catpower2000
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:17 PM
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Best American actor/actress currently working... |
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For actor, no question, I have to go with Kevin Spacey. He's brilliant, he's made mediocre films great through his exceptional performances, and he can slip into any role like a pair of old leather shoes. Of course, huge props to DeNiro, Pacino, and Norton, but Kevin's my man.
Actress, this is harder. I'm tempted to say Meryl Streep, but that's what EVERYONE says. Is it because she really IS the best, or is it because she's hyped as the best? She's certainly been excellent in everything I've ever seen her in, but so has Angelica Huston, Julianne Moore, and Susan Sarandon. Ah, screw it, I'll say Meryl Streep anyway. :)
What do you think?
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Dookus
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:18 PM
Response to Original message |
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Julianne Moore and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Both incredible in everything they do.
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catpower2000
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:20 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
2. Phillip Seymour Hoffman--great choice! |
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He's definitely climbing the charts for me too. :) I'll wait and reserve judgement until he's got a couple more films under his belt--but he sure hasn't made a mis-step yet!
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Not a robought
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:25 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
3. I take it you saw The Big Lebowski, |
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Boogie Nights or Magnolia?
I have to agree with you on Julianne Moore and for actor I would have to say Kevin Spacey.
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JackSwift
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:27 PM
Response to Original message |
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and Johnny Depp have not yet been mentioned. Faye Dunaway too. Streep just doesn't float my boat. As some critic mentioned, you can see all the gears and wheels going. I'm glad some folks like her though. My favorite stuff of hers is comedy.
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catpower2000
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:29 PM
Response to Reply #4 |
5. Isn't Vanessa Redgrave British? |
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Johnny Depp is very good too, I agree.
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ayeshahaqqiqa
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:39 PM
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6. Sam Waterston, hands down |
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He's been called "The Thinking Person's Actor", and the roles he has chosen to play reflect it. He is best known for "The Killing Fields", but he's made many movies that take a stand, including "The Matthew Shepard Story" last year. Besides his roles on stage (including "Abe Lincoln in Illinois") and television ("I'll Fly Away", "Law and Order"), Sam is known in philanthropic circles for his selfless giving without asking for fanfare. He is on the Board of Directors of Refugees International, works gratus for "The Visionaries", and helps in so many causes it is difficult to list them all. He's also an ardent Democrat who walks his talk. Check my tagline for Sam's idea on social action:
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catpower2000
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:42 PM
Response to Reply #6 |
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I love him on Law and Order. I will have to check into his film catalog a bit more!
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ayeshahaqqiqa
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:27 PM
Response to Reply #7 |
Kahuna
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:48 PM
Response to Original message |
8. Kevin Spacey, definately... |
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I like Lawrence Fishburn too. I think he's really just as good. Actress? Alfrie Woodard.
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catpower2000
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Tue Jul-29-03 08:00 PM
Response to Reply #8 |
11. Larry F. rocks, as does Denzel... |
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Just realized my initial post contains no actors of color. I am ashamed. :( Alfre Woodard, excellent choice, she was wonderful in Grand Canyon.
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Ivar
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:51 PM
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9. Paul Newman and Cate Blanchett |
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Thank goodness he still makes movies. He's the greatest.
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catpower2000
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Tue Jul-29-03 07:58 PM
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10. Cate Blanchett isn't American, is she? |
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She's great though, I loved her in Elizabeth.
Paul Newman is wonderful, he was great in the Hustler. And he was HOT back in the day! Plus, all the charity. And still married to Joanne Woodward, after all this time. (Although if you've got Joanne Woodward at home, why go looking?) :)
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Ivar
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Tue Jul-29-03 08:38 PM
Response to Reply #10 |
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She's Australian :P
oh well, she's great anyway!
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mitchum
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Wed Jul-30-03 03:01 AM
Response to Reply #10 |
26. Joanne Woodward gets my vote for best actress... |
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Edited on Wed Jul-30-03 03:02 AM by mitchum
she was astonishingly good as a young artist (and nothing has changed)
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Paragon
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Tue Jul-29-03 08:07 PM
Response to Original message |
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Edited on Tue Jul-29-03 08:10 PM by Paragon
You don't like his acting, fine - since the BATMAN debacle, he's made impeccable choices in scripts and directors, and unlike any of the other people mentioned so far, has the clout in Hollywood to get them made.
CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND proved he can direct, too.
SOLARIS came out on video today; I already bought my copy.
