In honor of the NFL Playoffs starting this past weekend, I thought I'd get things going with our first ever act-off competition. In the comments section please indicate who you would vote for in each matchup, with just a short reason why and we'll see who makes it to round 2.
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THE ACTOR & ACTRESS MEDLEY (2007)
ROUND ONE
ACTORS
vs. 
(1) Christian Bale vs. (8) Will Smith
vs. 
(2) Daniel Day-Lewis vs. (7) Ryan Gosling
vs. 
(3) Robert Downey, Jr. vs. (6) Paul Giamatti
vs. 
(4) Matt Damon vs. (5) Michael Cera
ACTRESSES
vs. 
(1) Maggie Gyllenhaal vs. (8) Charlize Theron
vs. 
(2) Naomi Watts vs. (7) Ellen Page
vs. 
(3) Natalie Portman vs. (6) Kate Winslet
vs. 
(4) Rachel McAdams vs. (5) Cate Blanchett
14 comments:
Let me say that I didn't keep my list written down, so these may contradict the order they may have appeared in. Anywho...
Round 1 FIGHT!!!
Bale vs Smith: There is no doubt in my mind that Bale is perhaps the best actor of his generation, but this list (at least, how I saw it) is not about who is the best, but whose movies do you look forward to more than any other. With that in mind, I think I would give Big Willie a ever so slight edge over Bale. Bale has done better recently with Batman, Prestige and 310 to Yuma, at staring in "fun" films, but he always plays the morose, brooding character who has no sense of humor. Smith always looks like he is having a blast whether it is as Ali, a Man in Black, or even as Chris Gardner, a downtrodden father who has little for him go right. Smith oozes charisma more than any other, and that is why he is the biggest star on the planet.
Winner: Will Smith
Day-Lewis vs Gosling: Few were as big a supporter of Half Nelson than I. I'm sure I even said after seeing that Gosling was in my top tier of actors. But come on, he still has a ways to go before he can even be uttered in the same breath as Daniel Day-Lewis. This man can be the most sympathetic (My Left Foot) and the most terrifying (Gangs of New York) person on screen. DiCaprio is perhaps one of the best actors of his generation...and he gets crushed on-screen whenever Day-Lewis is on. All any actor can hope for, when in a Day-Lewis film, is that they don't have to act much with him, cause otherwise they will look like a amateur.
Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis
Downey Jr vs Giamatti: For me, its Giamatti, but that may change once Iron Man comes out. Still Giamatti plays roles that aren't flashy, yet he always stands out. Downey Jr is known for his smart-ass attitude, and he can utilize is brilliantly (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Zodiac), but I wouldn't say that nobody else could have played that role.
Winner: Paul Giamatti
Damon vs Cera: Cera hands down. Yes he is young and probably doesn't so much act, but just be himself, but he has better comic timing, better rhythm, and whatever you would call someone who looks like they are the in the most uncomfortable situation ever, than those 3x his age. I've said it since Arrested and I stick by it. Damon has Bourne, Ripley, and Will Hunting, but they just didn't leave as much an impression on me. I appreciate a great comic actor more than a great dramatic actor.
Winner: Michael Cera
To quote the Beastie Boys..."Hey Ladies!"
Gyllenhaal vs Theron: Gyllenhaal hands down. Theron only recently became a good actress with Monster, North Country, and Valley of Elah. Otherwise she has Devil's Advocate, Astronaut's Wife, Bagger Vance, Sweet November, Waking Up in Reno, Trapped, 15 Minutes, Aeon Flux and Reindeer Games. I mean come on. Did you see Reindeer Games? She did erase a lot of that with her performance in Arrested Development, but still. Maggie all the while has done stellar work in some pretty good films such as Secretary, Happy Endings, Stranger than Fiction, Donnie Darko, Sherrybaby, World Trade Center, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, and best of all, Monster House.
Winner: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Watts vs Page: This is tough. Page has given perhaps the best performance of the year, and she made me piss myself in Hard Candy. But unfortunately is comes down to numbers on this one. Maybe with one or two more solid films, I would choose her in a heartbeat, but Naomi is absolutely gorgeous and has done a diverse amount of work including Mulholland Dr, Huckabees, Eastern Promises, 21 Grams, and King Kong. One more year and I think things would be different though.
