Best Actor of the Modern Era? Movie Chat

[Birdman]

Hollywood's boom times of the 1930s and 1940s, at least prior to the war, are known today as the Golden Age, and the three decades after that could be termed the Bronze Age – with a shift into colour film, multi-channel stereo and the re-invention of the Hollywood "blockbuster" away from biblical epics and sweeping melodramatic romance. The 1980s, however, when you look at films produced at that time in a reflective mood, represents a shift both artistically and stylistically in the medium of film to such a degree that a new "age" of Hollywood could be coined: the Modern Age. An epoch of cinema between 1980 and 2010, 30 years of both massive successes, and epic fails.

Who do you think is the best actor of the modern era of film?

 

[Son Of Jack]

Really difficult to say. Different actors suit different films. Probably the standout actor for me has been Denzel Washington.

 

[Fraser]

Probably the standout actor for me has been Denzel Washington.

I'd also have Christian Bale, Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman up there but I agree Washington is a standout. I don't think I've seen him in a bad film.

 

[Bandit]

There's so many that might not have been great but absolutely nailed a certain character. Heath Ledger is an obvious example.

Whereas you have someone who might not ever get the Oscar but is always solid like Samuel Jackson. He never nailed it enough to deserve the Oscar but he's had some very memorable roles without stinking.

 

[Talia]

Another vote for Denzel Washington. Huge fan, a fantastic actor in my opinion with some amazing movies:

The Manchurian Candidate
The Pelican Brief
Man on Fire
Remember the Titans - never get sick of this one
The Hurricane
American Gangster
Training Day
Philadelphia
Courage Under Fire
Crimson Tide - Gene Hackman fantastic in this too
Roman J. Israel, Esq.

There's so many that might not have been great but absolutely nailed a certain character. Heath Ledger is an obvious example.

As a singular piece of work, I've yet to see anyone top his performance in Brokeback Mountain.

 

[Gemma]

I think Tom Hanks is another that deserves a mention - I find him believable in any of the varied roles he has taken on, from the schmaltzy (You've Got Mail), hard-hitting (Philadelphia, Captain Philips) and the quirky (Forrest Gump)

 

[Jess]

Leonardo DiCaprio for just consistent top-notch performances in mostly amazing movies for over 20 years.

 

[Sad Professor]

Robert Shaw was fantastic. Quint was immense, but his baddie from The Taking of Pelham 123 - one of the best films of all time - is the one that sticks in my mind: such a cold and clinical professional. I also love Walter Matthau in that movie, seriously great in the few straight dramatic roles he played.

Daniel Day-Lewis. If someone was to say he's the best ever I'd find it hard to disagree. Incredible range. Can go up to 11 or dial it right down to zero. Seems to "be" the character more so than any other actor I can think of. I really hope he makes another movie.

Philip Seymour Hoffman though I think his gift was in intensity and conviction - there is a certain Hoffman quality to all of the characters he portrayed: I feel they all think the same things about themselves when they turn off the light at night, no matter who they were.

It's not a popular opinion these days, but Kevin Spacey really was a fine actor. Pity that he was such a weirdo.

 

[Welshy]

Sean Penn, Tom Hanks, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman and Edward Norton would be my selections.

Penn and Moore in particular are simply brilliant in every role I have seen them in.

 

[Gemma]

Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck both deserve a mention too.

Joaquin Phoenix was excellent in Walk The Line and The Joker. Casey Affleck maybe doesn't get the plaudits he deserves but he was fantastic in Gone Baby Gone, The Assassination of Jesse James and Manchester By The Sea.