Terry O’Quinn is an All-American Psycho in ‘The Stepfather’
In this edition of The Great Performances, we celebrate the actor's work in his first lead role. Read More
January 23, 2022
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:
- 12 Monkeys was Brad Pitt’s Career-Defining Performance
- The Powerful Presence of Pam Grier in Jackie Brown
- The Self-Reflection of Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs
- Tony Todd Gave Candyman His Soul
- Willem Dafoe Skewers Method Acting in Shadow of the Vampire
Browse the archive for The Great Performances below
Courteney Cox Gave Heart to the Heartless in ‘Scream’
Cox smartly resisted making her character, Gale Weathers, a stereotype of tabloid journalism by playing her with compassion in Wes… Read More
January 11, 2022
Brandon Maggart Delivers a Killer Santa Character Study in ‘Christmas Evil’
In the pantheon of Killer Santa movies, the conversation begins and ends with Maggart’s quietly tragic performance in Lewis Jackson’s… Read More
December 22, 2021
Jim Carrey’s Grinch is the Perfect Christmas Movie Monster
Despite feeling “buried alive” by his makeup, he plays Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas curmudgeon with heartwarming emotion. Read More
December 14, 2021
The Method to Louise Lasser’s Madness in ‘Blood Rage’
As the forlorn mother of an evil twin, she delivers an acting masterclass in this Thanksgiving-themed slasher. Read More
November 24, 2021
Harold Perrineau Made Shakespeare Sound Natural in ‘Romeo + Juliet’
His modern approach to tackling the Bard's dense language helped make one of the world's most famous plays feel accessible… Read More
November 1, 2021
Deconstructing the Duality of Naomi Watts in ‘Mulholland Drive’
Multilayered doesn’t even begin to describe the complexities of her performance in David Lynch’s cryptic classic. Read More
October 20, 2021
Bruce Campbell is the Ultimate Reluctant Hero in ‘The Evil Dead’
Are you ready to admit how much you identify with the eternal cowardice of Campbell’s iconic character in Sam Raimi’s… Read More
October 15, 2021
Only Jeff Goldblum Could Make Us Fall In Love with ‘The Fly’
Even as his body slowly mutates into a giant insect, we can’t help but be enamored by Goldblum in David… Read More
August 15, 2021