bruce Dern - The Great Gatsby
Sam Waterson - The Great Gatsby
RatedRStar: Louis put Waterston in Lead.
And I don't mind Dern getting in over Lee. Just want Louis to watch his performance, despite having to put up with Moore again.
Can I politely suggest that any user that is currently called Anonymous really needs to either get a Google account or change their name in the Name/URL section of the comment because Louis probably doesnt want to constantly give wins to an Anonymous because anybody could just claim it as theirs, its easier and makes sense for both Louis and the person who wins the request.
Luke: Ah ok didnt see that, yes I would put Lee back in then, I did like Lee I just, im not convinced that Louis will praise Lee that much because he will say, well he is good but really limited.
RatedRStar: I felt he'd only get a 4 at best anyway. I'm a completist when it comes to actors that I really like or greatly admire and Scaramanga is one of his more iconic villain roles though not as memorable as Lord Summerisle.
Can I please request Gene Hackman in Young Frankenstein.
Anonymous: As a bonus review you mean.
Louis: Also, make sure to watch The Abdication with Peter Finch and Liv Ullmann.
I have now created one since mine could easily have been taken, even if I am not always on the blog I do read it pretty often.
Need to find a film to root for now, a Silence of this year, a Nightcrawler of this year, something like that =D.
Louis: And The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds.
RatedRStar: I personally am rooting for Dunkirk and Logan (Hopefully it'll get some recognition)
Logan would be in that category, I fully expect Dunkirk to do well with the Oscars, I thinking of a film that isnt really an academy film, like Silence and Nightcrawler.
Three Billboards perhaps, The Disaster Artist, maybe You Were Never Really Here.
RatedRStar: Call me by your Name?
Louis: Just review David Warner in Little Malcolm. He's very good in From Beyond The Grave but so are Donald Pleasence and Peter Cushing. I still want you to see it though.
Henry W: You saw Call me by your Name, is the tone fairly light or is taken quite seriously?
Louis: your thoughts on the scene where Rampling sings "Wenn ich mir was wünschen dürfte" in The Night Porter.
Louis: Did you watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Louis: My request is Sam Neill in Possession.
I think my request will be Kirk Douglas in Lonely Are The Brave.
Everyone: Who would you cast as Anton Chigurh in a 2017 version of No Country for Old Men? Call me crazy but I think Adam Driver MIGHT be able to pull it off.
94dfk1: He certainly could. I also think Kyle MacLachlan could do it easily.
=D funnily before the new season for Twin Peaks we all likely would have said no way not a chance that Kyle Maclachlan could do Anton Chigurh but he really would be good.
Just saw The Snowman, having read The book i had high expectations but i came out of the theatre really disappointed.
Fassbender: 4
Ferguson: 2,5
Gainsbourg: 3
Kilmer: 1
Karlsson: 2,5
Wow, a 1 for Kilmer?
Yeah, his character in the book was so interesting, while Kilmer's over the top approach didn't work for the movie and his character came out as a terrible caricature.
Also, Louis, your thoughts on Tom Sizemore on TP? I usually find him serviceable but a bit bland, so was surprised that he's actually such a great slimy hoot here.
Just finished Part 15 and thought it was an absolutely great sendoff to so many characters. That Otis Redding reunion was one of my favourite scenes and so well earnt (so that's where all the shoveling led up to), the Log Lady finale was amazing, the Sunset Boulevard moment was inspired, even Bowie not being able to return as Jeffries resulted in such a fitting and respectful moment. I even kind of loved the green gloved man's scene. Just about the only flaw I could find with the episode was Caleb Landy Jones' acting - ENUNCIATE, man. Jeez.
Omar: that's a shame to hear. Was hoping that we could get that ol spark of Kilmer back.
Luke: is it still too early to request a 2017 performance?
Yes I guess its that old story that having a good director, a good cast, a good story on paper, doesn't always mean a good film, I am gonna assume that the horror themed trailer is nothing like the actual film.
Calvin: while i think Fassbender, Simmons (wasted) could have done a lot more in a better movie, Kilmer is just terrible and over the top.
Val Kilmer is apparently dubbed..badly I heard in The Snowman.