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Enraged_Ape
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Wed Jul-30-03 07:16 AM
Response to Reply #12 |
27. Clooney was great in Solaris; I got my copy yesterday |
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And I agree that he has real directing talent as well. CONFESSIONS was a complex film and he pulled it off masterfully.
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Enraged_Ape
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Wed Jul-30-03 07:18 AM
Response to Reply #27 |
28. Ed Harris, hands down |
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Right Stuff, Glengarry Glen Ross, Pollock--to name a few. Ed is the MAN. And not coincidentally, another liberal.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:25 AM
Response to Reply #28 |
33. Glengarry Glen Ross is in my top 10 favorite movies of all time... |
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And Harris was terrific in it. He's really hot too. :)
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:19 AM
Response to Reply #12 |
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I will say this about the man--he ages like a fine wine. He gets better and more Cary-Grant-looking the older he gets.
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Spirochete
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Tue Jul-29-03 08:24 PM
Response to Original message |
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Kevin Spacey, Sean Penn, Jennifer Connely, Laura Dern...
And the best ever - Paul Newman
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:21 AM
Response to Reply #13 |
30. I don't know about Jennifer Connely... |
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She was good in "A Beautiful Mind", but not THAT good. She's a beautiful woman, but I haven't really seen much acting chops from her. What movie should I watch with her that will show me what she can do?
Laura Dern, good choice. She's very good.
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Spirochete
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Wed Jul-30-03 07:03 PM
Response to Reply #30 |
65. I thought Connely was better |
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In Requiem For a Dream, than she was in a Beautiful Mind. Then again, I liked RFAD a lot better, too.
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MrsMatt
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:20 PM
Response to Reply #30 |
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was also in "The Rocketeer", and it was quite a thankless role (although she was probably thankful enough for it at the time)
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Benevolent_Rabbit
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Tue Jul-29-03 08:27 PM
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14. Meryl Streep pulled off a role in Adaptation |
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that I thought she wouldn't be able to do anymore - she did great, so I still give it to her. If Nick Cage stays away from dumb action type movies now that he has a bazillion dollars and makes good ones like the aforementioned one and Leaving Las Vegas, he'll get my vote back. For now, don't know.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:23 AM
Response to Reply #14 |
31. Nic Cage was AMAZING in Adaptation... |
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First of all, I thought the movie as a whole was just brilliant. Everyone in it was amazing, but Cage really outdid himself. He has the range and commitment to play just about any role, which is why it makes me hate him when he makes steaming piles of dogshit like "ConAir".
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Raenelle
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Tue Jul-29-03 08:29 PM
Response to Original message |
15. Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, Meryl Streep |
catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:24 AM
Response to Reply #15 |
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Those of us who grew up in the 80's know Hackman as a benevolent "Santa" type guy, but when you go back and look at his earler work, he was really quite brilliant, and took chances with his roles.
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Snow
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Wed Jul-30-03 03:57 PM
Response to Reply #32 |
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the French Connection, and then his later bad guy roles were tremendous
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stanwyck
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:40 PM
Response to Reply #32 |
68. He's one impressive villain |
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in a couple of movies...Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood and a movie with Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Russell Stewart. The name escapes me. But Gene has a very bad man.
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masmdu
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Tue Jul-29-03 09:34 PM
Response to Original message |
17. Sean Penn and Gary Oldham |
catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:27 AM
Response to Reply #17 |
34. Penn, I love, Oldman I think is a hack... |
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He chews the scenery a BIT too much for my taste. Plus I'll never forgive him for wearing dredlocks in that one drug movie.
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Skittles
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Tue Jul-29-03 09:48 PM
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he just gets better and better.
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caledesi
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Tue Jul-29-03 11:14 PM
Response to Reply #18 |
22. Oh yeah, Johnny Depp is definitely hot! |
catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:36 AM
Response to Reply #18 |
35. And HOTTER and HOTTER! I know your game, woman... |
Cheswick2.0
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Tue Jul-29-03 09:52 PM
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19. Jody Foster, John Malkovitch |
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Meryl Adrian Brody
It's all apples and oranges I think.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:40 AM
Response to Reply #19 |
36. Jodie Foster's great... |
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I don't know about putting Brody on the all-time list yet. He still has plenty of time to make lots of shitty movies. :) Although the choices he's made so far don't lead me to believe he will.
