I know that I owe you all one more movie from my Top 10 list. Believe me, I'm getting to it. However, as you may have heard, there was a shocking bit of movie-related news this week and I wanted to take a few minutes to offer my humble and overall meaningless comments.
As you all certainly know, Philip Seymour Hoffman died this past weekend. For fans of movies and fans of great acting, this is a huge loss. Hoffman was one of the greats, easily one of the best actors of his generation, if not the best.
In each character he played, he instilled a fullness and a life that made them all feel wholly complete. This was particularly noteworthy because, as a character actor often working in supporting roles, many of his characters were only on screen for a few minutes at a time. But he wasn't just a supporting player. No, he was one of the few actors who could move between leading and supporting roles without skipping a beat, always making it look natural and easy.
He was fearless as an actor, and never seemed to be driven by ego as so many of his characters had physical, emotional, and character flaws. Yet, he never seemed to judge any of his characters. Indeed, each character he played -- from the most realistic to the most over-the-top -- he always made their intentions and motivations seem real and, more often than not, understandable and relatable.
I could go on and on here, but I don't want to. Instead, I'm just going to post some clips of some of Hoffman's more memorable performances. I'm not going to say that these are his best performances or that they're even my favorite. No, I'd have to rewatch too many of his movies to make that kind of declaration. These are just some that have come to my mind over the past few days
WARNING: Some of these clips will have some harsh language.
Capote
You have to start this list with Capote, Hoffman's best and most celebrated performance. He always found a way to disappear into his roles, but he never really pulled off anything like the transformation you see in this film. So many great moments from this movie...I'll just share one of them.
Almost Famous
This is the best scene in one of my all time favorite movies. Hoffman was only in a handful of scenes in this movie, but the mark he leaves on the story is unmistakable.
Magnolia
Another relatively small part in one of my all time favorite movies. When I say he gave each of his characters -- no matter how small -- life and fullness, this is what I'm talking about.
Punch Drunk Love
There will be three clips from Paul Thomas Anderson movies on this list -- Magnolia was the first, this is the second. PTA just seemed to bring out the best in Hoffman.
Along Came Polly
This is the very definition of a great performance in a bad movie. I chose Hoffman's meatiest scene from the movie. But, there many others that are just as hilarious.
Owning Mahowny
People don't remember this movie much, but it's fantastic. Some of Hoffman's most memorable performances were of characters that were at the end of their various ropes. When I think of those Hoffman characters, I think of this movie and Love Liza, another forgotten Hoffman-starring gem.
Charlie Wilson's War
This is not a great movie. But, Hoffman was, as always, incredible in it. I just love this scene.
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
This movie is almost unbelievably dark, and so is Hoffman's performance in it. I debated whether it was appropriate to show this scene, given the circumstances surrounding his death. But, in the end, I couldn't leave it out.
Doubt
I know a lot of people who love this movie. I'm not one of them. But, you can't deny the power of Hoffman's performance in it.
The Master
And, we end with The Master, another Paul Thomas Anderson movie. Just an incredible performance and wonderfully crafted character. This movie just gets better with age, as does Hoffman's performance.
Thanks for those.
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