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The Great Performances

Acting is an art form, and behind every iconic character is an artist expressing themselves. The Great Performances is a recurring column in which Jacob Trussell explores the art behind some of cinema’s best roles.

If you are new to reading this column, we suggest starting with these entries:

Browse the archive for The Great Performances below

Dracula Performances

The Evolution of ‘Dracula’ Performances

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From Bela to Langella, we’re examining how actors have breathed life into Bram Stoker’s legendary Prince of Darkness.

Lin Shaye Insidious

There’s No Horror Hero Quite Like Lin Shaye in ‘Insidious’

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Career character actor Lin Shaye was finally given a chance to shine as demon slayer Elise in James Wan and Leigh Whannel’s hit horror franchise.

i think you should leave with tim robinson

The Absurdity (and Poignancy) of Tim Robinson in ‘I Think You Should Leave’

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We’re examining a couple key moments that show the expansive range of Tim Robinson’s chaotic (and surprisingly moving) brand of comedy.

Ted Lasso Performances

6 Performances That Have Made ‘Ted Lasso’ Great

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We’re Richmond till we die! We know we are, we’re sure we are, we’re Richmond till we die!

Just Another Girl On The Irt

‘Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.’ Still Demands Our Attention, 30 Years Later

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Leslie Harris’ debut film, featuring a knock-out performance by Ariyan A. Johnson, hasn’t lost a hint of its revolutionary spirit since it was first released in 1993.

Serial Mom

Kathleen Turner is Criminally Underrated in ‘Serial Mom’

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As Beverly Sutphin, Turner surfaces the seedier side of the picture-perfect suburban housewife in John Waters’ cult classic.

Super Mario Bros 1993 - The Great Performances

Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo Were Brothers in Bond on ‘Super Mario Bros.’

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The actors may have been a little inebriated while filming the most infamous disasterpiece of 1993, but their off-screen bonding only helped make their on-screen relationship feel real.

Hugh Grant Paddington 2

What’s Not to Love About Hugh Grant in ‘Paddington 2’?

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He was the floppy-haired heartthrob of the 90s, but by 2018, Grant found ways to poke fun at the very fabric of actorly charm as Phoenix Buchanan.

Male Friendships Banshees Of Inisherin

Examining the Tragic Male Friendships in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘In Bruges’

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Why can’t we tear our eyes away from the emotionally devastating interplay between Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell across Martin McDonagh’s films?