Winner: Naomi Watts, but if there ever was a tie on here, its here
Portman vs Winslet: Winslet is the better actress, but Natalie Portman is Natalie Portman. The most perfectly gorgeous human being on the planet, plus she is a great actress that may choose bad scripts like Goya's Ghost or Star Wars, but in the right role such as Closer, or V for Vendetta (yeah I like it so sue me) I think she can be perfect. Plus she was fantastic in her segment in Paris Je' Taime and Garden State. Winslet too is beautiful and once again, perhaps the best actress of her generation (Hell she is flipping Clementine for gods sake), but I don't think I'll be revisiting Holy Smoke, Little Children, Quills, or Hideous Kinky anytime soon.
Winner: Natalie Portman
McAdams vs Blanchett: I don't quite understand how McAdams became "the next Julia Roberts" based on one film. Yes she was good in Notebook, and I liked her in Red Eye and Mean Girls, but lets be honest with our selves for a second,..she didn't cameo in Hot Fuzz, sight unseen.
Winner: Cate Blanchett
Well so much for keeping things to a short reasoning
Before I get into my full commentary....that is the best Giamatti picture I have ever seen. Just brilliant.
Startin' with the dudes.
Bale v. Smith:
I would argue with Chachi about Bale never having a sense of humor. Yes, his characters are dark, but I think he injects some humor into them. Not to he extent that Smith does though. I really like Will Smith. It's amazing how far he has come in the last 15 years. He's one of the few legit movie stars that I grew up watching. However, I have to give Bale the edge here. Smith's last few movies haven't wowed me (didn't catch I Am Legend, but the trailers didn't do much for me either), but Bale has consistently blown me away. Plus, he has Dark Knight coming out next year, which is easily one of my most anticipated.
Winner: Christian Bale
Day-Lewis v. Gosling:
I love Ryan Gosling, but seriously. No chance. Most one-sided battle of them all. Day-Lewis is simply one of the best actors ever, and I am dying to see There Will Be Blood. Lars and the Real Girl...meh. I'll catch it on dvd, no rush though.
Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis
Downey v. Giamatti
I love Robert Downey Jr. I think he is insanely talented, and has proven it time after time. He has Iron Man coming out next year, which is right up there with Dark Knight for me. Giamatti... where do I begin? Outstanding past performances. Oscar worthy, yet no wins. This year was kinda weak. Fred Claus' ads made me want to vomit. But he was fucking awesome in Shoot 'Em Up. So, while I think Giamatti has been more consistently fantastic and tends to draw me to a film more, his relatively lack-luster year and lack of anything exciting next year force me to go with Downey. Iron Man's just too pimp.
Winner: Robert Downey Jr.
Damon v. Cera
Toughie. I love them both. The biggest difference here is that I don't think I've ever seen a film just because Matt Damon was in it. I would watch anything Michael Cera is in. Those are the only two words it takes to get me there. Damon is the better actor. He's great at drama, and damn good at comedy as well. But, Cera is a natural born comedic genius. Something we don't get very often. Just go to funnyordie.com and watch his video with Zach Galifianakis. He may not do drama, but he is very good at balancing the funny with heart and sincerity. It's close, but Michael Cera is just too damn funny and sweet for me to say no to.
Winner: Michael Cera.
And now for the ladies.
Gyllenhaal v. Theron:
I will never watch anything just because Charlize Theron is in it. She's good, but I don't think she's great. I watched Sherrybaby just because of Maggie Gyllenhaal. She's easily one of the best actresses working. She picks great roles, and is great in them. Easy pick.
Winner: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Watts v. Page:
Haven't seen Juno yet, but am dying to. Loved Page in Hard Candy, despite being downright terrifying. I love Naomi Watts, but she wasn't given much to do in Eastern Promises this year. She did what she could with it, but there just wasn't much for her. I'd tend to go towards Watts for the same reasons Chachi did, until I looked at what Page has coming out next year. Jack and Diane, about two girls who spend a night making out, and kinda falling in love. Until Jack finds out that Diane is leaving the country soon. Oh yeah...and Diane is a werewolf. Teenage werewolf lesbian? Count me in.
Winner: Ellen Page.
Portman v. Winslet:
Dear Lord, a battle that has only happened in my dreams....many times. I love Natalie Portman. Love. Love. Love. I love Kate Winslet. Love. Love. Love. If I have to choose, I'm gonna go with Winslet. Her films may not be the type that you want to go back and re-watch, but she is always, always, always brilliant. She should have a half-dozen oscars by now. Portman is great and awesomely geeky, but Winslet is just the best.
