Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: Results

6. Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix- Fishburne is mysterious in his first scene, and a fine mentor in the rest of the film.

5. Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest- Rickman gives a very entertaining deadpan performance that absolutely delivers. 

4. John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich- Malkovich playing Malkovich is truly something enjoyable to watch as he portrays brilliantly every moment of Malkovich no matter who happens to be in his head.

3. Christopher Plummer in The Insider- Christopher Plummer gives a strong performance as Mike Wallace portraying the differences between the performer and the man in the case of a television journalist.

2. Philip Baker Hall in Magnolia- Hall gives a powerful performance as a dying regretful man that stands well among the greatness of his film. 

1. Sam Rockwell in Galaxy Quest-Well no one predicted Rockwell would win so no one wins! Just Kidding. Good Prediction koook160 (Robert MacFarlane). Sam Rockwell actually was easily chosen by me as I loved every moment and every facet of his performance. He makes the most as the former red shirt, who does not want to go as quickly as his character. He is absolutely hilarious in every scene, but even manages to be honestly believable in the fears of his character as well.

Overall Rank:

1. Sam Rockwell in Galaxy Quest
2. Tom Cruise Magnolia
3. Philip Baker Hall in Magnolia
4. Christopher Plummer in The Insider
5. John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich
6. Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest
7. John C. Reilly in Magnolia 
8. Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley
9. Philip Seymour Hoffman in Magnolia 
10. Michael Clarke Duncan in The Green Mile
11. William H. Macy in Magnolia
12. Gary Cole in Office Space
13. Michael Jeter in The Green Mile
14. Harry Dean Stanton in The Straight Story
15. Sam Rockwell in The Green Mile
16. Jason Robards in Magnolia 
17. Doug Hutchison in The Green Mile
18. Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Talented Mr. Ripley
19. Hugo Weaving in The Matrix
20. Jeremy Blackman in Magnolia
21. William Sadler in The Green Mile 
22. Tony Shalhoub in Galaxy Quest
23. Donnie Wahlberg in The Sixth Sense 
24. Chris Cooper in American Beauty
25. Stephen Root in Office Space
26. James Coburn in Payback 
27. Greg Kinnear in Mystery Men
28. Enrico Colantino in Galaxy Quest
29. Tom Waits in Mystery Men
30. Orson Bean in Being John Malkovich
31. James Cromwell in The Green Mile 
32. Geoffrey Rush in Mystery Men
33. Daryl Mitchell in Galaxy Quest
34. Wes Studi in Mystery Men 
35. Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix
36. Philip Baker Hall in The Talented Mr. Ripley 
37. Chris Cooper in October Sky
38. Paul Giamatti in Man on the Moon
39. Kris Kristofferson in Payback 
40. David Herman in Office Space
41. William Devane in Payback
42. Barry Pepper in The Green Mile
43. Michael Gambon in The Insider
44. Danny Devito in Man on the Moon
45. David Morse in The Green Mile
46. Philip Baker Hall in The Insider
47. Joe Pantoliano in The Matrix
48. Dan Hedaya in The Hurricane
49. Delroy Lindo in The Cider House Rules
50. Ajay Naidu in Office Space
51. Anthony Ray Parker in The Matrix
52. Michael Caine in The Cider House Rules
53. Wes Bentley in American Beauty

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Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix

Laurence Fishburne did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Morpheus in The Matrix.

The Matrix although certainly is not a favorite film of mine, I will admit it is pretty well done.

Laurence Fishburne portrays the elusive Morpheus who tries to convince Neo (Keanu Reeves) that he is in fact not living in reality. At first Fishburne is heard only over the phone, finding very little about him, until then he finally meets Morpheus in a strange dank room, with Morpheus dressed in black, with even darker sunglasses. I will give Fisburne credit in this scene in that he conveys a great deal of mystery with his delivery of every line, and certainly make the scene very compelling, as well making Morpheus a character you want to learn more about.

As soon as Neo wants to learn more of the truth though, in fact right after he chooses the pill Fishburne completely changes his performance from that of mystery man or mentor. Although to be fair to Fishburne this does fit Morpheus's motivation, since once Neo will join him, he really does not need to draw him anymore, and just needs to train him. Fishburne though drops all the mystery and becomes a tough, but still warm mentor in the film. He handles it well in that as he tells basically the whole plot of the film to Neo he does it with a considerable degree of conviction.