The irony is that Kilmer is a better character actor than he is a leading man :/
Harvey Keitel, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Kris Kristofferson, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Austin Pendleton, The Front Page
Gene Wilder, The Little Prince
Sylvester Stallone, The Lord's of Flatbush
Calvin: To be honest, even though I had thought about Fassbender, I'd rather if no one did. I really hope Louis doesn't leave any of his fives out of the reviews, though who do you have in mind exactly.
Louis: Is there any possibility you could review Robby Benson in Beauty And The Beast.
Luke: I agree, I was thinking of maybe Kaluuya or Poulter but I'm sure both will have a fighting chance at it.
Louis: my request is for Chiwetel Ejiofor in Dirty Pretty Things (Best Actor 2002).
Calvin: Well, Poulter's a sure thing though If you were to win another request and choose Kaluuya who's got less of a chance, you'd be best waiting until just before the alternates begin.
Luke:
Carradine - 4(Carradine always makes for an interesting sort of atypical lead. He has a definite charm to him but it isn't sort of an overwhelming type of charm rather something very natural. This plays quite well with his country bumpkin style of bank robber, and I like the general haplessness and sort of ease that Carradine portrays in those scenes. He does well to grow an unease in this as the story progresses. In addition he has rather endearing very low key chemistry with Shelley Duvall that makes their relationship rather sweet.)
Giannini - 4(I really didn't care for this film in the least however Giannini is a naturally compelling performer to watch. That is the case here even though I question how the allegory of the film somehow makes the central relationship okay. Anyway though just on his own Giannini does deliver on his end at the very least in portraying first the just generally outraged worker, to the vicious master, then the broken mess. He didn't make me care for the film, but his performance was good.)
Jones - 4(Jones gives a rather charming performance here, though I would say in his live action early work he does have a bit of a tendency to be just a bit theatrical. Thankfully that does work for the character for the most part particularly in the comedic moments, and he thankfully does tone it down for the few dramatic moments in the film. They are infrequent but Jones makes them natural within the rest of his fairly entertaining performance.)
Gould - 4(Although the film always felt a bit aimless I did once again like Gould as a detective here, which he brings a somewhat similair style to as his Marlowe's but it doesn't feel like he's copying this performance. He does well instead to portray it as more of a method of his detective to basically trick his marks before he arrests them, and trying to ease the blow. In addition the few real character building moments given to him, such as when he explains his past as a cop, and the final only audio moments he's terrific in portraying a real devastating exasperation over his treatment as a cop.)
Bogarde - 3.5(This is pretty standard cold Bogarde I found. A decent enough example of it, but felt very repetitious to his work in the Damned to be honest. I'll admit that it doesn't help that I hated the film which I thought was exploitative yet it seemed to refuse to admit to it. Bogarde is perfectly fine still in his scene of cold cruelty, and just a bit of guilt, yet there's nothing remarkable about his performance.)
Atherton - 3.5(I rather like Atherton in general though I would say isn't quite a leading man he's certainly no Martin Sheen when it comes to the male half of a romantic couple of armed fugitives. He's not quite meant to be and though this is not an overly dynamic performance, Hawn really steals the film, Atherton is pretty good in portraying the general haplessness of the man trying to act much tougher and in control than he is.)
Waterston - 3.5(Although he is a purposefully observant character I would say Nick has to be considered lead within the film version since he is always onscreen and as it plays out his story ends up being important in the way it intertwines with Gatsby's even though it's very low key in that sense. Now with that said Waterston's role is pretty limited however he does make some impression and ensures his various reactions due add up to something by the end of the film. In fact he makes you care for Gatsby far more than Redford does.)
Blaise - 3(The idea of the character and his journey seems that of one of great potential given he's a french collaborator who falls in love with a Jewish girl. Blaise's performance doesn't realize much in that regard keeping rather distant throughout the film. He's not bad really but his performance never makes it as though you feel as you or can even understand the titular character past a very cursory note.)
Blake - 3(He's fine but he's not even given those couple of character moments Gould has, and is always of secondary focus. He does well enough with what he has, but he just has far too little to work with.)
