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Creating a great film requires a mix of elements, including strong writing, unique cinematography, skilled direction, and of course, captivating performances. The performances of actors often leave a lasting impression on viewers, sometimes more than the work done behind the scenes.
Yet, there are instances when the actor with the most impressive performance isn't necessarily the one whose name stands out on the poster. We've all experienced the feeling of leaving a theater and discussing the supporting actor or actress more than the lead. Here are ten films where this idea holds true.
10. The Silence Of The Lambs - Anthony Hopkins
Dr. Lecter, a notorious figure, has unsettled audiences throughout the years. Sir Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of this chilling, cannibalistic mastermind—constantly outwitting everyone around him—remains nothing short of mesmerizing. Before his incarceration, he was a respected psychiatrist, treating patients with some rather intriguing cases. The combination of Hopkins' poise and his ability to think on his feet is truly remarkable. His interactions with Clarice are unforgettable and stand out as some of the most gripping exchanges in cinema.
Jodie Foster shared an interesting tidbit in an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, revealing that during filming, she and Hopkins were often kept apart by glass or bars. Despite this separation, Foster confessed to feeling genuinely frightened by Hopkins' intense presence. While she was undoubtedly brilliant in her role, Foster admitted that when *The Silence of the Lambs* is mentioned, it's Hopkins' name that tends to be the first to come up—though Hopkins himself also confessed to feeling intimidated by her.
9. *My Cousin Vinny* - Marisa Tomei
"You put your little deer lips down to the cool, clear water. *Bam!*"—Mona Lisa Vito.
How could we forget her? The incredible energy, comedic timing, and charm that Marisa Tomei injects into her role in *My Cousin Vinny* is hard to put into words. In this film, two friends stop at a small roadside shop, accidentally steal a can of tuna, and quickly find themselves under arrest. Amidst confusion and fear over the questioning, the pair soon realize they're being implicated in a murder that occurred at the store on the very same day.
Vinny, played by Joe Pesci, is the family's lawyer, and unfortunately, he is the only hope the two men have to escape their troublesome predicament. Accompanying him is his fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito, portrayed by Marisa Tomei. Tomei delivers a standout performance, showcasing her quintessential New York sass and providing the comedic spark that drives the film forward. Her exceptional performance earned her an Oscar for the role.
8. *Schindler’s List* - Ralph Fiennes
It’s universally acknowledged that portraying the horrors of the Holocaust on film is an incredibly challenging task—one that not every director would be eager to tackle. But Steven Spielberg elevated the genre to new heights with the 1993 release of *Schindler’s List*. The film's raw and graphic portrayal of history demands respect, especially in the meticulous detail that went into its creation. While Liam Neeson delivers a solid performance as Oskar Schindler, it’s Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of the brutal Amon Goeth that leaves a lasting impression. His chilling accuracy in embodying this vile character makes us feel the weight of his evil presence.
In one harrowing scene, Goeth steps out of his bedroom and opens fire on the people in the concentration camp from his balcony—a chilling act that the real Goeth actually carried out. Fiennes revealed that to prepare for this scene, he tapped into a more primal feeling: "It was like an extension of that boyish thrill with an air rifle when you aim at cans on a wall. That satisfaction when you hit a target—it gives you a kick. It’s as basic as smashing a fly with your hand as a kid and standing in front of a windowpane for ages seeing how many flies you can kill." It’s evident that Fiennes completely immerses himself in this role, stealing the scene in the process.
7. *No Country For Old Men* - Javier Bardem
"Call it." These two words will forever carry a different weight for those of us who watched the Coen brothers' 2007 masterpiece, *No Country for Old Men*. This captivating film showcases an exceptional cast, with each actor delivering a standout performance in their respective roles.
There’s a specific reason Javier Bardem was chosen to play the villain. His ability to unsettle audiences with pure shock is truly extraordinary. From his low, haunting voice to the emptiness in his gaze, Bardem creates a character so chilling that his presence lingers long after the credits roll.
6. *The Godfather Part II* - Robert De Niro
No, you're not mistaken. *The Godfather Part II*, not *Part I*. Robert De Niro’s performance in Francis Ford Coppola’s sequel serves as a reminder of why he is regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. The film takes us back in time to explore how Don Vito Corleone (played by De Niro) rose through the ranks of the Mafia. The narrative is split into two timelines: one follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) navigating his present-day struggles, while the other shows young Vito’s ascent in early-1900s New York City. Coppola doesn't shy away from showcasing the harsh realities of immigration and the obstacles faced by those arriving in America.
