Films where the acting and direction defy expectations
- Thread starter Del monaco
- Start date
Hazelberry
sister
I enjoyed the acting in Don't Look Up: it was full of "names" who each delivered to my satisfaction. I liked the direction the film took; the ending was superb.
Del monaco
Del Monaco
Despite my concerns about the portrayal of some characters. I though Secrets and lies magnificent when I saw it. A small but epic film. I also loved the Turner film with Spall. He said recently that his weight loss has precluded him from many parts. He is a superb actor.
Del monaco
Del Monaco
I also loved In Bruges. Colin Farrell has never been better, though I enjoyed him in The Lobster. I didn’t know what to expect from The Favourite but I enjoyed its quirkiness and the performance of Olivia Coleman who is turning out to be one of our greatest screen actresses.
ff1d1l
pfm Member
I though Spall would have made a great Jackson Lamb in the new Slow Horses adaptation. I wonder if he was in the running?
Absolutely superb in Mr Turner.
Big Tabs
looking backwards, going forwards
re Ken Russell - I always enjoy seeing Thor’s Cave at the start of Lair of the White Worm.
Oliver Reed was the spit of my wonderful Uncle Tom (R.i.P.) so generally find him entertaining.
I think Tom Hanks brings a lot to Saving Private Ryan and I can’t think of anyone else who could have played Forrest Gump. There is something about his plain-ness that works well.
Frances McDormond has a great talent evident in Fargo and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri.
Oliver Reed was the spit of my wonderful Uncle Tom (R.i.P.) so generally find him entertaining.
I think Tom Hanks brings a lot to Saving Private Ryan and I can’t think of anyone else who could have played Forrest Gump. There is something about his plain-ness that works well.
Frances McDormond has a great talent evident in Fargo and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri.
Rockmeister
pfm Member
I remember seeing her in 'Green Wing' where she stole every scene in the office, but bever thought she would be so three dimensional across so many differing roles.
Del monaco
Del Monaco
Something about comics I think. That line between comedy and tragedy. Same for Emma Thompson and others I can’t really think of at this time.
Del monaco
Del Monaco
McDormond in Nomadland was something special I thought.She has an ability to convey so much with what appears to be so little.
Last edited:
eternumviti
Insufficient privileges to reply.
The 1967 Disney 'The Jungle Book'. Louis Prima's Baloo the bear steals the show, and George Sanders' Shere Kahn runs him close.
Finnegan
I like a bit of a cavort
Two performances I recently caught jolted me out of my prejudices. Tom Hanks, who I’d previously never rated, was very good as the editor of The Washington Post in ‘The Post,’ detailing the publication of ‘the Pentagon Papers’ exposing US government nefarious activities in Vietnam. I also caught the Judy Garland biopic ‘Judy’ over Christmas. Rene Zellweger, who I had only ever associated with romcom Bridget Jones fluff, was outstanding in the title role.
Finnegan
I like a bit of a cavort
Me too, but there are some films where he really nails it- Secrets & Lies, Vera Drake and Peterloo. I’m still a little suspicious of his tendency to portray the most grotesque stereotypes. I mentioned to a mate how I found Tim McInnery’s performance as the Prince Regent in Peterloo a little over the top. He pointed out that his character was no more of a grotesque stereotype than Boris Johnson or Jacob Rees-Mogg.
TheDecameron
Unicorns fart glitter.
Another Farrell cracker is Phone Booth.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0183649/
Before I watched it, I thought how on earth is an entire film with one person in a phone box going to sustain my attention?
Del monaco
Del Monaco
That was a good film. I think he’s a better actor than he would appear to be in some film. I think ambition got in the way initially. Has done some solid stuff since.
Del monaco
Del Monaco
An oldie in the form of The Cook, the Thief, his wife and her lover. A grisly, sexy, gothic masterpiece. Michael Gambon chewing the scenery. Helen Mirren being Helen Mirren. Great Music. Didn’t know what to expect when I went to see it. Totally enthralled me.
TheDecameron
Unicorns fart glitter.
Loved that film. The bit where they have to climb up a tree to get away from a sabre tooth tiger that waits at the bottom for ages
eternumviti
Insufficient privileges to reply.
Yeah, but its so obviously rubbish. Everyone knows that sabre tooth tigers can climb trees.
TheDecameron
Unicorns fart glitter.
Went to the cinema this week to see Tár. A masterpiece.
Finnegan
I like a bit of a cavort
Not true. Land & Freedom is masterful film making, and teases out the politics of the Spanish Civil War quite wonderfully. And Kes is as good as British cinema gets.
Leigh is very hit and miss. When he’s not laughing at the animals in the zoo (Life Is Sweet, Meantime), he can be very good (Secrets & Lies, Vera Drake, Peterloo).