Cosby & Poitier - 3/2.5(Well all other issues aside Cosby does have knack for comedy more so than Poitier who still is a bit charming here yet doesn't seem to know how to sell the comedic moments as a director or as an actor. He always seems far too timid in the role which isn't a great look for Poitier. Cosby is far better suited for the material, and makes a stronger impression overall despite the often lacking material.)
Sacks - 3(He's not an especially magnetic performer
Finley - 3(The real star of this film is Brian DEPALMA unleashed as a director everyone else a mere pawn, well except maybe Paul Williams. Anyway though Finley is perfectly fine though first as the excessively straight forward and hapless good guy to then just the excessively grotesque and vicious phantom.)
Heston - 3(A tiresome film in general though Heston does his best to carry it without winking to the audience and trying to find a bit of emotion when he can. It's not any major success by any means, but he's perfectly fine here.)
Dreyfus - 2.5(Now I will disagree with Dreyfus himself here, he's not so bad here that his career should have ended. I think he probably was judging himself a bit harshly, but hey it got him to take Jaws so that's a good thing. Dreyfus though does have quite a tendency to overcook his performance here playing up his usually style up maybe just a few too many notches and seemingly often losing sense of what the tone of the film is suppose to be.)
Salem - 2.5(Despite some high praise I've heard, and the fact that I did enjoy the film overall, I was not impressed by this performance. Salem's work very much came off to be as a non-actor by just how bland and often one note he was in the role. He has one major moment where he comes to life, but that's about it. This isn't a case either of realizing a work within the margins since there is nothing there other than his often blank expression. His performance is made up by the direction, the writing and Brigitte Mira's performance.)
Redford - 2(Redford honestly just doesn't seem to care here, and according to Mia Farrow he didn't. His Gatsby seems to hold almost no interest in Daisy whatsoever which seems a bit problematic. Redford seems far too content in the role, and even in the most dramatic scenes he leaves all the work to the rest of the ensemble, who I rather liked.)
Caan - 2(He gets off a bit better than his co-star, really because of the scenes without him, but Caan comes off as more swarmy than charming here. He's okay in a couple of his tough cops moments as you'd expect but overall this an underwhelming turn from him.)
O'Bannon - 2(The writer of an alien dealing with a beach ball alien in SPAAACCCEEE. Anyways O'Bannon's not much of an actor, and just isn't very engaging to watch. He's just sort of there.)
Arkin - 1(This basically an embodiment of all the worst that Alan Arkin can offer as an Arkin. He's downright horrible in this as he seems to think that he make any line funny by YELLING AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS. It only gets worse when he has "comedic" moments with Caan and they both take turns just getting louder apparently believing that is somehow amusing. Unfortunately for Arkin he's basically only trying to funny here, and this is a case of him failing very miserably in that regard.)
Lead:
1. Faye Dunaway - Chinatown
2. Ellen Burstyn - Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
3. Gena Rowlands - A Woman Under the Influence
4. Brigitte Mira - Ali: Fear Eats the Soul - 4.5
5. Goldie Hawn - The Sugarland Express - 4.5
6. Diahann Carroll - Claudine - 4
7. Shelley Duvall - Thieves Like Us - 4
8. Mariangela Melato - Swept Away - 4
9. Mia Farrow - The Great Gatsby - 4
10. Charlotte Rampling - The Night Porter - 3.5
Supporting:
1. Valerie Perrine - Lenny
2. Cloris Leachman - Young Frakenstein
3. Diane Ladd - Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore - 4.5
4. Madeline Kahn - Young Frankenstein
5. Jennifer Jones - The Towering Inferno
6. Aurore Clement - Lacombe, Lucien - 4
7. Karen Black - The Great Gatsby - 4
8. Madeline Kahn - Blazing Saddles
9. Lois Chiles - The Great Gatsby - 3.5
10. Diane Keaton - The Godfather Part II
I was thinking of doing maybe just a line up of my favorite vocal performances for a special set of reviews.
I also did see Texas Chainsaw.
