As 2011 draws to a close, we take a look back at the men that made it a great year for film...
There's an argument that actors get a lot more attention than their female counterparts, but no one can deny that it's been a great year for the guys. From Ryan Gosling's 4-film run of excellence, to the male-led Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, it's been a strong year for both veteran actors and newcomers.
It was hard to pick ten of our favourites, but we finally managed to decide on those that impressed us the most. As a disclaimer, we should mention that this list is not one of awards contenders or high-profile talent, but the performers that made 2011 a great year for movies, allowing for some unconventional choices.
So enjoy our personal run-down of the 2011's best actors, from the action stars to the comedians, and from the special agents and politicians to the superheroes and drivers.
"The success of all of these conflicting elements is down to Shannon, who is magnificent in the role. His second time working with Jeff Nichols, the pair must have developed a helpful relationship, but the actor’s subtle confusion and slow unravelling is at times frightening, heartbreaking and exasperating." - Take Shelter
Considering how few people knew who Michael Shannon was a year ago, he's had an incredible year. Following the horrible mess that was Jonah Hex in 2010 was always going to be difficult, but Shannon rose to the attentions of everyone with his astonishing turn in apocalyptic thriller Take Shelter.
It's an impressive film, but wouldn't have achieved any of its heart or poignancy had it not been for its star, and the performance alone, accompanied by his turn in Machine Gun Preacher, solidifies his place on our list of actors for 2011.
9. Michael Fassbender – X-Men: First Class; Jane Eyre
"Fassbender gives the part the right measures of cruelty, danger and vulnerability. As brooding heroes go, he does a fine job." - Jane Eyre
It's a little strange to be writing about Michael Fassbender as our ninth place man of the year, so prevalent has he been in the minds of movie fans all year. Sadly, as we're only including films released in the UK between January and December, we're unable to include Fassbender's turns in Shame or A Dangerous Method.
He wins a place on this list almost entirely down to his performance as Magneto in X-Men: First Class. Ian McKellen's part in the original trilogy was always the most compelling, but Fassbender took it one step further, and humanised the younger version of the character. That he now feels as synonymous with the complex villain as McKellen is a good sign of things to come in future sequels.
"He's rightly being praised as a major rising star, even if his overnight success has actually taken over a decade, and his formidable performance as Tommy is one of the best of the year." - Warrior
After Gary Oldman (who can also be found on this list), it was Tom Hardy who managed to make the biggest impression in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. As pointed out in the quote above, it's taken Hardy over a decade to rise to the status he's currently enjoying, and his performances this year have been a pleasure to watch.
We won't get to see Hardy as Batman villain Bane until next year's The Dark Knight Rises, but we got a glimpse at the enhanced physique in mixed martial arts drama Warrior, which saw one of the best parts of the year completely inhabited by Hardy. Bring on 2012, we say, but this year was a great warm-up for one of the most exciting actors of the moment.
"It’s an understated performance, but one that you’re convinced he must care about. Beane is not a throwaway scout/coach looking to rebel against The Man, but a fully rounded character fleshed out very nicely over the course of the movie." - Moneyball
Brad Pitt has had a funny year. His promise to retire in three years when he hits 50 sent shockwaves through the industry, a reaction that might not have been so strong had the actor been experiencing a weaker year on the screen.
Considering that 2010 contained just one credit for Pitt, and that being a small part in the animated Megamind, it's surprising that three roles of 2011 have varied so wildly. Moneyball may have been an expected move for an actor shedding his poster-boy looks in exchange for a more distinguished swagger, but he definitely hasn't played it safe.
Terence Malick's The Tree of Life might be topping best of lists right now, but the large majority of a general audience aren't likely to seek out such an unknown and off-beat property. The actor is getting much deserved Oscar attention for Moneyball, but his choices elsewhere, and throughout his career, suggest that was never on his mind.
6. Daniel Craig - Cowboys & Aliens; Dream House; The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn; The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Daniel Craig, you say? But Cowboys & Aliens was considered the most disappointing film of the year? Well, yes, we agree with you wholeheartedly, but Mr. Craig has worked his socks off this year, and the failure of C&A was not on his shoulders.
