Showing posts with label 2001 Best Supporting Actor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2001 Best Supporting Actor. Show all posts
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Best Supporting Actor 2001: Results
Best Supporting Actor 2001: Ian Mckellen in The Fellowship of the Ring
Ian Mckellen received his second Oscar nomination for portraying Gandalf the Grey in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring.
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first part of the fantasy trilogy about the journey to destroy the evil ring of power, and save Middle-earth.
Ian Mckellen plays who is one of the most memorable of the character in the story, as the wise and powerful wizard. I must say Mckellen portrayal of Gandalf completely fit how I expected the character in the book, something I can't quite say about some of the other cast members. Mckellen though gets Gandalf spot on though, and just is the part from his first scene on screen. I never really say Mckellen playing the part I always saw the character.
In playing the wise wizard Mckellen shows consistently a calmness and ease in the part something frankly quite needed for a part like this, if Mckellen was not absolutely sure of himself this part would be unbelievable, but Mckellen is sure of his character. Mckellen also manages to infuse a great deal of humanity into his part, which again was greatly needed. Gandalf easily could have been an overly mysterious, or frankly boring character in the wrong hands but Mckellen brings him to life.
Gandalf throughout the film is suppose to be a wise always helping figure, and Mckellen manages to portray this quite effectively. Mckellen always puts a great deal of heart in his performance without making the kindly nature of Gandalf seem at all forced. Mckellen is particularly strong in the small quiet moments of comforting wisdom that realize the true wisdom and warmth of the character. Mckellen also manages to insert some humor in the part derived from the age of Gandalf, which Mckellen does with as much ease as the wisdom, and certainly adds to the whole of the character.
The part is not only wisdom though and there is a great deal of challenge actually in his big scenes such as with his confrontation with Saruman (Christopher Lee) or his fight with the Balrog. These scenes really could have been just over the top acting, but Mckellen handles them extremely well. He instead manages to put power and assurance with each of these scenes, particularly in his line readings, to make them quite memorable. This is a very good performance by Mckellen that brings his character to life.
Ian Mckellen plays who is one of the most memorable of the character in the story, as the wise and powerful wizard. I must say Mckellen portrayal of Gandalf completely fit how I expected the character in the book, something I can't quite say about some of the other cast members. Mckellen though gets Gandalf spot on though, and just is the part from his first scene on screen. I never really say Mckellen playing the part I always saw the character.
In playing the wise wizard Mckellen shows consistently a calmness and ease in the part something frankly quite needed for a part like this, if Mckellen was not absolutely sure of himself this part would be unbelievable, but Mckellen is sure of his character. Mckellen also manages to infuse a great deal of humanity into his part, which again was greatly needed. Gandalf easily could have been an overly mysterious, or frankly boring character in the wrong hands but Mckellen brings him to life.
Gandalf throughout the film is suppose to be a wise always helping figure, and Mckellen manages to portray this quite effectively. Mckellen always puts a great deal of heart in his performance without making the kindly nature of Gandalf seem at all forced. Mckellen is particularly strong in the small quiet moments of comforting wisdom that realize the true wisdom and warmth of the character. Mckellen also manages to insert some humor in the part derived from the age of Gandalf, which Mckellen does with as much ease as the wisdom, and certainly adds to the whole of the character.
The part is not only wisdom though and there is a great deal of challenge actually in his big scenes such as with his confrontation with Saruman (Christopher Lee) or his fight with the Balrog. These scenes really could have been just over the top acting, but Mckellen handles them extremely well. He instead manages to put power and assurance with each of these scenes, particularly in his line readings, to make them quite memorable. This is a very good performance by Mckellen that brings his character to life.
Best Supporting Actor 2001: Ethan Hawke in Training Day
Ethan Hawke received his first nomination for portraying Jake Hoyt in Training Day.
Ethan Hawke although nominated in the supporting category is certainly the lead in the film since he has more screentime than his costar Denzel Washington who won in the lead category for this film. I have noticed for this performance Ethan Hawke has received some great deal of negativity for his performance finding himself on a few lists of worst Oscar nominations. I find this quite hard to understand though since I see nothing wrong with his performance.
Hawke's performance is a very reactionary one for most of the film, as he reacts to Hoyt's "training" given to him by his corrupt superior Alonzo Harris (Washington). Hawke shows Hoyt at the beginning not to be overly naive, but possibly overly earnest in believing his new job to be some sort of dream position or at least much better than the nightmare it quickly becomes.What is effective about Hawke's performance is despite being in the face of Washington's very overactive performance, Hawke never overacts. He also never tries to make Hoyt some sort of great hero, just an honest person who actually just wants to do the right thing. Hawke best shows this by when Hoyt reacts to the various questionable actions by Alonzo. Hawke shows it through disbelief, more than anything else showing his inexperience, and lack of understanding of what truly goes on in his line of work.