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DoctorBombay
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Tue Jul-29-03 09:56 PM
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20. It's STILL Paul Newman |
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I don't care if he does one movie every three years. There is nobody better than this man. Not only is he a fine actor, he is a philanthropist and a champion of the liberal cause. Oh, he races cars, too.
Until Mr. Newman is no longer with us, he owns this title, IMHO.
If you want an actor working more regularly, I will say Billy Bob Thornton.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:44 AM
Response to Reply #20 |
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Billy Bob is a great actor. I think he's a weirdo in real life, but luckily that's okay for an actor!
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Kat45
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Tue Jul-29-03 10:00 PM
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Not certain who I'd choose for actress. Have to think about that a bit.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:00 AM
Response to Reply #21 |
38. Of course, but can you name a decent movie they've done.. |
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in the past five years? I can't, off the top of my head, and for DeNiro, one of the finest actors of all time, to be seen in drivel like Meet The Parents and Analyze This, bumps him off my all-time list. Retire with grace, or do just a few selected films after you get over a certain age, like Paul Newman does, like Jessica Tandy and Kate Hepburn did. You certainly don't need the fucking moeny, Bob.
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Kat45
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Wed Jul-30-03 04:46 PM
Response to Reply #38 |
62. Actually, I can name a couple. |
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I liked both "Insomnia" and "The Recruit" with Pacino. And although it was more than five years ago--I believe it was in the nineties--Donnie Brasco had a great understated performance by Pacino. I think he should have won an Oscar for that one, but unfortunately, it's his over-the-top performances that get the attention.
As for DeNiro, I see your point. Meet the Parents was one of the worst movies I've seen in recent years. I liked Analyze This (but not Analyze That), and I thought it was nice to see him cut loose and have fun with a role, since most of his roles are so intense. But right off-hand, I can't think of a good film/role for him in recent years; I guess I'd have to look it up to see if I'm forgetting one.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 04:49 PM
Response to Reply #62 |
63. That's true, The Recruit was very good... |
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I was surprised because it got so-so reviews, but I really liked it.
I'm fairly certain Donnie Brascoe was more than 5 years ago, but I agree, both he and Depp were good in that.
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Samuraimad
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Wed Jul-30-03 12:08 AM
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23. Ed Norton/Cate Blanchette |
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Edited on Wed Jul-30-03 12:09 AM by Samuraimad
Norton is awsome in anything! Blanchette is all class and elegence and blows me away.
and I dont give a rats behind if she aint american!!
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mitchum
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Wed Jul-30-03 12:27 AM
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24. Sean Penn could be a RW shill and still wins hands down |
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Edited on Wed Jul-30-03 12:28 AM by mitchum
Never afraid to play a physically unattractive character (how many actors will do that?) Never played a character who: could fly, engage in a swordfight, or shoot a raygun (or any other hokey bullshit) Always rises above a terrible film (see: "Carlito's Way" or "Shanghai Surprise")
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:45 AM
Response to Reply #24 |
47. He's a solid actor, I agree. nt |
stanwyck
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:51 PM
Response to Reply #24 |
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I believe my favorite Penn performances are At Close Range with Christopher Walken and The Falcon and the Snowman, a very good film. And he still makes me laugh as Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Often imitated; never surpassed.
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BGAL1965
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Wed Jul-30-03 02:38 AM
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25. UUUUUUUHHHHHHHH HELLOOOO????? |
ArkDem
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:05 AM
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39. Robert Duvall / Jodie Foster |
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......................................
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GOPisEvil
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:14 AM
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40. How about Gary Sinise? nt |
catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:37 AM
Response to Reply #40 |
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He was great in Forrest Gump, and I hated that movie! He's definitely done consistently great work. Good choice :thumbsup:
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tridim
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Thu Jul-31-03 10:32 AM
Response to Reply #40 |
75. I liked him until he made an appearance |
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at Hannity's freedom concert. I didn't realise he was a conservative idiot.
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GOPisEvil
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Thu Jul-31-03 11:22 AM
Response to Reply #75 |
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He's still a great actor, though.
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masmdu
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:29 AM
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:32 AM
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43. Hmm, interesting choice. nt |
dragonquest8
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:32 AM
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42. there is no such thing as best AMERICAN actress, or actor |
catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:33 AM
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If they're American, and they work as actors or actresses, then what are they?
