Gene Hackman in Superman
John Savage in The Deer Hunter
John Cazale in The Deer Hunter
Alternate Best Supporting Actor 2005: Ed Harris in A History of Violence
Ed Harris did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Carl Fogarty in A History of Violence.Ed Harris portrays the Philadelphia gangster who comes looking for diner owner Tom Stall who recently killed two men trying to rob his diner..
Best Supporting Actor 2011: Nick Nolte in Warrior
Nick Nolte received his third Oscar nomination for portraying Paddy Conlon in Warrior.Warrior details a winner take all mixed martial art tournament whose two main combatants are estranged brothers (Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton) fighting for their own difficult reasons.
Alternate Best Actor 2011
And the Nominees Were Not:Ryan Gosling in DriveRobert Wieckiewicz in In DarknessMichael Fassbender in ShameMichael Shannon in Take ShelterBrendan Gleeson in The Guard..
Showing posts with label Christopher Walken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christopher Walken. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Best Supporting Actor 1978: Results
Gene Hackman in Superman
John Savage in The Deer Hunter
John Cazale in The Deer Hunter
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Best Supporting Actor 1978: Christopher Walken in The Deer Hunter
Christopher Walken won his Oscar from his first Oscar nomination for portraying Nikonar 'Nick' Chevotarevich in The Deer Hunter.
Christopher Walken is an actor with an odd reputation as he is seen as a bit of an oddity with his distinct voice and sometimes very bizarre mannerisms that go in many of his performances. The only thing is if one sees a performance of his that is described as his best performance one will see a great actor simple as that. Christopher Walken at first seems to be the heart of the film of the Deer Hunter and although his performance is supporting in terms of screentime it is just as important as Robert De Niro's performance as Nick's friend Michael the sort of leader of the group of friends.
A very important of part in the film is the dynamic between the friends and Walken makes Nick role in the group rather distinct. He is separate from the rest of the guys because he does not fool around nearly as much as they do, and has the respect of Michael because of this. He though is different from Michael because he seems to stand as part of the group more than Michael, and tries to understand and frankly bring more warmth among the group than Michael ever does. Walken realizes this understanding of Nick very well but not overplaying it. Walken achieves Nick point in the group realistically and honestly makes Nick a goodhearted man.
Walken also finds just the right tone in which to portray Nick's two pivotal relationships early within the film. Firstly Nick's relationship with his girlfriend Linda (Meryl Streep). The two actors are effective because they don't lay on the romantic elements two thickly. Instead they show a simpler but believable one between the two. There is clearly a love created between the characters by Walken and Streep. It is a quiet unassuming romance but there is no doubt left through the performances that through this quiet unassuming fashion they most certainly care for each other undoubtedly.
Interestingly enough the second relationship is even more important which is Nick's friendship with Michael. Again Walken and De Niro very much downplay the friendship it is not this overly warm display of love for one another, but there is clearly an unmistakable bond between the two nevertheless. The two show quietly a history between the two men one of understanding between the two and a great deal of mutual respect. There dynamic is realized perfectly by both actors as they are not only friends but also there is a just the right difference between the two shown through Nick's greater degree of empathy.
Walken though truly shines as with De Niro in the gut wrenching Russian Roulette scenes. I said De Niro was incredible in these scenes and Walken matches him every step of the way. When they finally play one on one in the prison camp Walken is absolutely amazing as Nick. He absolutely brings the fear and intensity of the situation to life it is chilling almost unbearable because De Niro and Walken never have a false moment in either of their performances. Walken in one single reaction probably has, and I mean this, one of the greatest single reactions in film.
The moment has him holding the gun to his head with a very good likeliness that it will kill him with a fatal. Walken before he fires shows us the horrible terror Nick has over his chances of death as well as just the sickness and anger over being in the horrendous situation. He has one of the most heartbreaking moments when he finally pulls the trigger, and his reaction of fear to an incredible relief as well as absolute joy could not have possibly have been more powerful. He brings right with Nick in that moment and it is both terrifying and absolutely wonderful moment.
After this scene and a separation from his friends Nick suffers a serious mental breakdown. This is actually in a very fast succession to his breakdown caused by the traumatic stress faced before. Walken though again turns it into a reality. His breakdown scene is terrific, Walken quietly shows the pain absolutely overwhelm Nick that he can't help but continuing to think of the horrors of what he faced and went through that causes him to fall apart an become almost a shell of a man as to avoid the pain of his memories. This is made especially disheartening when compared brighter Nick seen earlier, because Walken absolutely makes them the same person who has undergone far too much pain.
There is a great deal of time when we don't see Walken in the film but we feel his loss almost every moment he is not on screen because of his impact earlier in the film. When we finally do see Walken again Nick is only worse a true shell of a man completely lost, and Walken is absolutely chilling showing Nick's loss of fear of death. Their final scene together De Niro and Walken are again incredible. Walken in the scene stays almost the same throughout as Michael pleads to Nick. When Walken finally does react in just the slightest indication of the old Nick it is an absolutely perfect moment that ends Walken's pitch perfect performance. It really is a role that is only challenges yet Walken never fails to meet every one and turn Nick into an unforgettable tragic character that stays with you long after watching the film.