Winner: Kate Winslet
McAdams v. Blanchett:
Again...really? McAdams is good, but seriously? Blanchett is arguably one of the most interesting actresses working. She picks great roles. Plus, her next three films are directed by Spielberg, Fincher, and Wes Anderson. How much more excited could I be?
Winner: Blanchett
Jesus pengin...I thought you would go against the cliche. Why'd you go and "kill" off the black man first. Willie the only one representing this pale troupe we've collected. Though Downey has done way more coke.
The Men
(1) Christian Bale vs. (8) Will Smith
While I probably look forward to Will Smith's movies more, I'm growing increasingly frustrated seeing him save the world in every last sci-fi/action film of the past decade. Meanwhile, Bale - after starting out slowly in films I'm only lukewarm about (Equilibrium and American Psycho) has recently been doing some excellent work all over the place. Batman Begins being the obvious example, but what about Rescue Dawn, The New World, The Prestige and 3:10 to Yuma. Couple all that with how kickass The Dark Knight looks and it's really no contest.
Winner: Christian Bale
(2) Daniel Day-Lewis vs. (7) Ryan Gosling
I really enjoy the performances of Ryan Gosling. I had him pegged as a big star back when I saw him in The Believer and when he really stood out in the otherwise mundane Murder by Numbers. Still... he makes a lot of questionable choices (The United States of Leland, Stay, Fracture). Meanwhile I've only seen 4 of Daniel Day-Lewis's films (3 of which I've seen in the past year). 2 of those performances I would regard as possibly the greatest ever done (Gangs of New York, There Will Be Blood). Gosling's good, but he's not that good.
Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis
(3) Robert Downey, Jr. vs. (6) Paul Giamatti
This was probably the toughest decision that I had on the male side of the voting. If we go by past performances, Giamatti wins. He's got Sideways, American Splendor, Condifence, Cinderella Man and The Negotiator amongst other great performances littered through his back catalog. Still... I can't ignore that Downey, Jr. has been popping up in some of my favorite films of more recent years with Good Night, and Good Luck and especially Zodiac and Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Plus, with Iron Man and the intriguing The Soloist upcoming...
Winner: Robert Downey, Jr.
(4) Matt Damon vs. (5) Michael Cera
No contest. I love Michael Cera, but he's not even in the same stratosphere of an actor as Matt Damon. He's a one-role type. He does it incredibly well, but still... you guys are insane.
Winner: Matt Damon
The Women
(1) Maggie Gyllenhaal vs. (8) Charlize Theron
When I was compiling all the information from the 5 Top Ten lists, I was kind of amazed to realize the top two vote-getters were Maggie Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts. Maggie's a relative newcomer who acts wonderfully, but honestly hasn't been in too many good films. Really, Secretary was shocking and she was great, but the film wasn't. Stranger Than Fiction is bad, and mostly because she and Ferrell had no compatability whatsoever. Then Criminal and Happy Endings? I dunno. Then again, like Chachi said, Charlize only became a real actress in recent years. Based solely on talent and my interest in the future of their career, I gotta go...
Winner: Maggie Gyllenhaal
(2) Naomi Watts vs. (7) Ellen Page
Juno is the only film I've seen Ellen Page in. I've heard she was in one of the X-Men movies, but I didn't notice. I still have to see Hard Candy and she was admittedly great in Juno, but this is a thrashing. Watts solely on her performances in 21 Grams, I Heart Huckabee's and Mulholland Drive takes it easily.
Winner: Naomi Watts
(3) Natalie Portman vs. (6) Kate Winslet
Wow. This isn't even close. I expect Portman to be atrociously bad in at least half the films I see her in (and she does not disappoint). Meanwhile, Winslet is quite possibly competing with Blanchett for best actress of her generation. Easy.
Winner: Kate Winslet
(4) Rachel McAdams vs. (5) Cate Blanchett
Rachel McAdams has been great in every film I've seen of hers, even if the films haven't been (The Family Stone, Mean Girls, The Notebook, Red Eye). Still... she doesn't hold up when compared to Blanchett. Blanchett's role in I'm Not There alone this year is Oscar-worthy. And pengin's right... check out her upcoming slate of films. Dammmn.