After De Niro rightfully won the *Oscar* in 1975, Coppola expressed his gratitude: "Well, I’m happy that one of my boys made it. I think this is a very richly deserved award. I think Robert De Niro is an extraordinary actor and he is going to enrich the films that are made for years to come, and I thank you on his behalf." De Niro's performance in this iconic sequel truly allows the film to shine, cementing his place as one of the all-time greats.
5. Inglourious Basterds – Christoph Waltz
“Wait for the cream!” This Tarantino film is a game-changer in the way we experience cinema. It’s not only the unique storytelling and direction that make it stand out, but also the brilliant performance of Christoph Waltz, who masterfully embodies true evil. Waltz plays a Nazi officer tracking down Jews still on the run, showcasing his chilling expertise from the start. He’s relentless, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of the truth.
Hans Landa (Waltz) delivers some of the most unsettling dialogue and emotional depth, making him an unforgettable presence on screen, even though the film is set in France over 70 years ago. Waltz’s performance stands head and shoulders above the rest, earning him well-deserved recognition, including an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2009.
4. The Graduate – Anne Bancroft
Anne Bancroft, famously known as ‘Mrs. Robinson,’ was the quintessential crush for many young men in her time. Beautiful, seductive, and an exceptional actress, she captivated audiences in Mike Nichols’s iconic film The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman. This film fundamentally changed the way we viewed our friends’ mothers, becoming a cultural touchstone in the process.
Hoffman plays the quintessential 'innocent' recent college graduate who seems to be on a quest for his future. However, it is Anne Bancroft's playful teasing and intriguing diversions that steal the show, leaving a lasting impression. Interestingly, Bancroft and Hoffman were only about six years apart in age. One undeniable certainty about this film is that Bancroft captivates the audience with her seductive and alluring tactics.
3. The Dark Knight Heath Ledger
It's no surprise that Heath Ledger secures the top spot on this list. Christopher Nolan's reimagining of the Batman series, starting with 'Batman Begins' in 2005, caught many fans off guard. Few anticipated the direction the series would take, and in 2008, everyone was stunned by one of the most significant milestones in cinematic history.
The overwhelming success of this sequel is no accident. Its high ranking on nearly every movie review site can largely be attributed to Heath Ledger's portrayal of the iconic Joker. While other actors, such as Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Hamill, have taken on the role, no one has captured the full extent of the Joker's darkness quite like Ledger. From start to finish, the audience is kept on edge, uncertain of the fates of the characters on-screen. According to Screenrant, Ledger isolated himself in a hotel room for six weeks to fully immerse himself in the character, reading the source material, experimenting with various Joker voices, and keeping a journal.
Following the completion of filming, Ledger was found unresponsive in his New York City apartment due to a prescription drug overdose at the young age of 28. Many believe that Ledger effectively gave his life for this performance, a fact that has not been overlooked. In 2009, he posthumously received an Academy Award for his performance. It's not uncommon to hear that Ledger delivered one of the greatest supporting performances in cinematic history.
2. Goodfellas - Joe Pesci
Is this list amusing to you? Does this selection make you laugh? Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? You'd expect the iconic Joe Pesci to feature somewhere in this list. Tommy DeVito, from start to finish in Martin Scorsese’s legendary film *Goodfellas*, strikes fear not just in his associates, but also in the audience. Pesci effortlessly convinces you that he's a Mafia member in real life. The other actors in the film also recognize that Tommy DeVito is the dominant force among them.
*Goodfellas* also features Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, and the incomparable Robert De Niro. Henry Hill (Liotta) grows up involved with the Mafia, slowly rising through the ranks. Yet, as he reaches the top, he realizes that it isn’t as glamorous as he had imagined. Alongside him, Tommy DeVito and Jimmy Conway (De Niro) work with Henry as he transforms into a seasoned gangster.
Joe Pesci makes his mark in this 1990s classic not because of his intimidating appearance but due to the persona he adopts, which instills fear and dread in everyone around him. A fun tidbit: Joe Pesci delivered one of the shortest Oscar acceptance speeches in history. He walked up to the stage, stared at the audience, and simply said, 'It’s my privilege, thank you.'
1. The Usual Suspects - Kevin Spacey
It's hard to find a film where Kevin Spacey doesn't stand out. Bryan Singer’s The Usual Suspects proved to be a game-changer for Spacey enthusiasts, exceeding all expectations. This crime thriller redefined the modern movie “plot twist” and is a film that deserves multiple viewings. Verbal Kint, the sole survivor and witness to a brutal crime, recounts the events to police. This occurs shortly after a group of people find themselves implicated as suspects in the investigation.
A fun bit of trivia about the film is that the role of Verbal Kint was always intended for Kevin Spacey. The cast also features Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, and Kevin Pollak, but it’s Kevin Spacey who truly dominates this 1995 film.
