list-o-mania
from the cluttered wishing to be categorized brain of Nathaniel R
Compiled in February 2006 using a complex mathematical formula [snort] involving number of films, clarity of obsession, quality of work, and other *undefinables* (such as previous films, awards show appearances, publicity, tv, & stage work) that influence me even though the list is meant to be about 2000 through 2005 only for more on the workings of this list -check out the introduction
Actors of the "Aughts" 40-31 |
40 Topher Grace
I have never seen a full episode of That 70s Show. I really haven't. So if you say "Ashton Kutcher" to me I think Dude Where's My Car? and "Punk'd" and 'Demi's boyfriend.' If you say "Wilmer Valderama" I think 'guy who slept w/ Lindsay Lohan and half of Young Hollywood'. So, though I was aware of Topher Grace before his film stardom, he doesn't read as "Eric Forman" to me... which probably helps me to appreciate how good a film actor he actually is. I first took him for too smarmy when I saw him in Traffic (2000) and Oceans 11 (2001) assuming it was his persona and not a character choice. Of course he was playing himself in the latter so that's understandable. But with his year long triple play in 2004 (Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, P.S., In Good Company) a very confident, charismatic, and even inspired romantic comedian was there for all to see (if they weren't still thinking of him as a sitcom actor --again, I didn't have that disadvantage.) As far as range goes, too soon to tell but he'll test the blockbuster waters next year in Spider-Man 3. Can't wait.39 Andy Serkis
His is a face that not many filmgoers recognize, but his contribution to blockbuster cinema has been mighty this decade. Without his torturously physical and emotional commitment to The Lord of the Rings saga creating Gollum in tandem with the special effects team, the series would lose much of its dramatic potency. His efforts in The Two Towers (2002) in particular will be cherished by movie fans for decades to come. Gollum/Smeagol's schizoid breakdown in the woods is one of the highpoints of Peter Jackson's whole grand nine hour adventure. And its an acting accomplishment more than a visual effects breakthrough if you ask me (FB Supp Actor Nomination). If that weren't enough proof of his gift he also did the same thing again for King Kong (2005) and damned if the character acting isn't just as memorable and completely different, too. Other credits this decade include Pandaemonium (2000), 24 Hour Party People (2002), and 13 Going on 30 (2004).
38 Brian Cox
Has there been a busier actor this decade? Cox has made over 25 films in the past six years and he does TV, too. His best work this decade was certainly found in L.I.E. (2001) as a sexual predator. It was a performance both chilling and multi-faceted. My second favorite is his brief comic barking in Adaptation (2002) as "Story" author Robert McKee. Most recently he did fine understated work as a generous patriarch in Woody Allen's Match Point (2005). There's always a danger when an actor works this often that he'll start repeating himself and Cox is no exception. I think I've had enough of his scene-stealing dark roles for at least a couple of years. To me his baddies in The Bourne Identity (2002), X2 (2003) Troy (2004) all kind of bleed together into one snarling scenery-chewing evildoer. But Cox is smart enough to throw in good hearted father figure like in 25th Hour (2002) and Red Eye (2005) to make certain he's not completely trapped in bad guy typecasting. I hope the rest of the decade brings him a few unique challenges (and larger roles) so we can see what else this actor has in him.37 Adrien Brody
As a fan of the under appreciated Spike Lee joint Summer of Sam (1999) I was already rooting for Adrien Brody's success as the decade began. After stints in Bread and Roses (2000) and Affair of the Necklace (2001) that big fame breakthrough finally came with The Pianist (2002). His amazing triumph in that role was crowned with perhaps the sweetest Oscar win in the Best Actor category in a long time. Like many exuberant Oscar 'thank you's (think Sally Field in 1984) it's become something of a joke in retrospect but it was a joyous moment for the performer and the audience at the time. Brody's recent work in The Village (2004), The Jacket and King Kong (2005) hasn't been half as revelatory and he has taken some knocks for that. But really...how many performances by any actor come close to his wrenching "Wladyslaw Szpilman"? I'm not sure it should be held against him. Another great performance will happen. But for now I'm just happy to see him onscreen frequently.
