You’d swear the world was coming to an end with the all the “Best Of”’ stuff floating around. Oh! It must be that time of year again! So here we go with a look at some of the greatest acting performances of the year! Agree of disagree? Drop a comment in the section below.
Tom’s picks
Anne Hathaway – Les Misérables
Watching Ton Hooper's adaption of the classic stage musical, it's easy to see why Anne Hathaway picked up a slew of awards for her role as the tragic Fantine. She completely sells the character's devotion to her daughter, and her wrenching rendition of I Dreamed I Dream will move even the most cold hearted individual.
Anthony Hopkins – Hitchcock
Bringing one of the most well known and esteemed faces in Hollywood is no easy task, but Anthony Hopkins brought Alfred Hitchcock to life perfectly. Under a mountain of prosthetics, and encased in a fat suit, he captures the directors legendary cheekiness and ego, sparking off wonderfully with Hellen Mirren, as Hitchcock's wife Alma Reville.
Sandra Bullock – Gravity
Strapped into a robot arm to simulate the weightlessness of space must have been a disorienting experience for Sandra Bullock, but that didn't stop her from putting in one of the performances of her career as Dr. Ryan Stone in Gravity. The fear she exudes at being stranded in space is palatable, but she brings her A-game in the film's quieter moments, putting in a brave and heart breaking performance that will stay with you long after credits roll.
Vic’s picks
Emma Thompson - Saving Mr. Banks
Hypnotic and mesmerizing are two words that come to mind with Emma Thompson’s performance in Saving Mr. Banks. From the accent, to the mannerisms, Thompson really nails P.L. Travers. Regardless if you know nothing about the Mary Poppins creator, as a piece of acting it is simply brilliant. From to beginning to end, Emma Thompson subtly manages to keep her heart on her sleeve while spitting venom every step of the way, until her eventual softening.
James McAvoy - Filth
Theres are a number of scenes in Filth that would have proved a challenge for many a actor, but James McEvoy makes it all look easy in Filth. And while its not meant as a jibe to McEvoy, he really looks at home here. Ultimately, Bruce Robertson is an absolutely scum bag of a cop. Depraved, Disgusting and absolutely vile. You should hate his guts. But you don’t. You feel for the character and this is certainly down to McAvoy’s amazing portrayal.