Through the rest of the film he is the Mr. Miyagi offering advice, and training Neo. Fishburne does this well enough always delivery the way he needs to in his role, even if there is anything particularly special about his method though. Later on in the film he has the scene where he is psychologically tortured which again Fishburne does handle well, but it is not exactly an amazing scene. Fishburne is consistently fine in his role from one scene to the next, and fulfills the mentor fairly well. It never amounts to much more than just performing the role well enough. 

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Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: Alan Rickman and Sam Rockwell in Galaxy Quest

Alan Rickman did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Alexander Dane in Galaxy Quest.

Galaxy Quest is quite enjoyable Star Trek parody about a group of has been actors who find themselves in a situation much like one they would have been in their old show.

Alan Rickman portrays Alexander Dane a former Shakespearean actor best known by his role of Dr. Lazarus on the Star Trek like show Galaxy Quest. Long after the end of the show he only finds work doing appearances as the character with the rest of the cast. Although none of them are especially happy, Rickman portrays Alexander Dane as particularly frustrated by his lot. Rickman's performance emphasizes just how much Alexander hates having to best known for his role that he hates, despite what he believes he was capable of.

Rickman is deliciously dead pan with his role as the actor who can barely hold back his disdain for his job of repeating his character's famous lines he despises, and as well for Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) the actor whom he has no respect due to Nesmith's pompous self absorbed attitude. Rickman performance for quite awhile is filled with exasperated angry remarks, or reactions of the very same. Rickman technically speaking does not go for laughs with his part obviously, yet Rickman is hilarious with his performance utilizing excellent timing throughout the film.

As the situation becomes far worse for the actors Rickman actually stays firm in his portrayal for quite, awhile. Although he keeps up fairly the same manner, except with some moments where he must in genuine horror or concern for his own being, he still stays pretty dead pan. Rickman's act is so enjoyable though it never does get old. His performance manages to stay consistently funny through every situation, and he shows how a perfromance like this is done.

Fairly late in the film as the situation becomes very dire though, and for a key moment Rickman brilliantly breaks the dead pan completely to deliver the line Dane hates, but due to the extreme circumstance delivers it with all his heart. It is a masterful moment for Rickman because he manages to make the moment both still very funny, but oddly poignant as Dane becomes his role in that moment. This is a very enjoyable performance by Alan Rickman, who takes his approach and goes with it marvelously. I can't say after watching it again that this is the best performance in the film.

As Sam Rockwell also did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Guy Fleegman in Galaxy Quest.

Now this is simply a problem that can happen when watching a film in the first time, or in this case watching a film for the first time in quite a while. Watching the film again I saw that it would be quite the injustice not to review his performance as well, as if I watched the film before I listed the nominees I would have chosen Rockwell actually instead.

Sam Rockwell actually does not play one of the has been actors, although Guy was on the show but only as crewman number 6 killed in the first act of episode 81. He actually seems to be a wannabe has been star himself when he first approaches the crew. Rockwell is very enjoyable as he tries his best to attempt to act cool, and be part of the crew even though being part of the crew really is not something particularly to be part of. Rockwell combines an honest enthusiasm with just the right amount of a pathetic quality.

Rockwell really starts to shine though when his character gets far more focus when the crew, who he decides to join, go on the alien craft designed based on the old show. Rockwell proves from the first instant on the craft as four of the crew react in horror to meeting the aliens in their true form, how he will be the best part of the film. As his reaction is an intense but hilarious scream of horror that absolutely steals the scene, which certainly will not be the only scene that he steals.

In every scene that he is Rockwell is extremely enjoyable in each and every moment that he comes in. Just one great example of this is when they first take the ship off from a star base, and pilot is less than successful. Rockwell though to me acts as the funniest part of the entire scene in just his reaction of telling the pilot to move right. His little gesture is just perfect, and Rockwell consistently has great moments like that all through the entire film.

The basis of Rockwell's story in the film is that the aptly named Guy believes that since he was just a nameless crew member on the show who was quickly killed off that he will likely be killed as well. Rockwell is just fantastic in his portrayal of Guy's fears, that keep him on a manic edge through a great deal of the film. Although the fear is a prevailing factor Rockwell's performance never becomes repetitive or one dimensional but instead is always entertaining.

One reasons this is that Rockwell plays with all the facets of this fear so well. Whether it is his more depressed, and hopeless screaming scene asking the rest of the crew if they even know his last name, which could come across as annoying but Rockwell method is only ever comedic gold. His screams of pains although are entirely convincing as screams of pains also are done in just the right way by Rockwell to make me laugh every single time.