A very important of part in the film is the dynamic between the friends and Walken makes Nick role in the group rather distinct. He is separate from the rest of the guys because he does not fool around nearly as much as they do, and has the respect of Michael because of this. He though is different from Michael because he seems to stand as part of the group more than Michael, and tries to understand and frankly bring more warmth among the group than Michael ever does. Walken realizes this understanding of Nick very well but not overplaying it. Walken achieves Nick point in the group realistically and honestly makes Nick a goodhearted man.
Walken also finds just the right tone in which to portray Nick's two pivotal relationships early within the film. Firstly Nick's relationship with his girlfriend Linda (Meryl Streep). The two actors are effective because they don't lay on the romantic elements two thickly. Instead they show a simpler but believable one between the two. There is clearly a love created between the characters by Walken and Streep. It is a quiet unassuming romance but there is no doubt left through the performances that through this quiet unassuming fashion they most certainly care for each other undoubtedly.
Interestingly enough the second relationship is even more important which is Nick's friendship with Michael. Again Walken and De Niro very much downplay the friendship it is not this overly warm display of love for one another, but there is clearly an unmistakable bond between the two nevertheless. The two show quietly a history between the two men one of understanding between the two and a great deal of mutual respect. There dynamic is realized perfectly by both actors as they are not only friends but also there is a just the right difference between the two shown through Nick's greater degree of empathy.
Walken though truly shines as with De Niro in the gut wrenching Russian Roulette scenes. I said De Niro was incredible in these scenes and Walken matches him every step of the way. When they finally play one on one in the prison camp Walken is absolutely amazing as Nick. He absolutely brings the fear and intensity of the situation to life it is chilling almost unbearable because De Niro and Walken never have a false moment in either of their performances. Walken in one single reaction probably has, and I mean this, one of the greatest single reactions in film.
The moment has him holding the gun to his head with a very good likeliness that it will kill him with a fatal. Walken before he fires shows us the horrible terror Nick has over his chances of death as well as just the sickness and anger over being in the horrendous situation. He has one of the most heartbreaking moments when he finally pulls the trigger, and his reaction of fear to an incredible relief as well as absolute joy could not have possibly have been more powerful. He brings right with Nick in that moment and it is both terrifying and absolutely wonderful moment.
After this scene and a separation from his friends Nick suffers a serious mental breakdown. This is actually in a very fast succession to his breakdown caused by the traumatic stress faced before. Walken though again turns it into a reality. His breakdown scene is terrific, Walken quietly shows the pain absolutely overwhelm Nick that he can't help but continuing to think of the horrors of what he faced and went through that causes him to fall apart an become almost a shell of a man as to avoid the pain of his memories. This is made especially disheartening when compared brighter Nick seen earlier, because Walken absolutely makes them the same person who has undergone far too much pain.
There is a great deal of time when we don't see Walken in the film but we feel his loss almost every moment he is not on screen because of his impact earlier in the film. When we finally do see Walken again Nick is only worse a true shell of a man completely lost, and Walken is absolutely chilling showing Nick's loss of fear of death. Their final scene together De Niro and Walken are again incredible. Walken in the scene stays almost the same throughout as Michael pleads to Nick. When Walken finally does react in just the slightest indication of the old Nick it is an absolutely perfect moment that ends Walken's pitch perfect performance. It really is a role that is only challenges yet Walken never fails to meet every one and turn Nick into an unforgettable tragic character that stays with you long after watching the film.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Best Supporting Actor 1978
Richard Farnsworth in Comes A Horseman
Bruce Dern in Coming Home
Christopher Walken in The Deer Hunter
Jack Warden in Heaven Can Wait
John Hurt in Midnight Express
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Best Supporting Actor 2002: Results
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Best Supporting Actor 2002: Christopher Walken in Catch Me If You Can
Christopher Walken received his second Oscar nomination for portraying Frank Abganale Sr. in Catch Me If You Can.
Catch Me If You Can details the exploits of con man Frank Abganale Jr.
Christopher Walken portrays the father of the con man Frank who begins the film as a seemingly successful businessman who loves his son, and his wife. Christopher Walken here plays what is strangely a somewhat rare character in films which is a genuinely loving father character. Walken takes the role and makes the absolute most of Frank Abganale Sr making him a pivotal aspect of the film really because of his performance.
Walken creates a sympathetic portrait of this somewhat simple man who just wants the best for his family, but is unable to give it to them because the IRS are constantly hounding him for something that was not his fault. Walken has some small but very strong moments early on. Walken fully realizes his love for his son and his wife, which he shows especially well in his scene where he reflects on how he came to marry got her, showing what he feels is an honest accomplishment he felt he made.
After his troubles with the IRS though Frank falls onto difficult times in both his finances as well as with his wife. Walken is very effective in showing that Frank is always an optimistic man even in the face of some serious problems. Walken portray very well and very carefully that it is not Frank being unrealistic, but rather a man who insists on always keeping going no matter what is against him.
