Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Movie Clip Wednesdays: Best Actor of My Lifetime

In my opinion, Tom Hanks stands head and shoulders in talent above every other man currently working in cinema today. If I have to explain why, well, then, you obviously haven't seen a Tom Hanks movie (actually, though, I'm just short on time today). My favorite performance? Captain John H. Miller in Saving Private Ryan, a movie as near perfect in all respects as it gets.

Unfortunately, every YouTube clip of this movie is over 10 minutes long, but here's one anyway.

13 comments:

Milk River Madman said...

Hanks is a strong second to me. Having followed him since Splash I've admired how many different characters he portrays and the ease with which he does it. Happy MCW.

Pam said...

Hanks is a great choice and he was a considered option for me, too. Did you ever watch Bosom Buddies? Grrhahahaha! A fave of his is "Big" ... love that movie. He nails the role. I always enjoy his movies.

Now, I was hoping someone would bring up Tommy Lee Jones. I might have to go post another favorite actor clip.

Buzz Kill said...

Yep, Hanks has a boat load of good movies with SPR being one of the best. But my favorite Hanks character is Forrest Gump.

There was Dallas, from Phoenix; Cleveland - he was from Detroit; and Tex... well, I don't remember where Tex come from.

Happy MCW!

Aunty Belle said...

Well, ok. Private Ryan is his most stellar role for most folks, but, I tell ya, when I think of Hanks, I immediately hear,
WILSON!!!

WILLLLLL SON?

(Cast away)

moi said...

Milk River: He has that same Every Man effortlessness that Jimmy Stewart had.

Pam: I loved Bosom Buddies! Wonder whatever happened to his "buddy"?

Buzz: Priceless movie with a slew of priceless quotes that have left an indelible mark on our lexicon.

Aunty: Not one of my favorite movies (its punch is all in its middle), but for the most part, Hanks was brilliant in it. The way you could see his emotional and psychological transformation reflected even in his eyes, that's pretty amazing stuff.

sparringK9 said...

BIG is my favorite. But i never saw saving private ryan. isnt that the one with the amazing d-day invasion scenes?

solid choice. lately he annoys me with his political statements but whatareyagonnado? its hollywood.

Happy MCW

Jenny said...

He was great in PHILADELPHIA also. Good pick.

moi said...

K: The first 15 minutes of SPR are harrowing, gut-wrenching to watch, but still unbelievably great film making. Yeah, if I never watched a movie because of politics, all I'd do is read. Comics.

Boxer: Reason #12.5 for my choice: ability to impart a highly emotional performance without yucky sentimentality. Extremely tough to do.

diggin up the yard said...

yes boxer. the scene in Philadelphia where he voices over an opera he listens to is poignant and memorable.

Karl said...

Good afternoon Moi,

He is indeed a rare talent. I've enjoyed every one of his films, that I've seen.

Happy clip day!

Jenny said...

Bad dog that digs up the yard; that scene is haunting. Also liked a very young Antonio Banderas as his lover.

moi said...

Naughty Dawg: I love the camera work in that scene, and props should be given as well to Denzel Washington's performance.

Karl: With the exception of The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, I've liked just about every one of his movies, too.

Boxer: Oh, I TOTALLY forgot about Antonio! Hawt stuff.

Joanna Cake said...

Another on my list but I was trying to avoid the Blog Jinx! Great clips x