He just as efficiently more subtly portrays the fear as a internal dread within Guy as he goes on a ground mission with the crew. I particularly love the moment in which he looks at another alien species instantly recognizes what will eventually happen, with his great delivery of  "Did you guys ever watch the show?" to the rest of the crew due to his this time in a quietly intense and frightened manner that again still manages to be very funny.

Rockwell even manages to bring this fear into a rather strange heroism when the situation becomes quite dire. His speech about might as well go out a hero rather than a cowardly red shirt is superbly handled with strange by effectively degree of passion and fatalism. This is just a wonderful performance by Rockwell in every way though because he is able to be an entirely comedic performance while still managing to be entirely believable considering Guy's situation. I absolutely love this performance that is incredible in the scenes that focus on him, but as well by the way he seems to steal almost every other scene he is in through just the slightest reaction. He is the best part of the film, and I just had to review him.

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Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich

John Gavin Malkovich did not receive an Oscar nomination or portraying John Horatio Malkovich in Being John Malkovich.

Being John Malkovich which has quite a bit going on it is mainly about a puppeteer (John Cusack) who finds a portal in the mind of John Malkovich. I like parts of the film, but I do think it takes too many indulgences.

Despite getting some recognition for the role it should have been no surprise that John Malkovich was not Oscar nominated for the role of playing John Malkovich. After all a common, usually mistaken, criticism of many performances of certian actors is that they are merely playing themselves and deserve no credit. Well Malkovich seems to play himself, except of course for the fact that this movie John Malkovich has a different middle name from the regular Malkovich. Malkovich is suppose simply be Malkovich though in the film, but that does not mean this is a do nothing performance.

Although the film is certianly does not mind deprecating Malkovich in the way no one seems to know who he is, and do not really think much of him as an actor, as well as the scene where we go into his subconscious, Malkovich still plays the part of himself in a rather straight fashion early in the film. It really should be noted that the actually personal life of this Malkovich really is not gotten into, where only see him really reacting to everything else in the film, and being used by the other character. He really is not a particularly active character.

In the first half or so of the film Malkovich actually goes for playing himself in a rather realistic fashion, and there is not anything strange or out of the ordinary about his portrayal, other than of course he is John Malkovich which means this is a least some degree of strangeness anyways. Malkovich though actually is quite good in being how one would imagine a man in his very bizarre situation might be. Malkovich is not boring in anyway though, and through being a more realistic man standing within the oddness he actually able to effortlessly bring a great deal of humor in his performance.

Malkovich honestly shows a confusion at first as the strangeness goes on around, than slowly morphs into some degree of horror and anger over finding about the portal to his mind. Malkovich does well in portraying in a believable fashion while making it quietly funny, although he does this without ever making any jokes with his performance. It is not obvious comedic performance by Malkovich, but it work extremely well, although later on in the film Malkovich gets to do that sort of performance after the puppeteer takes control of Malkovich's body. 

Malkovich has a lot of fun in the role embodying Cusack's performance from the film, although with one key by very brilliantly handled by Malkovich. The difference from Cusack's is that he is quite enthusiastic where Cusack was consistently depressed although it fits because the puppeteer has reached his dreams within Malkovich. It is an enjoyable and energetic performance by Malkovich playing a lot with the overly pretentious quality within the puppeteer as well as his amusingly emphasizing the pathetic qualities of the character.

Despite being quite tossed around in the role particularly at the end when he goes through three personalities in a matter of minutes, Malkovich makes all of it work out for the best. Although I do feel aspects of the film do go into self indulgence mostly on the part of Charlie Kaufman, but Malkovich despite the fact that he is in fact portraying John Malkovich falls into these problems with his personality. He seamlessly moves between the personalities that Malkovich must undergo, and makes sure to give an engaging performance no matter who happens to be using Malkovich at one time.

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Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: Christopher Plummer in The Insider

Christopher Plummer did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Mike Wallace in The Insider.

Christopher Pummer despite winning and being nominated for several critical awards for his performance in this film. The academy though apparently did not find Plummer was someone who needed to be awarded for another ten years. This made particularly strange in that the film was nominated for best picture, so it is not that he was not on their radar. I suppose the veteran spot was merely taken by Michael Caine's wholly undeserving work in The Cider House Rules.

Christopher Plummer portraying 60 minutes interviewer Mike Wallace who works with Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) to bring hard hitting news stories like that of a tobacco company whistle blower Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe). Plummer really does not necessarily try to imitate Mike Wallace in his performance exactly, instead he more effectively becomes the role that Mike Wallace should be. Plummer has quite a well handled voice, and presence he puts on into his scenes in the film particularly when Wallace is in the process of interviewing someone.

