Film in 2014: Best Supporting Male Actors Include 'Birdman's' Edward Norton & 'Foxcatcher's' Mark Ruffalo
The artistic merit of a film always relies on every single piece coming together if not perfectly, then suitably.
Acting in film works in the same way. Even though the lead characters are expected to carry entire films, they also need the supporting casts (assuming they exist) to add emotional depth and layers to each and every story. And in some cases (or many, really), the supporting cast members manage to steal away the spotlight with the color or dimension that they add.
This installment takes a look at the supporting actor performance by a male that stood out most in 2014 to writers David and Francisco Salazar.
Heart and Soul of Team Foxcatcher
By David Salazar
I will point out one scene that immediately made this pick the obvious one.
David Schultz (played by Mark Ruffalo) is asked to sit in front of a camera and praise John DuPont for inspiring him to greater heights as a wrestler and a part of team Foxcatcher. Everyone who has watched the film knows that DuPont has done nothing to earn any praise whatsoever and least of all from David who has essentially salvaged his team in many respects.
But there he is, obligated to lie to the world for the sake of his family, his brother, even himself. And yet, he cannot bring himself to do it. Over and over again, he stutters and trips over his false starts. And in Mark Ruffalo's eyes, the viewer can see the frustration, the agony, the anger of having to go through with it. The fact that director Bennett Miller chooses to frame the scene in a close-up, only accentuates the fascinating and ever-escalating internal conflict. The viewer feels it alongside him and every single thought going through his head is laid out bare through his subtle expressions. One would be remiss to find a more acute moment of psychological penetration in any film this year.
Another truly riveting scene in the film is the introduction of the two brothers' relationship. As they wrestle in the gym, there is a subtle embrace between the two that turns into a frenzied battle between the two that seems destined to explode into painful violence. The physical commitment by Ruffalo showcases yet another brilliant aspect of his great performance.
And these are only a few moments of this powerfully tragic portrayal. Of the three men at the center of "FoxCatcher," David is undoubtedly the one viewers most identify with. He is a family man, a man who does anything to help his troubled brother and ultimately the one willing to stand up to DuPont's abuses. Ruffalo's calming presence and the confidence that he exudes with every word and look draws the viewer to him.
Edward Norton Rises to the Top
By Francisco Salazar
This year has seen some of the most startling performances from actors in supporting roles. Ethan Hawke's charismatic performance in "Boyhood" showcased the actor at his best while Mark Ruffalo brought a subtlety intricate performance to "Foxcatcher."
However, the most memorable turn of the year for a supporting actor was without a doubt Edward Norton in "Birdman." For years, Norton has showcased his talent in films such as "American History X," "The Painted Veil" and "Primal Fear." These roles played on his dramatic powers as an actor. For "Birdman," Norton showcases his comic strength.
His character, Mike, is a hot-shot actor who replaces the original cast member of the play Michael Keaton's Riggan is about to put on. Norton relishes each moment as he brings out a pompous character and downplays Riggan in every scene they share. For example when Norton's character first enters the scene, Riggan is about to direct him but the tables change and it is Mike who ends up directing the scene.
Norton's Mike insists on creating truthfulness on stage as he believes the best actors are those who can become their characters. At one point, Mike looks down upon Riggan's "Birdman" films as he believes it is complete commercial garbage. He insists that the best actors will always work hard for their art as opposed to selling themselves.
Norton gives life to this character and while it could easily become a caricature, he is able to bring true humanity to Mike. While Mike may be a comic, an arrogant Norton's final scene with Emma Stone's Sam showcases the opposite. Mike is stripped down to his true self and Norton is able to showcase the vulnerability in the character.
Norton's performance is master class is comic timing, physicality and drama. He uses all these three facets of an actor and creates one of the most memorable characters of the year.
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