Winner: Cate Blanchett
Christian Bale vs. Will Smith
My vote is hands down Will Smith. Although I have to admit that I'm a little biased. I like the more uplifting, comedic, and action films Smith performs in rather than the dark and grim ones we so often see Bale commit to. I could be wrong because I haven't seen most of Bale's movies, but hasn't Smith proved that he has far better range from the Pursuit of Happyness and Ali to Hitch and Legend of Bagger Vance? And yeah, I admit he plays a lot of the hero role. I'd prefer Smith to be the hero than Christian Bale.
Winner: Will Smith
Day-Lewis v. Gosling
I'm a big fan of Ryan Gosling. I haven't disliked a movie yet that he's been in. However, Day-Lewis is just amazing in There Will Be Blood. It's basically a different dimensia of acting...craziness.
Winner: Day-Lewis
Downey v. Giamatti
I'm going to cheat and not back up my decision with filmography history. I say Downey simply because I like him better. He's more entertaining to watch in my opinion.
Winner: Downey
Damon v. Cera
Hmm...tough one. Great comedies are hard to come by these days. I've gotten some of the best laughs of the year from Cera--the kind where your stomach hurts so bad you're getting an ab workout and you're crying at the same time. Love it. Nevertheless though, Damon's performances have been moving and packed with suspense. There wasn't a moment of downtime in viewing the "Bourne" series.
Winner: Damon
I'm still a little uncertain how this all works. Should we base it on actual films of theirs that are coming out such as Iron Man and Dark Knight, or am I wrong in just picking the one I would tend to choose over the other?
When doing this, I picked people who were active in the field, yet I didn't base it on what film they had coming out. Otherwise my selections would be Heath Ledger for Dark Knight, Ron Pearlman for Hellboy, and Mos Def for Be Kind Rewind. But usually I wouldn't rush to see a film because of their presence, but I will be rushing to see those films.
I think it is cheap to pick Downey Jr. because of Iron Man, when Giamatti would never even be asked to play such a role. I'm finding it hard to discern whether our picks are because of actual talent and presence when on film, or whether they have a much more notable and/or acclaimed film coming out. Iron Man trumps probably anything Giamatti has coming in the next two years, but is that Giamatti's fault? Maybe he should have laid off the twinkie's and downed some coke in order to beef up to play a superhero.
Does anyone else see my dilemma, or am I just over-thinking this?
Ty, it's mostly up to personal preference... that's why it's our "Favorite" and not "Best." I just happen to have a pretty similar stance on the two. If I think someone is a great actor, I tend to look forward to their film roles more than seeing what films a more likable actor is in.
That said, I think you're being too harsh on Downey, Jr. and too soft on Giamatti. For one thing, Downey, Jr. seems to be in a career peak. We've already referenced Zodiac, Good Night, and Good Luck and Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang and he has very interesting projects lined up. Iron Man yes, but also I mentioned The Soloist with Jamie Foxx co-starring and being Joe Wright's follow-up to Atonement.
Meanwhile, Giamatti seems to be in a slump, with Phillip Seymour Hoffman apparently snatching up every good role that might have come his way (and doing wonders with them). His 2007 year included the bomb Fred Claus, a hilariously bad performance in The Nanny Diaries and a hammy, unimpressive one in Shoot 'Em Up whose sole existence seems to be trying to mold a Bugs Bunny cartoon into an action movie.
Maybe he's still having aftereffects from giving what might be a career-topping performance (or close to it) in the otherwise worthless Lady in the Water in 2006... I dunno?
I don't want to give the impression that I don't like Downey Jr. In fact I love that he is making a comeback and I think his casting in Iron Man is fantastic. I loved him in Kiss Kiss, Zodiac and Singing Detective. I just thought maybe he was chosen simply for his upcoming feature and not because of his past work. I have no problem with him winning at all. I just wanted to make sure I was looking at this right.
And what is your problem with Shoot Em Up? My God that was a fun film, and Giamatti chewed the shit out the scenery.
My problem with Shoot 'Em Up is basically that it irritated the hell out of me after about a half hour and it's precisely the reason you don't extend a Bugs Bunny cartoon to feature length.
Clive Owen (playing Bugs) is a dry, boring character. I refuse to even say Owen is much of an actor at all. To me, he's equivalent to Ben Affleck. He has the ability to do some good work (Closer, the BMW "Driver" series, Children of Men, his "Extras" cameo) but if he's not in the hands of a great director, he just comes across as bland, dull and totally uninteresting... or even worse, totally smug and full of vanity (Derailed, King Arthur, Croupier and has anyone even bothered to see Beyond Borders or Elizabeth: The Golden Age?).