Omar:
Rampling - (Rampling is a compelling enough performer to be compelling enough however like Bogarde she's stuck in a generally uninteresting film that fails to find any real depth within the story despite the extreme nature of the material. Rampling though certainly provides the needed intensity in her scenes of fear, or of the strange enslavement of sorts. She goes all in, and does deliver even if there is very little purpose to this.)
Mira - (Made the movie for me acting wise as she managed to convey so much even when I felt he co-star conveyed very little. She's excellent though early on in creating that certain daffiness in her performance at first in portraying more of a curiosity towards Ali but also conveys the underlying sadness within this alluding to her loneliness. As the film proceeds she's quite good in creating a real warmth in her interactions with Ali, and as well does an effective job of coming out of that sadness initially. She however is also essential in creating the sense of the peer pressure that she brings into her portrayal of the overall growing confidence that seems to place back in the place as a "normal" German. It is only when she shows her revert to that initial sadness does she portray once again the needed self-reflection with quite the poignancy.)
Carroll - (She's pretty good here in just giving a generally endearing performance that matches the film's tone quite well. She has rather nice chemistry with Jones, but she also balances though lighter moments well with the general frustrations behind her character. She does well to always pay mind to Claudine's real problems all the time, showing that as always the underlying layer even when she's dealing with a quieter moment.)
Kahn - (A pretty entertaining Marlene Dietrich parody though I would say her better performance was in her other Mel Brooks performance that year. She's enjoyable to be sure here though, as usual.)
Farrow - (I have seen this performance criticized by some however I think she quite effectively played Daisy as the vapid woman she should be. I would say there is probably an amazing Daisy possible where they're extremely alluring while being extremely vapid, Farrow's not quite that. She though does have enough of an appeal, but more than anything is very good selling her most horrible and most vapid moments with such a eagerness that hides the nature of the character so well.)
Black - (Black is usually good and this case is no different here. Black is very good in portraying just the sheer enthusiasm in her scenes with Dern though with the right underlying tension in regards to her treatment, but also in regards to showing how she's basically trying to live a false dream that reality sometimes bumps into.)
Burstyn - (I loved everything about her performance here as this was for me just one of those performances that was just perfect with how natural she comes across in realizing a character you feel you could run into anywhere. Burstyn is so much fun here quite often in portraying up the more comedic moments that come from her various experiences throughout. She always balances things perfectly here though in the way she can in one moment make her breakdown genuinely funny but other times make it genuinely harrowing. Burstyn makes every moment work through her mastery of the tone and by just making this such a vivid and lived in character in every moment. I loved just spending time with her character, and that was a large part of why I enjoyed the film as a much as I did.)
Ladd - (Now Ladd is more overtly comedic almost all the time but she also does do some intelligent maneuvering of the tone as well. In that she is effectively acerbic in both a way where you see why she is such a turnoff for Alice while also being quite amusing in portraying her crude nature. For much of her scenes she's just a great deal of fun to watch although in her major heart to heart scene at the end she manages to not only deliver in making the moment heartwarming, she also still pretty entertaining while doing it.)
Well as a man, I won't lie, Charlotte Rampling is very attractive, however that alludes to the severe problem with the film which is that it is far too exploitative without finding any real substance in its approach.
Calvin:
One of the narrow misses for my top ten for Sizemore. I agree he's pretty hilarious here in playing up the sleaziness so well. I love sort of the juvenile way he plays the whole part though from his suspicious glances when Dougie's seeing Bud, or his overly pathetic way he asks Dougie told him. I particularly enjoy his hapless method of asking for poison with the, decidedly underused, John Savage. The poison scene though is the best though, as is the following confession, as Sizemore brings out some comedic gold out of his crying. Sizemore plays it up just enough and he's indeed a hoot.
I think Farrow's not a very good Daisy, but she was considerably better than Redford who was just awful. Which is weird because you'd think that he'd be perfect for the part.
Glad we agree on ol' Sizemore. The confession scene is just great with Sizemore such a hapless numpty, Murray/Mullens so awesome in calling him out on his BS, and of course old Dougie being such an unintentional badass, 'Thank Dougie' indeed.
Calvin:
I think he probably would've been perfect with the right director, or even just the right time. Apparently Redford was too absorbed in Watergate to care about the movie, and it shows.
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