Review of the Decade - Film (Male Performances)

For the most part, the iconic performances from male actors of the past ten years have tended to be explorations of insanity, evil and madness, all to varying degrees. But what has defined the male leads of the past decade has been the emergence of some of the finest leading men since the Golden Age of Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart et al. The great roles of the 00’s have emerged, often from nowhere or seen actors who have previously been looked upon with scorn or indifference emerge and create the defining performances of their generation.

10. Will Smith
Ali
(2001)
There really was no one more suitable to bring the legendary Muhammad Ali to the big screen, and yet it was still a shock to see such a complete, egoless performance from Will Smith. Not since Six Degrees of Seperation had Will Smith shown such ability as a actor. It's just a shame he hasn't been able to build on this heavyweight performance.

9. David Strathairn
Good Night and Good Luck
(2005)
Amid an emsemble cast including Robert Downey Jr, George Clooney, Frank Langella and Jeff Daniels, David Strathairn still emerge as the most eye catching and impressive performer in the central role of Edward R. Murrow. He oozed intellect, coolness and an unflappable motivation to pursue the and present both sides of the argument with a character Strathairn managed to make seem fearless, but by no means flawless.


8. Casey Affleck
The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
(2007)
In a film like this, it rests on the performances of the two leads, and in many ways, Affleck's performance is at the mercy of Pitt's James. That both are exceptional is a testament to both actors abilities but it is the subdued madness of Affleck which so poetically captures the tragedy of Ford's life as a man besotted with James, and thus never able to earn the man's respect. Affleck also never struggles with the arc of Ford, firstly trying to impress James, before finally revealing his jealousy and envy before struggling with the infamy of killing the man.

7. Christian Bale
American Psycho
(2000)
Bale is one of the few actors to turn from child star to full blown A-List star. He may have made for famous roles, but its his turn as the antihero Jason Bateman from Brett Easton Ellis' iconic novel. What convinces and horrifies is not just how suave and charming Bale is, but how he never cross the line nad becomes over the top as the pyshcotic serial killer. You also strangely emphasis with him desire to stand out from the crowd, even if you don't agree with his methods.




6. Heath Ledger
The Dark Knight
(2008)
Better than Nicholson? Perhaps not, but Ledger's role is so unique, original and terrifying that he completely embraces and almost defines Nolan's new interpretation of the Dark Knight. Ledger's commitment to the character is best exemplified when he blows up the hospital but it's his immersive dedication to the character which makes him the best comic book villain of the noughties.


5. Benicio Del Toro
Che (2008)
Benicio Del Toro is Che Guevara. Helped by Soderbergh reluctance to iconise the revolutionary, Del Toro, sensibly recognises the man behind the myth and strives, and succeeds to present just that.

4. Eric Bana

Chopper

(2000)

Having seen Chopper, you'd never imagine Eric Bana was a stand up comic. Yet another psycho find itself on our list. Bana, who spent considerable time with Mark Read, allows us to empathise with the character, but also never plays the part as a psycho, merely a misunderstand, perhaps slightly ordinary guy, craving individuality. What Bana also instils in his performance is the sense that we might all know someone like Read, and that is perhaps the most unnerving truth to his whole performance.

3. Ulrich Muhe

The Lives of Others

(2006)

Understatement doesn't quite encapsulate the monumental final performance from Ulrich Muhe. He holds the film together, and perfectly conveys the oppressive nature of society under the Stasi. Gradually, as the lives of those he watches begin to affect him, we see this cool, steely persona fragment and melt away, leaving a lonely, empathetic character behind.

2. Javier Bardem

No Country For Old Men

(2007)
The scariest incarnation of evil since Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. Take a moment to let that soak in and you'll begin to realise how pitch perfect, Bardem angel of death truly is. "what's the most you ever lost on a coin toss?" indeed.

1. Heath Ledger

Brokeback Mountain

(2005)
For all the attention Ledger received for The Dark Knight, and the pothumous Oscar, it is Brokeback Mountain for which Ledger will be remembered. A towering performance of understatement and repressed emotion. It may not be showy, or draw attention to itself, but never does Ledger fail to convey to emotion of the scene. This performance also stands as the role which saw Ledger evolve from young potential to one of the few great actors of his generation.