MRM has suggested the Greatest Actor in your Lifetime as the theme for this week’s Movie Clip Wednesday.
Hmmmm. Who stands out? Of course, I’m old enough to be able to include Olivier and Gielgud and Burton, Brando, Stewart and Cagney but I’m also very partial to Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, Bruce Willis and other more modern contenders.
The thing is that so many actors just play the same part all the time. Al Pacino, John Wayne, Yul Brynner and Clint Eastwood will forever be a hard guy either a policeman or a gangster, despite their forays into different genres, their basic personality always shines through beyond the characterisation. I wanted to choose someone who could make you suspend belief and who chose a variety of different characters, not always playing the good guy or the bad guy.
And I was torn. Kevin Spacey so very nearly got the nod but, in the end, I went with this guy, possibly because this is one of the most memorable scenes in my cinematic history.
Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter did something few, if any, actors have ever been able to do, and that is radiate pure evil while still remaining a fully realized character. A chilling and compelling performance. But my absolute favorite performance of his is motorcycle land-speed record holder Burt Munro in The World’s Fastest Indian. If you haven’t seen the movie, rent it now :o)
I’ve always loved Clark Gable. I do have to agree with you on Mr. Hopkins, though. I think he’s just brilliant in all his movies.
Great choice JC. I love the subjectivity of this meme. We all have our favorites and there is no wrong answer. Hopkins portrayal in this is top notch. Loved him “The Bounty” and “Legends of the Fall” as well as many others. happy MCW!
MRM – It was a great theme, well done! Yup, Legends of the Fall was great :)
Nitebyrd – I know, Clarke Gable was on the list too, it was sooo hard to choose!
Moi – I could only watch the movie whilst doing the ironing, it was too scary!
that is one of the shivering-est scenes ever. Fantastic pick for Best Actor.
Hannibal Lector is loosely based on the Monster of Florence–a villain that has still never been found–or, identified. Tom Harris wrote Hannibal after traveling to Florence to review the case which spanned about 20 years–and who knows, he might still be loose in the Tuscan countryside.
Hopkins was terrific in Remains of the Day with Emma Thompson, but there is a lesser know movie, Fracture , that was a real clever role for him. Versatile fellow.
Happy MCW, J Cakey!
auntybelle recently posted..Movie Clip Wednesday
Good afternoon Joanna,
Good choice, Hopkins is so versatile.
Happy clip day!
Karl recently posted..Movie clip Wednesday- Best actor of my lifetime
Hey Karl! Nearly lost you in the spam… :)