We’re about a fifth of the way through the 21st century and already we’ve seen some timeless performances from all kinds of actors in all different roles. FromHeath Ledger’stake on the Clown Prince of Crime, The Joker, toChristoph Waltz’snefarious Nazi commando, Hans Landa, audiences got to watch masters of the craft give it their all.
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But what makes these performances so special? An excellent screenplay and direction help. Talent and experience on part of the actor are important too. However, the glue that holds all these factors together is thecastingof the right actor in the right role. The right person, through their dedication, unique approach to a character, and even physicality and mannerisms, is what brings a role to life.
Heath Ledger as The Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
Heath Ledger’s tremendous performance asBatman’s most memorable villainis often unfortunately overshadowed by his unexpected passing. His accidental death due to an overdose cast a shadow over the release ofThe Dark Knightand added fuel to the theory that the role played some part in his tragic death.
Though this was later definitively disprovedin an interview with Ledger’s sister, he was a dedicated method actor.In an interview withEmpire, Ledger said locked himself in a hotel room in London for a month, forming a diary and experimenting with voice tones in an effort to fully immerse himself in the role. Ledger seamlessly sinks into his role as The Joker, to the point where every mannerism feels naturally unsolicited. It’s an utterly engrossing performance.
Rosamund Pike as Amy Dunne in ‘Gone Girl’ (2014)
The persistent issue with adaptations is usually mismanagement of audience expectations. Ultimately, you’re never going to please everyone, but the significant thing about a writer adapting their own body of work is that they can remain sincere to the narrative and themes of the original story.
Gillian Flynndid exactly that. She’s the author ofGone Girland served as the adaptation’s screenwriter. She was able to translate Amy Dunnein a manner that honestly conveyed her tendencies. Amy is intelligent, confident, and conniving, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.Rosamund Pike’sperformance is mesmeric and subtle in its delivery, leading to a bloody climax for her character that leaves us speechless.
Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in ‘American Psycho’ (2000)
The controversial character of Patrick Bateman threatened to derailAmerican Psychobefore filming even began.Early development was hampered by over six years of creative disputes, studio rejection, and casting changes.
After being cast, dropped, and later recast,Christian Balewas finally able to step into the shoes of narcissistic, yuppie serial killer Bateman. Like many of his later roles, Bale can drop his ego aside in this hilariously eccentric performance. In truth, the meticulous nature of his character complements the actor’s tendencies. There’s a manner in which he captures the character’s almost joyful descent into violence and his neuroses that is engrossing beyond belief.
Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa in ‘Inglorious Basterds' (2009)
As the story goes,Quentin Tarantinowas struggling to find the right actor to take on the role of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa for his upcoming filmInglourious Basterds.Leonardo DiCapriohad reportedly shown interest in the role but wasn’t considered a good fit for the part. Production was threatening to come to a standstill, Tarantino was reportedly ready to pull the plug.
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EnterChristoph Waltz. The Austrian-German has had a prolific career at home, but he was yet to break out abroad. It worked well to Waltz’s advantage in the long run, as his lack of notoriety helped tostun his fellow actors and audiences with his screen-dominating performance. Based on this, it’s quite astounding that he hadn’t been discovered in years past by British and American filmmakers. What a victory his breakthrough must have felt, though.
Cate Blanchett as Jeannette Francis in ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013)
The 2013 Academy Award Winner for Best Actress,Cate Blanchett’srole as a fallen Manhattan socialite led a superbly talented cast includingSally HawkinsandBobby Cannavale.
Blue Jasmineis Blanchett at the peak of her powers, delivering an awe-inspiring performance of a woman in a downward spiral of her own making. So inspired is her performance, that it draws comparisons with Blanche Dubois of Tennessee Williams’A Streetcar Named Desire(one of many similarities to the play littered throughout the film).
Denzel Washington as Alonzo Harris in ‘Training Day’ (2001)
Denzel Washingtonmust surely be considered one of the most talented actors of all time. In 2020,The New York Timeshonored him as the greatest of the 21st century. When considering his best roles, it’s natural to turn to films such asMalcolm X,Philadelphia,and more recently as Troy Maxson inFences(a role he also won a Tony Award for in the stage adaptation). But his most captivating to date is arguably that of corrupt LAPD detective, Alonzo Harris.
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Like in all stories about an anti-hero, we’re compelled by Harris' charisma and perceived intentions, despite a number of red flags left by his character during the narrative. We’re in the same boat as rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke): he’s terrified of Harris, but he nonetheless goes along for the ride. The film ends in a climax that gives Washington the stage to truly give it his all, burning and crashing in style.
Ian McKellen as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (2001-2003)
In reality, the entire cast ofThe Lord of the Ringsis so perfectly appropriate that it’s nigh on impossible to picture alternatives. But it’s worth considering that, as with most adaptations, concerns over casting were initially present from adoring fans of Tolkein’s work. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
For the sake of argument, none embody these qualities more thanIan McKellenas Gandalf. As withChristopher Lee’s Saruman, the role seemed destined for that of a Thespian, but it’s the sheer amount of mysticism and towering screen presence that makes McKellen’s performance in thisera-defining seriesso wonderfully memorable.
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