He also had a key part to play in The Adventures of Tintin, portraying dastardly villain Rackham in a kid-friendly way, while never making him pantomime. Thus, in a year off from Bond, Daniel Craig has proven his daring with roles outside of potential franchises, and even bagged himself a new one in David Fincher's Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
2012 may be his year to shine once again as James Bond, but we thought he did pretty well sans-tuxedo anyway. Here's hoping Dragon Tattoo is as accepted as readily by audiences as it was by critics, as the actor could have another successful series to sink his teeth into.
"Hiddleston, seen last as Loki in Thor and next in Spielberg’s War Horse, is a revelation in the role of the charming and hedonistic Freddie, bringing life and humanity to a largely unsympathetic character." - The Deep Blue Sea
Tom Hiddleston is an actor whose flown under the radar during 2011, only to emerge triumphant in the year's retrospective look backs. Chris Hemsworth and Anthony Hopkins might have gotten all the attention for risky Marvel movie, Thor, but Hiddleston's performance of its villain Loki was equally impressive while viewing the film.
Someone obviously agreed, as he's being brought back for The Avengers as the top-billed villain (although we assume he isn't). His true stand-out performance, though, was alongside Rachel Weisz in The Deep Blue Sea, playing hedonistic man-child, Freddie, and breaking his fragile lover's heart.
Lots of actors can play the hero, most by just putting on a costume, but it takes real talent to make a villain likeable. Tom Hiddleston has done just that, and we look forward to what he has in store.
"Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, though, wouldn’t have worked if the apes didn’t. They do, though, with Andy Serkis guiding the movements of Caesar, and the remaining creatures given traits and personalities of their own." - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Recognition of Andy Serkis' motion-capture performance in Rise of the Planet of the Apes has hit the headlines lately, with a campaign to include him in award nominations alongside other actors of the same calibre.
So rarely do we see the actors face, casual cinema-goers might be hard-pressed to attribute his various roles to the same man. But we've noticed, and so have millions of others who went to see a movie told from the perspective of a largely mute ape intent on revolution.
That astonishing performance, which he's sure to repeat in the inevitable sequels, was complimented by his turns in both Adventures of Tintin and Arthur Christmas. Tintin, especially, brought the motion-capture technology that Serkis had championed and helped along to new heights, and it wouldn't have been half as much fun without his Captain Haddock.
3. Seth Rogen – The Green Hornet; Paul; Kung Fu Panda 2; 50/50
"The actor has tried his hand at slightly more dramatic roles over the years, but 50/50 could hold his perfect combination of hilarious tomfoolery, bromance and heavy drama, and he plays each thread with a dignity and grace he's struggled to show before." - 50/50
Seth Rogan's name won't be found on many best of lists this year, and we think that's a shame. His absence will be almost entirely down to the stigma attached to his brand of comedy, and his previous comfort in the loveable slacker role that could have easily proven his downfall in 2011.
Sure, The Green Hornet saw Rogan attempt to cram that worn persona into the superhero genre, and was mauled by both critics and audiences, but shouldn't we be applauding a comedy star whose willing to try new things?
Jonah Hill has tried his hand at drama with Moneyball this year, and Rogan's impressively moving and nuanced turn in cancer-comedy 50/50 should be noticed alongside it. His standing this year was also helped by Paul, in which his performance as the alien of the piece pretty much eclipsed stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
2. Gary Oldman – Red Riding Hood; Kung Fu Panda 2; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
"Gary Oldman excels in the role, moving through the film at a slow, deliberate pace, much like Alfredson’s camera, slotting together information as he goes." - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Proving almost single-handedly that 2011 was a great year for the Brits, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy blasted into cinemas like a force of nature. It's slow and considered pace was never going to be to everyone's taste, but all were agreed on the stand-out performance of the film, coming from one of our finest, Gary Oldman.
It's no mean feat to emerge triumphant when acting amongst those heavyweights the film was dealing with, including John Hurt and Colin Firth, but it also spoke volumes that his cameo in the final Harry Potter film was one of its most eagerly anticipated.
With those, and turns in Red Riding Hood and Kung Fu Panda 2, it's been a year of ensemble casts for Oldman, and he's managed to impress through the crowds nonetheless.