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classics
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Wed Jul-30-03 09:37 AM
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RandomKoolzip
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Wed Jul-30-03 10:35 AM
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48. Bill Murray, hands down. |
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His supporting work in Wes Anderson's films is stellar; he takes only projects he likes and refuses to be a whore for Hollywood, and is the best comedic actor working today.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 10:57 AM
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49. He was great in Rushmore... |
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but you gotta admit, he's made a lotta shite too. :)
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RandomKoolzip
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Wed Jul-30-03 11:03 AM
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50. Yes, I'm ignoring "Larger than Life," "Mad Dog," and "The Razor's |
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Edge," but other than that, what shite has he been in? Maybe "Stripes" and "Ghostbusters" were pretty lowbrow, but compared to any current comedic actor, he's like fuckin' Olivier, in my onion!
Rushmore...ahh, my favorite movie apart from Harold and Maude, which is untouchable.
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catpower2000
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Wed Jul-30-03 11:07 AM
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52. I'm thinking of that horrendous spy farce he was in... |
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Something like "The Man Who Wasn't..." something? That was truly bad, you gotta admit. Stripes was genius, IMO, and I loved Ghostbusters as a kid.
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Enraged_Ape
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Wed Jul-30-03 11:22 AM
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53. Love the scene where he makes a cocktail in his pocket |
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I haven't seen Rushmore in many years, but I always laugh thinking about this.
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salmonhorse
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Wed Jul-30-03 11:06 AM
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51. Geoffrey Rush/Jodie Foster ~ |
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:hi:
There are of course many more, however...
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LEFTofLEFT
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Wed Jul-30-03 11:43 AM
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54. Spacey - both film and stage |
nini
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Wed Jul-30-03 12:03 PM
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55. Morgan Freeman is my favorite |
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He has such a natural smooth way to his performance.. Love him!
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Snow
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Wed Jul-30-03 03:55 PM
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56. Odd that I don't see Dustin Hoffman listed...... |
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so here he is. Man's top-notch. SO maybe he's not that active lately, but he's a tremendously talented actor. So's Morgan Freeman IMHO, but somebody's already listed him. Did anyone mention Jack?
Okay, actor of female persuasion, Hmmmmmm, I like her looks a lot so there's some bias, but Ashley Judd. And what about Kathy Bates? By all reports, a very nice person besides being an underrated actor.
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FlaGranny
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Thu Jul-31-03 11:22 AM
Response to Reply #56 |
Snow
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Wed Jul-30-03 03:59 PM
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58. Got it! Question is, is she currently working - |
sweetheart
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Wed Jul-30-03 04:07 PM
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They guy who plays "salieri" in Amadeus? Tom?
Meryl streep is awesome, cate blanchette is lucid billy bob thorton is very versatile
kevin spacey indeed! loved american beauty.
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MiltonLeBerle
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Wed Jul-30-03 04:11 PM
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hands down as the best actor- nobody else comes close.
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DemocratSinceBirth
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Wed Jul-30-03 04:14 PM
Response to Reply #60 |
61. Phillip Seymour Hoffman |
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was great in 25th Hour
Best working actors
Robert Duvall
Al Pacino
Robert DeNiro
Dustin Hoffman
Michael Douglas
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MiltonLeBerle
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Wed Jul-30-03 04:57 PM
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64. ok...Philip Seymour Hoffman comes close. |
stanwyck
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Wed Jul-30-03 08:48 PM
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69. Great actor. But it's a real shame |
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he's such a wingnut. I wish that didn't matter so much to me. I do admire him as an actor. Just don't watch an interview with him. In "real life" he's O'Reilly's older brother.
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mreilly
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Wed Jul-30-03 07:25 PM
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He, George Clooney, and Anthony Hopkins are the best in the business. My wife recently rented "The Life of David Gale" which I knew next to nothing about but I figured since it had Spacey in it that it must be worth a look.
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mitchum
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Thu Jul-31-03 01:26 AM
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72. I'm gonna sneak a vote in here for Gene Hackman... |
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even though I've already voted. Hackman is a wonderful actor without any tricks or tics. The man conveys everything; humor, intelligence, rage, and heart. He is an American treasure. "I think the dog got my shoes, Clyde" is heartbreaking.
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MissMillie
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Thu Jul-31-03 09:04 AM
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MotorCityMan
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Thu Jul-31-03 09:53 AM
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74. Surprised no one mentioned Kathy Bates |
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She adds class to whatever she does. Also love Julianne Moore (The End of the Affair should have gotten her an Oscar).
I agree that Spacey is a terrific actor. Also like Edward Norton.
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