Even in his better work, Owen is largely a blank slate who relies on his looks and English charm (why he's wasn't immediately cast as James Bond, I'll never know... he's already got his persona).
So therefore Giamatti spends the entire running time as Elmer Fudd, putting teeth marks in every part of the set and probably some of the crew just to try to make the thing interesting. He's relishing the chance too. I won't blame Giamatti for my problems with Shoot 'Em Up, but when you're on the ship you sink with the others.
The movie works for about 25 minutes. After that it just annoyed me. I also hate movies that have little to no point for existing outside of "cool" action sequences (see Transformers). If I went back and watched it in short bursts of 20 minutes or so, maybe it'd work better?
Hell, it might have made another great short film series for Owen... but come on, that storyline about killing off pregnant women and lactating hookers... who cares?
Gyllenhaal vs Theron
I'm going with Gyllenhaal here because she's fun, quirky, and not fake like most hollywood actresses her age today. I love that she's down to earth, not your typical girl next door, and free spirited. Theron is too barbie--ignoring her role in Monster of course.
Winner: Gyllenhaal
Watts v. Page
I don't know if my opinion can truly count based on seeing one performance by Page. But I really enjoyed seeing Ellen Page for the first time in "Juno" and thought she out performed Watts in her acclaimed films such as "The Painted Veil" and blockbuster "King Kong." Call me biased or whatever, but the brunette actresses bring more to the screen these days. I think women today are done with the over glamorous. I like Ellen's role as the "cool chick" who likes classic rock, dresses vintage, is who she is without taking crap from anyone and doesn't have to wear a lot of makeup. There are too many Watts out there--seen it all before-Ellen Page's character is refreshing!
Winner: isn't it obvious?
Portman v. Winslet
Eh, Portman is okay. She has had some good films, but Winslet would definately outshine her by far if they were in a film together. Winslet has more personality and just has more potential to grow as an actress. Maybe Portman's too young still to really define herself as a solid and memorable actress?
Winner: Winslet
McAdams v. Blanchett
Okay, we all know that McAdams can't be compared to Blanchett. Obvisously, Blanchett just takes over the screen and is totally in a different class. I think Brian and I had McAdams on the list because we anticipate her films, but Blanchett clearly is brilliant in any role she partakes. She has earned her spot as best actress as proven by her fascinating roles as the cold-hearted b*tch in "Elizabeth", the lost identity as Bob Dylan, and loud Audrey Hepburn in "Aviator." I dont know anyone who would deny Cate's natural talent to mold into any character she was challenged to become.
Winner: Blanchett
Winners
1. Bale-insanely committed to every role, and much more diverse.
2. Gosling-DDL is a better actor, but Gosling is more appealing to my generation (and therefore me).
3. Downey Jr.-I love his slightly Woody Allen-ish quirks that he brings to his characters. He's just way more fun to watch than Paul.
4. Cera-Damon doesn't really do it for me. I'm pretty take it or leave it. But Cera nails awkwardness and for that, I love him.
5. Gyllenhal-She always chooses pretty off beat characters and seems to constantly push herself and her audience. And while I like Theron a lot (and since Monster have incredible respect for her), I think what makes Maggie more interesting is the contrast between how innocent her face is and how morally, ethically or emotionally corrupt her characters genereally are.
6. **Please refer to Chachi's post on this one, it perfectly sums up my feelings on the matter as well. And although I should probably go with Watts, I am in fact going to go with PAGE. Can't wait to see what she does next.
7. Winslet-Portman is beautiful, yes, and if we were voting for People's 50 Most Beautiful People, she'd clearly beat Winslet. But since we're not, I have to say that as soon as Portman starts to act, I immediately get annoyed. I don't know why, I just do. Kate is the better actress anyway, so she wins.
8.Blanchett-there's no question. McAdams is good, but Blanchett is..well she's Cate flippin Blanchett. Few actresses stack up to her.
P.S.--Were you trying to be ironic Brian when you posted the picture of Giamatti looking like a crazed drug addict instead of Downey Jr.? I mean, Jr. looks down right classy in his pic...what gives? (minus the awesomeness of that picture you could at least have found an equally crazy one of Jr...EASILY).
Also, I realize I skimped on the guy explainations but I was tired when I started and then got more into it as I went along so, sorry...
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