"He drives, he watches, and sometimes, he smiles a shy smile that makes him seem like an angelic child dropped by mistake into this sleazy world." - Drive
If we were, by some cruel twist of fate, forced to name just one actor for 2011, it would be Ryan Gosling. The former mousketeer has been practically peerless in his efforts this year, weaving between genres with the kind of poise and expertise that suggest it was all some deliberate plan.
Starting with an impressive turn in Blue Valentine opposite Michelle Williams, Gosling then went on to conquer the political thriller in Ides of March, the cerebral action movie in Drive and the rom-com in Crazy, Stupid, Love all in the space of a couple of months.
All of the performances were critically acclaimed, and the emerging award nominations have reflected what an astonishing twelve months this guy has managed to pull off. Mr. Gosling, we salute you.
It was hard to pick ten of our favourites, but we finally managed to decide on those that impressed us the most. As a disclaimer, we should mention that this list is not one of awards contenders or high-profile talent, but the performers that made 2011 a great year for movies, allowing for some unconventional choices.
So enjoy our personal run-down of the 2011's best actors, from the action stars to the comedians, and from the special agents and politicians to the superheroes and drivers.
10. Michael Shannon – Take Shelter; Machine Gun Preacher
Considering how few people knew who Michael Shannon was a year ago, he's had an incredible year. Following the horrible mess that was Jonah Hex in 2010 was always going to be difficult, but Shannon rose to the attentions of everyone with his astonishing turn in apocalyptic thriller Take Shelter.
It's an impressive film, but wouldn't have achieved any of its heart or poignancy had it not been for its star, and the performance alone, accompanied by his turn in Machine Gun Preacher, solidifies his place on our list of actors for 2011.
9. Michael Fassbender – X-Men: First Class; Jane Eyre
It's a little strange to be writing about Michael Fassbender as our ninth place man of the year, so prevalent has he been in the minds of movie fans all year. Sadly, as we're only including films released in the UK between January and December, we're unable to include Fassbender's turns in Shame or A Dangerous Method.
He wins a place on this list almost entirely down to his performance as Magneto in X-Men: First Class. Ian McKellen's part in the original trilogy was always the most compelling, but Fassbender took it one step further, and humanised the younger version of the character. That he now feels as synonymous with the complex villain as McKellen is a good sign of things to come in future sequels.
8. Tom Hardy – Warrior; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
After Gary Oldman (who can also be found on this list), it was Tom Hardy who managed to make the biggest impression in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. As pointed out in the quote above, it's taken Hardy over a decade to rise to the status he's currently enjoying, and his performances this year have been a pleasure to watch.
We won't get to see Hardy as Batman villain Bane until next year's The Dark Knight Rises, but we got a glimpse at the enhanced physique in mixed martial arts drama Warrior, which saw one of the best parts of the year completely inhabited by Hardy. Bring on 2012, we say, but this year was a great warm-up for one of the most exciting actors of the moment.
7. Brad Pitt – The Tree of Life; Moneyball; Happy Feet 2
Brad Pitt has had a funny year. His promise to retire in three years when he hits 50 sent shockwaves through the industry, a reaction that might not have been so strong had the actor been experiencing a weaker year on the screen.
Considering that 2010 contained just one credit for Pitt, and that being a small part in the animated Megamind, it's surprising that three roles of 2011 have varied so wildly. Moneyball may have been an expected move for an actor shedding his poster-boy looks in exchange for a more distinguished swagger, but he definitely hasn't played it safe.
Terence Malick's The Tree of Life might be topping best of lists right now, but the large majority of a general audience aren't likely to seek out such an unknown and off-beat property. The actor is getting much deserved Oscar attention for Moneyball, but his choices elsewhere, and throughout his career, suggest that was never on his mind.
6. Daniel Craig - Cowboys & Aliens; Dream House; The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn; The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Daniel Craig, you say? But Cowboys & Aliens was considered the most disappointing film of the year? Well, yes, we agree with you wholeheartedly, but Mr. Craig has worked his socks off this year, and the failure of C&A was not on his shoulders.
