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

Naomi Watts In Mulholland Drive

Deconstructing the Duality of Naomi Watts in ‘Mulholland Drive’

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Multilayered doesn’t even begin to describe the complexities of her performance in David Lynch’s cryptic classic.

Evil Dead Bruce Campbell Ash

Bruce Campbell is the Ultimate Reluctant Hero in ‘The Evil Dead’

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Are you ready to admit how much you identify with the eternal cowardice of Campbell’s iconic character in Sam Raimi’s classic horror film?

Jeff Goldblum in The Fly

Only Jeff Goldblum Could Make Us Fall In Love with ‘The Fly’

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Even as his body slowly mutates into a giant insect, we can’t help but be enamored by Goldblum in David Cronenberg’s reimagining.

Sigourney Weaver In Aliens

Sigourney Weaver Subverted Stereotypes as Ellen Ripley in ‘Aliens’

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In space, no one has time for sentimentality.

Gene Wilder Willy Wonka Elevator

The Secret Behind Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka

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Eccentric and sinister, Wilder masks his iconic character’s true intentions behind a facade of charming cruelty.

Samuel L Jackson Gator Purify

Cannes Revived an Acting Award Just to Honor Samuel L. Jackson in ‘Jungle Fever’

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Before his name became synonymous with the acronym BAMF, Jackson delivered a devastating performance in Spike Lee’s sexual drama.

Divine

How ‘Polyester’ Showed Divine’s Incredible Acting Range

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Divine was cult film royalty, but his work in John Waters’ 1981 feature proved there was more to the performer than campy coprophagia.

Bridesmaids Melissa McCarthy Bathroom

How ‘Bridesmaids’ Unlocked The Fearless Comedy of Melissa McCarthy

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Not every actor gets an Oscar nomination for a comedic performance, but not every actor is as bold as Melissa McCarthy is in Paul Feig’s modern classic.

Baadasssss Mario Van Peebles

Mario Van Peebles Became His Father to Examine His Past in ‘Baadasssss!’

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The younger Van Peebles delivers more than just an impression of Melvin Van Peebles in his biopic about the making of ‘Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.’