Hawke effectively acts as the viewer's guide through the journey that Alonzo takes him through. Hawke has the creates the right amount of empathy for Hoyt, because he never turns Hoyt into more than Hoyt is. Hawke as well manages to stay realistic through the journey acting as a normal man would react to his various extreme situations he has to go through.Throughout the film though Hawke slowly develops Hoyt into a more hardened individual than he was at the beginning of the film. Hawke change is slow but natural change. How at first he cannot even believe what is happening to him, there is certain sickness that also prevails through him, and Hawke eventually shows that this leads to a resolve to do the right thing. This is good leading performance by Hawke, and is easy one to follow throughout his journey of the film.
Hawke's performance is a very reactionary one for most of the film, as he reacts to Hoyt's "training" given to him by his corrupt superior Alonzo Harris (Washington). Hawke shows Hoyt at the beginning not to be overly naive, but possibly overly earnest in believing his new job to be some sort of dream position or at least much better than the nightmare it quickly becomes.What is effective about Hawke's performance is despite being in the face of Washington's very overactive performance, Hawke never overacts. He also never tries to make Hoyt some sort of great hero, just an honest person who actually just wants to do the right thing. Hawke best shows this by when Hoyt reacts to the various questionable actions by Alonzo. Hawke shows it through disbelief, more than anything else showing his inexperience, and lack of understanding of what truly goes on in his line of work.
Hawke effectively acts as the viewer's guide through the journey that Alonzo takes him through. Hawke has the creates the right amount of empathy for Hoyt, because he never turns Hoyt into more than Hoyt is. Hawke as well manages to stay realistic through the journey acting as a normal man would react to his various extreme situations he has to go through.Throughout the film though Hawke slowly develops Hoyt into a more hardened individual than he was at the beginning of the film. Hawke change is slow but natural change. How at first he cannot even believe what is happening to him, there is certain sickness that also prevails through him, and Hawke eventually shows that this leads to a resolve to do the right thing. This is good leading performance by Hawke, and is easy one to follow throughout his journey of the film.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Best Supporting Actor 2001: Jim Broadbent in Iris
Jim Broadbent won his Oscar from his first nomination for portraying John Bayley in Iris.
Iris depicts the relationship between writer Iris Murdoch and her husband John Bayley both in its early stages and at the end of it when Iris suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
Jim Broadbent is not a supporting performance in this film as he is the male lead in late half of the relationship between John and Iris. Broadbent portrays the older John Bayley. Bayley as written is mostly a kindly old man, who loves his wife, and is almost complacent with his status as the husband of the more famous wife. This whole characterization Broadbent handles with a great deal of ease, and really it could have been quite easy to have messed up entirely.
Broadbent though is quite effective in his creation of Bayley. The various mannerisms such as his stutter, and his whole quiet shy demeanor are all very naturally portrayed by Broadbent despite the fact they all could have easily seem forced. Broadbent stays quietly honest throughout his performance which works for in his quiet supportive husband character. There is never hint of falseness to hid portrayal which is why his performance is effective.
Broadbent mostly stays loving and supportive of his wife. There is also a great deal of sadness over his wife Broadbent portrays quietly but truthfully. Also though there is some anger as well that he shows toward her due to the way he treated by her when they were younger. Broadbent realizes this as well showing it as rather deep rooted pain he feels from their history, not as just some sudden outburst.
The best part of his performance really is showing the way in which he slowly sees his position change in the relationship in life, and he begins to slowly gain a greater confidence. Broadbent carefully realizes this change in a slow but deliberate fashion. His best moment in this regard is probably his eulogy for one of Iris' friend, where although not a perfectly confidant man Broadbent shows Bayley having a greater grasp on his life. This is Broadbent strongest aspect of what I would say is a good performance, but for me it is the type performance I like, but do not love.
Jim Broadbent is not a supporting performance in this film as he is the male lead in late half of the relationship between John and Iris. Broadbent portrays the older John Bayley. Bayley as written is mostly a kindly old man, who loves his wife, and is almost complacent with his status as the husband of the more famous wife. This whole characterization Broadbent handles with a great deal of ease, and really it could have been quite easy to have messed up entirely.
Broadbent though is quite effective in his creation of Bayley. The various mannerisms such as his stutter, and his whole quiet shy demeanor are all very naturally portrayed by Broadbent despite the fact they all could have easily seem forced. Broadbent stays quietly honest throughout his performance which works for in his quiet supportive husband character. There is never hint of falseness to hid portrayal which is why his performance is effective.
Broadbent mostly stays loving and supportive of his wife. There is also a great deal of sadness over his wife Broadbent portrays quietly but truthfully. Also though there is some anger as well that he shows toward her due to the way he treated by her when they were younger. Broadbent realizes this as well showing it as rather deep rooted pain he feels from their history, not as just some sudden outburst.