He also had a key part to play in The Adventures of Tintin, portraying dastardly villain Rackham in a kid-friendly way, while never making him pantomime. Thus, in a year off from Bond, Daniel Craig has proven his daring with roles outside of potential franchises, and even bagged himself a new one in David Fincher's Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
2012 may be his year to shine once again as James Bond, but we thought he did pretty well sans-tuxedo anyway. Here's hoping Dragon Tattoo is as accepted as readily by audiences as it was by critics, as the actor could have another successful series to sink his teeth into.
5. Tom Hiddleston– Thor; Midnight in Paris; The Deep Blue Sea
Tom Hiddleston is an actor whose flown under the radar during 2011, only to emerge triumphant in the year's retrospective look backs. Chris Hemsworth and Anthony Hopkins might have gotten all the attention for risky Marvel movie, Thor, but Hiddleston's performance of its villain Loki was equally impressive while viewing the film.
Someone obviously agreed, as he's being brought back for The Avengers as the top-billed villain (although we assume he isn't). His true stand-out performance, though, was alongside Rachel Weisz in The Deep Blue Sea, playing hedonistic man-child, Freddie, and breaking his fragile lover's heart.
Lots of actors can play the hero, most by just putting on a costume, but it takes real talent to make a villain likeable. Tom Hiddleston has done just that, and we look forward to what he has in store.
4. Andy Serkis – Rise of the Planet of the Apes; The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn; Arthur Christmas
Recognition of Andy Serkis' motion-capture performance in Rise of the Planet of the Apes has hit the headlines lately, with a campaign to include him in award nominations alongside other actors of the same calibre.
So rarely do we see the actors face, casual cinema-goers might be hard-pressed to attribute his various roles to the same man. But we've noticed, and so have millions of others who went to see a movie told from the perspective of a largely mute ape intent on revolution.
That astonishing performance, which he's sure to repeat in the inevitable sequels, was complimented by his turns in both Adventures of Tintin and Arthur Christmas. Tintin, especially, brought the motion-capture technology that Serkis had championed and helped along to new heights, and it wouldn't have been half as much fun without his Captain Haddock.
3. Seth Rogen – The Green Hornet; Paul; Kung Fu Panda 2; 50/50
Seth Rogan's name won't be found on many best of lists this year, and we think that's a shame. His absence will be almost entirely down to the stigma attached to his brand of comedy, and his previous comfort in the loveable slacker role that could have easily proven his downfall in 2011.
Sure, The Green Hornet saw Rogan attempt to cram that worn persona into the superhero genre, and was mauled by both critics and audiences, but shouldn't we be applauding a comedy star whose willing to try new things?
Jonah Hill has tried his hand at drama with Moneyball this year, and Rogan's impressively moving and nuanced turn in cancer-comedy 50/50 should be noticed alongside it. His standing this year was also helped by Paul, in which his performance as the alien of the piece pretty much eclipsed stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
2. Gary Oldman – Red Riding Hood; Kung Fu Panda 2; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Proving almost single-handedly that 2011 was a great year for the Brits, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy blasted into cinemas like a force of nature. It's slow and considered pace was never going to be to everyone's taste, but all were agreed on the stand-out performance of the film, coming from one of our finest, Gary Oldman.
It's no mean feat to emerge triumphant when acting amongst those heavyweights the film was dealing with, including John Hurt and Colin Firth, but it also spoke volumes that his cameo in the final Harry Potter film was one of its most eagerly anticipated.
With those, and turns in Red Riding Hood and Kung Fu Panda 2, it's been a year of ensemble casts for Oldman, and he's managed to impress through the crowds nonetheless.
1. Ryan Gosling – Blue Valentine; The Ides of March; Drive; Crazy, Stupid, Love
If we were, by some cruel twist of fate, forced to name just one actor for 2011, it would be Ryan Gosling. The former mousketeer has been practically peerless in his efforts this year, weaving between genres with the kind of poise and expertise that suggest it was all some deliberate plan.
Starting with an impressive turn in Blue Valentine opposite Michelle Williams, Gosling then went on to conquer the political thriller in Ides of March, the cerebral action movie in Drive and the rom-com in Crazy, Stupid, Love all in the space of a couple of months.
All of the performances were critically acclaimed, and the emerging award nominations have reflected what an astonishing twelve months this guy has managed to pull off. Mr. Gosling, we salute you.
没有评论:
发表评论