Scenes from movies that feature really fantastic acting
#1
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Scenes from movies that feature really fantastic acting
Name some movies (recent or old, popular or unpopular) that feature scenes of great acting, where the actors just have a great presence and are at the top of their game. Also, obviously, mention which scene.
I was having a discussion with friends, and just being put on the spot, I had a hard time thinking of really 'standout' scenes of acting.
I was having a discussion with friends, and just being put on the spot, I had a hard time thinking of really 'standout' scenes of acting.
#4
On The Waterfront
The actors' duel between Steiger and Brando that leads up to the contender speech. As some have called it, "two bulls locking horns".
The actors' duel between Steiger and Brando that leads up to the contender speech. As some have called it, "two bulls locking horns".
#6
DVD Talk Hero
I was always fond of the scene in Requiem for a Dream where the Ellen B's character breaks down in front of everyone and the police get called.
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Originally Posted by Jerrycurl
Most of Glengarry Glenn Ross
#9
DVD Talk Godfather
Kevin Spacey's mean-spiritedness and Danny DeVito's balcony confession in Big Kahuna. Actually, Peter Facinelli is great in this as well.
HIGHLY recommended to fans of GGR --- the subject matter and tone is similar (salesmen down and out to a certain extent) althought The BIg Kahuna is slightly more upbeat.
HIGHLY recommended to fans of GGR --- the subject matter and tone is similar (salesmen down and out to a certain extent) althought The BIg Kahuna is slightly more upbeat.
#13
DVD Talk Hero
the 'you can't handle the truth' scene between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men
the dinner table scene with Mel Gibson in Signs
'what's in the box' scene with Brad Pitt in Se7en
and you gotta love the oscar worthy facial expression given by Charlton Heston in Ben Hur when he realizes it's Jesus walking up the hill with the cross.
the dinner table scene with Mel Gibson in Signs
'what's in the box' scene with Brad Pitt in Se7en
and you gotta love the oscar worthy facial expression given by Charlton Heston in Ben Hur when he realizes it's Jesus walking up the hill with the cross.
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1. Pacino and Keaton (especially Pacino) in Godfather Pt. II where Kay tells Michael she's leaving him and that she had had an abortion.
2. As mentioned earlier, just about any scene in Glengarry GlenRoss -- though the obvious scene, Baldwin's, is truly amazing. I do think, however, that Jack Lemmon basically stole every scene he was in...
2. As mentioned earlier, just about any scene in Glengarry GlenRoss -- though the obvious scene, Baldwin's, is truly amazing. I do think, however, that Jack Lemmon basically stole every scene he was in...
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Originally Posted by Jerrycurl
Most of Glengarry Glenn Ross, but especially Alec Baldwin's scene.
Also Reservior Dogs: Kietel and Buscemi in the warehouse arguing if they should take Mr. Orange to the hospital or not.
Cyrano de Bergerac: Gerard Depardieu gives the guy the speech about his nose being huge
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Originally Posted by GoldenJCJ
and you gotta love the oscar worthy facial expression given by Charlton Heston in Ben Hur when he realizes it's Jesus walking up the hill with the cross.
"I know this man."
Really, really good stuff.
My favourite little moment of acting however comes from Sam Jaffe in this film when he meets Ben-Hur for the first time in several years and has been badly crippled.
"We were released from prison the same day. Malik without the use of his tongue and me without life in my legs. Now I am his tongue and he is my legs. Together we make a considerable man!"
#18
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Here are some of my favorites...
A) On the Waterfront - Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando in the backseat
B) Primal Fear - Edward Norton in the psychological evaluation
C) Adaptation - Nicholas Cage, in any scene with both brothers on-screen
D) The Assination of Richard Nixon - Sean Penn calling his ex-wife
E) The Machinist - Christian Bale, in preparation and dedication alone
F) Taxi Driver - Robert DeNiro, through and through
-JP
A) On the Waterfront - Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando in the backseat
B) Primal Fear - Edward Norton in the psychological evaluation
C) Adaptation - Nicholas Cage, in any scene with both brothers on-screen
D) The Assination of Richard Nixon - Sean Penn calling his ex-wife
E) The Machinist - Christian Bale, in preparation and dedication alone
F) Taxi Driver - Robert DeNiro, through and through
-JP
#19
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THE GODFATHER - Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) instructing Fredo to never takes sides against the family again...ever.
THE GOFDATHER PART TWO - Michael Corleone telling Fredo that he means nothing to him now, that he's not a brother, not a friend.
THE GODFATHER PART THREE - Michael Corleone breaking down and confessing that he killed his mother's son, that he killed his father's son.
(There's a theme somewhere in those examples.)
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP - The diner scene where Swoozie Kurtz explains that she's still a Catholic (despite being a prostitute) to Garp and his mother.
SUPERMAN - When Christopher Reeve delivers the line, "Peter Pan flew with children, Lois...In a fairy tale" right before they go for a night flight.
SHATTERED GLASS - When Editor of the New Republic Chuck Lane (Peter Sarsgaard, who is absolutely terrific throughout this movie) explains to his staff writer played by Chloe Sevigny how they are all about to catch hell for excusing Glass's unprofessional conduct.
THE PHANTOM MENACE - When Jake Lloyd earnestly asks Natalie Portman, "are you an angel?" Just kidding about this one.
THE GOFDATHER PART TWO - Michael Corleone telling Fredo that he means nothing to him now, that he's not a brother, not a friend.
THE GODFATHER PART THREE - Michael Corleone breaking down and confessing that he killed his mother's son, that he killed his father's son.
(There's a theme somewhere in those examples.)
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP - The diner scene where Swoozie Kurtz explains that she's still a Catholic (despite being a prostitute) to Garp and his mother.
SUPERMAN - When Christopher Reeve delivers the line, "Peter Pan flew with children, Lois...In a fairy tale" right before they go for a night flight.
SHATTERED GLASS - When Editor of the New Republic Chuck Lane (Peter Sarsgaard, who is absolutely terrific throughout this movie) explains to his staff writer played by Chloe Sevigny how they are all about to catch hell for excusing Glass's unprofessional conduct.
THE PHANTOM MENACE - When Jake Lloyd earnestly asks Natalie Portman, "are you an angel?" Just kidding about this one.
#20
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MULHOLLAND DRIVE - The audition scene with Naomi Watts.
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The totally wordless scene of Diane Lane going home on the train in "Unfaithful" after her first tryst with Olivier Martinez. Amazing play of emotions across her face.
#25
DVD Talk Special Edition
Pacino and Chris O' Donnell (the 'gun' scene in the hotel room..you know what I'm talking about) in Scent of a Woman. Badly needing a SE, that scene never fails to take my breath away.