Walken makes this portrait of Frank an especially tragic one because he never becomes mean or angry over his troubles but instead always stays a good person throughout his troubles. He is particularly heartbreaking for example in the scene with Frank Jr. is being forced to choose a parent to live with. It is a depressing and difficult situation but Walken still shows Frank genuinely trying to keep it together, even though Walken portray an effort here showing that Frank is actually devastated by the divorce.
After this scene the film focuses on DiCaprio various exploits as a conman which are really larger than life, but Walken comes in a few times in what I think are the best scenes of the film. Frank Sr. acts as basically a beacon of reality to Frank Jr. who is leading such an abnormal lifestyle. They meet twice while he is performing various escapades, and these two meetings are phenomenal moments because of Christopher Walken's performance.
The first time they meet Walken still an optimistic but sad Frank Sr. Walken shows Frank truly wants to still get back with his wife and son just so they can be a family. Frank Jr. does not elaborate his exploits only saying that he is a pilot. Walken is great because he creates a genuine joy and pride in Frank over his sons supposed accomplishments. Walken makes it a bittersweet pride because despite his son's apparent success, he must always remind his son that his financial problems, and problems with his wife are still there.
Later in the film they meet again after Frank has found out what his son really has been up to, as well as for himself is on even harder time. Walken is completely heartbreaking in this scene as he tells his son very sadly that it can never be the way it was for them. Walken though still shows that he still loves his son, and even a still a pride in his son. In the end though Walken ends on a somber note that perfectly played showing the reality Frank Sr. faces completely brought to life by Walken that is complete contradiction to basically the fantasy being lived by Frank Jr.
There is not a single moment of this performance that I do not like, and find very effecting. I particularly love his single scene with Tom Hanks as the FBI agent chasing Frank Jr, where he shows his absolute loyalty and love for his son not matter what. This is one performance that I always remember long after watching the film, and for me is the most memorable part of the film as whole. Walken simply gives a pitch perfect performance that makes a truly unforgettable tragic figure because of his complete honesty in his portrayal.
Christopher Walken portrays the father of the con man Frank who begins the film as a seemingly successful businessman who loves his son, and his wife. Christopher Walken here plays what is strangely a somewhat rare character in films which is a genuinely loving father character. Walken takes the role and makes the absolute most of Frank Abganale Sr making him a pivotal aspect of the film really because of his performance.
Walken creates a sympathetic portrait of this somewhat simple man who just wants the best for his family, but is unable to give it to them because the IRS are constantly hounding him for something that was not his fault. Walken has some small but very strong moments early on. Walken fully realizes his love for his son and his wife, which he shows especially well in his scene where he reflects on how he came to marry got her, showing what he feels is an honest accomplishment he felt he made.
After his troubles with the IRS though Frank falls onto difficult times in both his finances as well as with his wife. Walken is very effective in showing that Frank is always an optimistic man even in the face of some serious problems. Walken portray very well and very carefully that it is not Frank being unrealistic, but rather a man who insists on always keeping going no matter what is against him.
Walken makes this portrait of Frank an especially tragic one because he never becomes mean or angry over his troubles but instead always stays a good person throughout his troubles. He is particularly heartbreaking for example in the scene with Frank Jr. is being forced to choose a parent to live with. It is a depressing and difficult situation but Walken still shows Frank genuinely trying to keep it together, even though Walken portray an effort here showing that Frank is actually devastated by the divorce.
After this scene the film focuses on DiCaprio various exploits as a conman which are really larger than life, but Walken comes in a few times in what I think are the best scenes of the film. Frank Sr. acts as basically a beacon of reality to Frank Jr. who is leading such an abnormal lifestyle. They meet twice while he is performing various escapades, and these two meetings are phenomenal moments because of Christopher Walken's performance.
The first time they meet Walken still an optimistic but sad Frank Sr. Walken shows Frank truly wants to still get back with his wife and son just so they can be a family. Frank Jr. does not elaborate his exploits only saying that he is a pilot. Walken is great because he creates a genuine joy and pride in Frank over his sons supposed accomplishments. Walken makes it a bittersweet pride because despite his son's apparent success, he must always remind his son that his financial problems, and problems with his wife are still there.
Later in the film they meet again after Frank has found out what his son really has been up to, as well as for himself is on even harder time. Walken is completely heartbreaking in this scene as he tells his son very sadly that it can never be the way it was for them. Walken though still shows that he still loves his son, and even a still a pride in his son. In the end though Walken ends on a somber note that perfectly played showing the reality Frank Sr. faces completely brought to life by Walken that is complete contradiction to basically the fantasy being lived by Frank Jr.
There is not a single moment of this performance that I do not like, and find very effecting. I particularly love his single scene with Tom Hanks as the FBI agent chasing Frank Jr, where he shows his absolute loyalty and love for his son not matter what. This is one performance that I always remember long after watching the film, and for me is the most memorable part of the film as whole. Walken simply gives a pitch perfect performance that makes a truly unforgettable tragic figure because of his complete honesty in his portrayal.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Best Supporting Actor 2002
John C. Reilly in Chicago
Christopher Walken in Catch Me If You Can
Chris Cooper in Adaptation
Paul Newman in Road to Perdition
Ed Harris in The Hours