Interestingly Plummer shows Wallace to actually put on a bit of a show when he is in action as an interviewer. It is not that it is a facade, but Plummer makes it abundantly clear that Wallace does in a way give a performance when he interviews someone. Plummer has a particularly strong method in the interview scenes as he creates a certain warmth within Wallace that would pull you into listening to him, yet underneath the warmth there is a great deal of sharpness as well that portrays well the way Wallace gets to the fact of the matter.

Christopher Plummer actually rather well even pulls in the performer of Wallace in other moments presenting the idea that Wallace's on screen persona comes in at times even off screen when it is required. Plummer handles this especially well, and it feels entirely natural since Plummer only does it when it fits the moment. For example when Wallace greets someone in public, or quite brilliantly when Wallace becomes the great newsman he claims to be near the end of the film, when he tells his boss he is going to do the right thing after all.

When Wallace is not on Plummer paints a different portrait of the man. What really becomes missing in his portrayal is the warmth of the interview scenes, and Plummer actually portrays him in what is a more down to earth, and flawed manner. Plummer does not strive from the flaws, although importantly he does make it clear that Wallace is an intelligent man, and the sharpness of his style is still apparent although in a far less charming fashion.

An important aspect of the film is that Wallace does not keep with Bergman all the way, when legal threats mount from telling Wigand's story. Plummer believably shows that Wallace does not really want to screw Wigand over, but rather he plays it as Wallace simply taking the easy way out. There is some redemption for Wallace as he does eventually try to show his protest through an interview even though even that is squashed, although Wallace does not take this lightly. Plummer makes the scene where he tells his distaste to the corporate weasels especially passionately and powerfully, making the scene a highlight of his performance and the film.

Technically speaking this performance is not one that is given a great deal of time within the film as the film is not the story of Mike Wallace after all. Plummer though makes the role his own, by firstly not just being some sort of imitation but in a far more striking fashion by giving his own take on the character. Secondly though whenever Plummer is on screen he does his best to give a compelling portrayal of the journalist that succeeds in pulling Wallace out of being just part of the background as he very easily could have been. If Plummer had to win an Oscar it most certainly should have been for this performance, since with this performance it would have been a deserving win.

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Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999: Philip Baker Hall in Magnolia

Philip Baker Hall did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Jimmy Gator in Magnolia.

Magnolia interweaves several stories, and the reason it is such a great film though is that almost all of the stories are interesting and contain some strong performance from the great ensemble. Philip Baker Hall story is that of a legendary game show host who is dying from cancer. Jimmy Gator unless some of the other characters really is not man of transformation in any way, he certainly is not changed by the occurrence at the end of the film other than in a purely physical fashion. Gator's transition really has already occurred before we first see him.

Philip Baker Hall portrays Jimmy as a man really on his ropes end, but tries to continue on his life while knowing that he is dying. Hall is very effective as he shows Jimmy do his best to try to be his game show personality on the air, even as his past, and his current pains from the cancer are barring down on him. Hall though is very believable as he has Jimmy pushing through as well as he can, still having the energy for the job as the host of the game show, yet he subtly portrays that all is weighing down on him slowly becoming worse and worse.

Hall is particularly powerful though when his thoughts about his cancer and his past actions eventually come through. The seemingly far more competent and in control man of before losing everything about him, and Hall becomes a very sad portrait of the true distraught and regretful man Jimmy really is. His breakdown scene as he tries to continue hosting the show, but is unable to keep his thoughts together is made especially moving by Hall. It is a brilliantly played moment by Hall, as he is entirely genuine in the emotion of the moment.

The truth of Jimmy though is not exactly heartbreaking so to speak in that Jimmy is absolutely a bad man, and all of the regrets he does feel are caused by his own selfish and immoral actions. Hall though does not just portray Jimmy's regrets as something that is actually honest despite his past. What makes his performance stand out though other than the brutal emotional honesty, is as well that he still shows even in his regretful state that Jimmy still is too weak of a man to truly face his flaws as a man.

As with all of the stories within the film Hall comes in and out of the film, and he always manages to make to make a striking impact in all of his scenes. He creates in his interweaving scenes a complex portrait of the heavily flawed Jimmy. Although I would not say that Philip Baker Hall gives the strongest performance in the film, after watching it again that definitely goes to Tom Cruise, but Hall effectively makes his moments meaningful adding to the strengths of film.

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Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1999

And the Nominees Were Not:

Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest

John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich

Christopher Plummer in The Insider

Philip Baker Hall in Magnolia

Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix

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