The best part of his performance really is showing the way in which he slowly sees his position change in the relationship in life, and he begins to slowly gain a greater confidence. Broadbent carefully realizes this change in a slow but deliberate fashion. His best moment in this regard is probably his eulogy for one of Iris' friend, where although not a perfectly confidant man Broadbent shows Bayley having a greater grasp on his life. This is Broadbent strongest aspect of what I would say is a good performance, but for me it is the type performance I like, but do not love.
Best Supporting Actor 2001: Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast
Ben Kingsley received his third Oscar nomination for portraying Don Logan in Sexy Beast.
Sexy Beast details the story of a retired criminal Gal (Ray Winstone) resistance against a criminal associate's want for him to return to London for one more job.
Ben Kingsley portrays the thug who wants Gal to take another job, and is quite reluctant to take no for an answer. This a far cry from his Oscar winning performance as Gandhi, and because of that this performance is quite interesting to watch, although that does not completely mean this is a great performance either, but certainly one that is quite intriguing to compare to his earlier performance. I might as well start with the negative qualities I see in the performance. Kingsley in a few moment, short and small moments most certainly, but moments nonetheless he shows what I see as a bit of visible acting unfortuantely. These moments are few and far in between, and they mostly come from some of his physical mannerisms in his performance, such as the first scene where he is sitting with Gal, and his friends Kingsley overdoes the stiff intensity just a bit, making it seem a little unnatural.
Forgetting those moments though this certainly is still a good performance. Kingsley uses the perfect cockney accent in the role, that properly exemplifies the crudeness, and the cruelty of the character. As Don Kingsley seems always off balance, and frankly seem a bit of a rabid dog, particularly in the way he repeats yes. There is something always clearly wrong with him, and Kingsley realizes the threatening unnerving of Don very well. Kingsley stays on this note for most of his performance, as he should since Don is really a one note sort of man. Kingsley lets on a little more about Don's love for one of Gal's friends, but Kingsley stresses very little showing that Don sort of is unable to show any true affection due to who he is. Kingsley does manage to add this layer to Don's personality without overriding the rest of his characterization, or making his affection seem unnatural for Don however natural within the character.
Ben Kingsley portrays the thug who wants Gal to take another job, and is quite reluctant to take no for an answer. This a far cry from his Oscar winning performance as Gandhi, and because of that this performance is quite interesting to watch, although that does not completely mean this is a great performance either, but certainly one that is quite intriguing to compare to his earlier performance. I might as well start with the negative qualities I see in the performance. Kingsley in a few moment, short and small moments most certainly, but moments nonetheless he shows what I see as a bit of visible acting unfortuantely. These moments are few and far in between, and they mostly come from some of his physical mannerisms in his performance, such as the first scene where he is sitting with Gal, and his friends Kingsley overdoes the stiff intensity just a bit, making it seem a little unnatural.
Forgetting those moments though this certainly is still a good performance. Kingsley uses the perfect cockney accent in the role, that properly exemplifies the crudeness, and the cruelty of the character. As Don Kingsley seems always off balance, and frankly seem a bit of a rabid dog, particularly in the way he repeats yes. There is something always clearly wrong with him, and Kingsley realizes the threatening unnerving of Don very well. Kingsley stays on this note for most of his performance, as he should since Don is really a one note sort of man. Kingsley lets on a little more about Don's love for one of Gal's friends, but Kingsley stresses very little showing that Don sort of is unable to show any true affection due to who he is. Kingsley does manage to add this layer to Don's personality without overriding the rest of his characterization, or making his affection seem unnatural for Don however natural within the character.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Best Supporting Actor 2001: Jon Voight in Ali
Jon Voight received his fourth nomination so far for portraying Howard Cossell in Ali.
This is a bizarre nomination that can only be explained by the academy wanting to see Jon Voight again I guess, or the academy was really taken with two far from perfect impersonations if you can call them that from this film. Voight is barely in the film really, and he does not even have a single scene to stand out he mainly is just there with a great deal of his performance being a voice over of a boxing match. Voight is bizarre looking with his Cossell makeup that frankly has an odd ghoulish quality to it, because Voight's eyes do not fit with the makeup.
The main question with this performance is how the impersonation is becuase frankly that is all the performance is. Well it is not very good. He sounds stiff as Cossell, and his impersonation never sounds really like the real Cossell, but just a comic imitation that really is not suppose to be funny. There simply is no reason this lackluster impersonation should have been nominated for any sort of acting award.
The main question with this performance is how the impersonation is becuase frankly that is all the performance is. Well it is not very good. He sounds stiff as Cossell, and his impersonation never sounds really like the real Cossell, but just a comic imitation that really is not suppose to be funny. There simply is no reason this lackluster impersonation should have been nominated for any sort of acting award.
Best Supporting Actor 2001
Jon Voight in Ali
Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast
Jim Broadbent in Iris
Ian Mckellen in The Fellowship of the Ring
Ethan Hawke in Training Day
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