Actors that suprised you

[Wigsie]

I am not really a fan of mega buck hollywood block busters and the usually associated actors but having seen Blood Diamond (for the 2nd time) last night I am just as suprised at how good Leonardo Di Caprio was in it. His Afrikaans accent was (apart from the tone of one word when he was in a helicopter) flawless.

He irrittes me on so many levels (maybe its the good looks, millions of dollars and Brazillian super models) but his performances in recent movies have been great.

Anyone else seen a recent perfomance that has suprised for positive or negative reasons.

(my negative would be Brando and Val Kilmer in The Island of Dr Moreau)

 

[Mr Pig]

I once saw a movie that had a woman called Andie McDowell in it. I later discovered that she is an actress! What a shock that was. There was nothing in the film I saw to give that one away.

 

[Andy in Sig]

I thought Tom Cruise was useless until he played the disabled Vietnam veteran (4th of July was it called?) and it appeared that he had learned how to act really well.

 

[Wigsie]

I thought Tom Cruise was useless until he played the disabled Vietnam veteran (4th of July was it called?) and it appeared that he had learned how to act really well.

Yeah that one had me too!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I am not really a fan of mega buck hollywood block busters and the usually associated actors but having seen Blood Diamond (for the 2nd time) last night I am just as suprised at how good Leonardo Di Caprio was in it. His Afrikaans accent was (apart from the tone of one word when he was in a helicopter) flawless.

He irrittes me on so many levels (maybe its the good looks, millions of dollars and Brazillian super models) but his performances in recent movies have been great.

Anyone else seen a recent perfomance that has suprised for positive or negative reasons.

(my negative would be Brando and Val Kilmer in The Island of Dr Moreau)

He surprised me too although not in that film which I though was dreadful.
Romeo and Juliet, The Departed and What's eating Glbert Grape are films in which I think he acts very well. I hated that Gangs of New York film - one of the worse things I've seen - everyone was awful in front of and behind the camera, shocking stuff!

 

[Andy in Sig]

I thought he was bloody useless in Titanic too but I appear to be alone in the western world in thinking that the whole film including it's central scenario was unrealistic, Hollywood crap.

 

[Wigsie]

I thought he was bloody useless in Titanic too but I appear to be alone in the western world in thinking that the whole film including it's central scenario was unrealistic, Hollywood crap.

+1

Whats eating Gilbert Grape and The Departed were great too, GONY and his new ridley Scott movie with Grumpy Russel Crowe 'Body of Lies' were a bit of a let down.

Just thought of another one... Guy Pearce in Memento awesome.

 

[Kovu]

Caprio was useless in Romeo and Juliet, but I loved his accent in Blood Diamond.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I thought he was bloody useless in Titanic too but I appear to be alone in the western world in thinking that the whole film including it's central scenario was unrealistic, Hollywood crap.

Me too - toshtanic!

 

[Cathryn]

Me too - toshtanic!

Me three!!! But Romeo and Juliet? Utterly beautiful.

My biggest shock ever was Keira Knightly in Atonement. Wow...she's learned to act.

 

[dellzeqq]

My biggest shock ever was Keira Knightly in Atonement. Wow...she's learned to act.

eh? She was ghastly. I came out of that film in shock it was so bad!

On the other hand, Di Caprio and Pearce have been good time and time again, but Di Caprio can't resist schlock (and, what with the money and all, who can blame him) so you do wonder as you watch Titanic, whether or not he's a superior form of glove puppet.

My favourite underrated actor is Beau Bridges. He steals Heavens Gate, which, given the company he keeps, isn't bad going.

 

[Wigsie]

My biggest shock ever was Keira Knightly in Atonement. Wow...she's learned to act.

Really? she was the reason I Avoided it.... Think James McAvoy is a great actor so wanted to watch it for him (that sounded gayer than I meant it), thought he was brilliant in Last King of Scotland simply for the reason he didnt pale into insignifigance next to Forrest Whitakers performance. Although he is a bit like DiCaprio as he does do some utter tripe (ie Wanted with Angelina Jolie) like Titanic, they must do it for the cash.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

My favourite underrated actor is Beau Bridges. He steals Heavens Gate, which, given the company he keeps, isn't bad going.

I really like James Woods who I don't think gets enough work.

If we can bring TV into it John Michie from Taggart is a terrific actor and should be doing much more than he does.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I watched a production of "Hamlet" the other night, featuring Mel Gibson in the title role. He was brilliant.

 

[Mr Pig]

Really? she was the reason I Avoided it

Must admit, I can't stand her either.

he does do some utter tripe (ie Wanted with Angelina Jolie)

A mate of mine went to college with the guy who wrote that. Everyone thought he was daft, going on about his stories all the time. Never seen the film, I take it it's junk?