36 Paddy Considine
The last time I saw Paddy onscreen he was playing a drunken depressed man in Cinderella Man (2005). I was surprised to take it kind of personally as I watched the Great Depression humiliate him. It was like I was taking Hollywood to task for it. 'Don't they know who this actor is? He should have a larger role!' as if the stock role itself were one more public indignity for the actor/character to endure. Hadn't they seen Paddy's solid everyman skills in Last Resort (2001)? Paul Giamatti's got nothing on him. Hadn't they cried with him in In America (2003)? He coulda played Russell Crowe's role in this very boxing movie I'm watching. Surely someone besides me noticed his brilliance in My Summer of Love (2004)? Hang in there Paddy, one of these days Hollywood will catch on.35 Owen Wilson
Re: The Brothers Wilson. I've read in more than one place of delusion that Luke is the more attractive sibling. It has something to do with Owen's nose. But me? I love it. If all stars with unusual features went to the surgeon, Hollywood would lose its hold on our communal imagination. Generic beauty is for television and pageants. The movies and the fashion industry need faces that don't leave your mind. Which is why it's more than appropriate that Owen first grabbed my notice as top male model 'Hansel' in Zoolander. The only thing I'd even think of changing about Owen Wilson is his movie choices. He's fighting for the crown of "highest placing actor whose movies I generally have no interest in seeing." My favorite Wilson role is unquestionably Eli Cash in The Royal Tenenbaums (FB Nom). You can also enjoy his addictive comic gift and absurd beauty in Meet the Parents, Shanghai Noon(2000), Behind Enemy Lines (01), I Spy (2002), Shanghai Knights (2003), Starsky & Hutch, Around in the World in 80 Days, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Meet the Fockers, The Big Bounce (2004), and The Wedding Crashers (2005)
34 Joaquin Phoenix
He's come a long way baby. If you'd have told me in 1989 back when River Phoenix was vying for an Oscar at 19 years of age and embarking on what looked likely to be a legendary career and Leaf (as Joaquin was then called) was annoying me in Parenthood that the younger brother would end up being the bigger and more Oscared star I would have thought you certifiable. The world spins in bizarre ways. River is long gone (RIP) and Joaquin's stardom is still growing after two Oscar nominations and numerous hits. If you ask me, Joaquin is an uneven actor but it's become hard to ignore him. His work in Gladiator and Quills (both 2000) is not without fine moments but overall I have my reservations about each. I skipped a few of his films but I thought he was delightful in Signs (2002), a performance which caught me off guard for its light touch --not something ever in evidence in his earlier work. He was back to heavy lidded and draamtic in The Village (2004) and Walk the Line (2005) but I was impressed with his willingness to give his scenes away so readily to others, displaying less ego than your typical movie star while in the latter case still acting up a storm. He's only 32. The future looks bright.
33 Jeff Bridges
He makes it look too easy. This is the only conceivable explanation as to why Mr. Bridges is not held in the same lofty esteem of "Great American Actor" as the DeNiros and Pacinos of the world who are just a few years older than him but who sweat visible drops of sturm und drang as they emote for the cameras. I know that the "not bankable" factor must play in to the noticeable lack of showcase roles coming his way, but it's a damn shame I tell you. For every K-Pax (2001) and Stick It (2006) or what have you he really ought to be handed more plum roles like the ones he aced in The Contender (2000) or Seabiscuit (2003). Performances as rich, original, and brilliant as the one he was giving in The Door in the Floor (2004, FB Gold Medal) don't come along every day. So even if they seem completely and improbably effortless we really ought to bow down. A great performance is a great performance is a great performance. It doesn't matter if the actor delivering it was sweating blood or tossing it off.
32 Liam Neeson
I always knew he would age well. That imposing physical presence (he's one of the very tallest movie stars at 6' 4") and the commanding but somehow soothing voice never seemed to be any specific age at any point in his career. Or, if they did present an age, it was older than he was playing. As Neeson entered his 50s early this decade Hollywood seems to have newly typecast him as the ultimate father figure / mentor. His voice and physicality lend themselves to this, sure. But it's the quality of acting that keeps him busy. Whether he's playing father figure to violent hordes (Gangs of New York, 2002 and Batman Begins, 2005) or the ultimate father (i.e. God) as the voice of Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, 2005) it seems only natural that people would take up arms to follow him. My two favorite Neeson roles recently thankfully spin this father business on its head to keep it fresh. In 2004 he won the Los Angeles Film Critics Best Actor award playing controversial sex researcher Alfred Kinsey (2004), a character with heavy Daddy issues of his own. And last year he was a "Father" twice over (man of cloth and Daddy) in a fine supporting role in Breakfast on Pluto. It was a cluttered film but the emotional content seems crystal clear whenever he entered the scene.
31 Leonardo DiCaprio
That "King of the World" moment in Titanic (1997) still haunts me. Up until then Leonardo Dicaprio was rapidly becoming my favorite young actor. After that and the subsequent superstardom that settled in around him (or crushed him, you decide) his performances haven't carried the same electric charge as his 90s work. Part of it is that he doesn't work enough. Part of it is that with superstardom comes the need to carry big budget movies. It's very possible that he's the type of actor that would be better suited to less bankable or less Oscar-ready material. He was all wrong for his Gangs of New York (2002) role and it didn't help that he seemed to sleepwalk through it (not a good idea when Daniel Day-Lewis is your scene partner) but the rest of his choices in this young decade have yielded better results. The Beach is no great shakes as movies go but he's not the problem with it and seems committed to making it impactful. The playful Catch Me if You Can (2002) reminded everyone of his star wattage just in time. And the best for last: As Howard Hughes in The Aviator (2004) he was electric again, finally sparking both as the fine actor he used to be and the movie star he suddenly became. "the way of the future..." indeed.
next page: 30-21
The Complete List for The Films of 2000-2005
100 -91 / 90-81 / 80-71/ 70-61 / 60-51 / 50-41
40-31 / 30-21 / 20-11 / 10-6 / 5-1
