LearningOnImgur
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i suppose its fair i mention that there are some spoilers in the videos, so watch/read at your own risk. thanks
Tropic Thunder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzbIRUtjCgU
My girlfriend watched this movie without knowing a thing about it. After the movie, I had to tell her that this character was RJD, and at first she didn't believe me. I think that in itself speaks volumes for this performance.
Leon the Professional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRBI1VSO7hc
Somehow, Oldman is able to make you root for the guy who just got finished massacring an entire family without an ounce of remorse. He does such a convincing job you almost want him to win in the end, despite how terrible of a person he is.
Dark Knight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8yHvKYa_us
Do I really need to explain this scene? Come on, we've all seen it.
Misery
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO20qU-VwgA&feature=player_detailpage#t=11s
The best psychotic meltdown of a WOMAN in a movie ever. Kathy Bates is one of the greatest.
Last King Of Scotland
Unfortunately couldn't find a clip of this one, but if you haven't seen this movie yet, you should. In this scene, the main character finally realizes how crazy Forest Whitaker actually is, and he does SUCH a great job transitioning from likable character to insane dictator.
Blood Diamond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygU3F1ho3gg
Probably my favorite scene of any movie that year. Why Djimon isn't in more movies or receives more recognition is beyond me. It's heartbreaking watching him talk his own son down from becoming a cold blooded killer.
Se7en
It's sort of a spoiler to know that Kevin Spacey was the man behind the whole thing, but if you haven't seen Se7en yet then you definitely should. This scene where he explains WHY he did what he did is phenomenal. Small part, but big role.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D30mjWsC8C4
The Pianist
Adrian Brody taught himself how to play piano for this movie, and this scene really shows just how good he was at it. Such a powerful scene.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/an-wQ5Qn4m4thbbnu/the_pianist_2002_szpilman_plays_for_the_german_officer/
Saving Private Ryan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOUJPBziUQw
If you know of a more tragic and convincing death scene, feel free to let me know. As far as I'm concerned, this one is unmatched and under appreciated.
Alec Baldwin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kZg_ALxEz0
Alec Baldwin wasn't quite a household name yet when he did this scene; but he's in a movie starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Kevin Spacey, with about 5 total minutes of screen time, yet he's the only one who walked away from this movie with an Oscar nod. That in itself should speak for how fantastic this speech is.
Full Metal Jacket
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUc62jD-G0o
Ermey thought of and improvised this entire scene himself. Just let that soak in for a second.
Doubt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuJ2soRp1VI
I could just make an entire compilation of Meryl Streep moments, but that would be redundant. This scene, in particular, speaks volumes for me on her skill as an actress. She's an absolute stone cold bitch through the entire movie, and as she ruthlessly interrogates P. Hoffman, you can't help but feel relieved that it isn't you in her hot seat.
The King’s Speech
If this scene doesn't move you, you have a problem. How he does the stammer so flawlessly, but with such vigor, it still gives me goosebumps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYAnINmQTYo
Capote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdBxXQmvc0s
RIP to, in my opinion, the greatest actor of our generation. He pulls off this effeminate, sensitive genius with such precision, it's unreal. You truly feel like, despite the fact that he might STILL BE lying to them, his sincerity is so palpable.
A Clockwork Orange
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uEJRmoIDVc
If there is a more convincing torture scene in a movie, I don't know what it is. This, to me, is what an absolute lack of comfort must feel like. Allegedly McDowell was in serious pain during this scene, as one of the eye clamps actually scratched his cornea. I can't help but believe that, simply because his agony seems so convincing.
Elephant Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pJOdrchPlo
I have never loved a character as much as I loved the Elephant man, and that speaks volumes for how well this is acted. You're horrified by his disfigurement, but by the end of the movie you feel obliged to do everything in your power to help this poor man (not "creature", but man). Do yourself a favor: watch this scene, then google a picture of John Hurt. Yeah. The same guy.
Black Swan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVO6VGqfWwQ
I, like most of you, have absolutely no interest in ballet. And, like you, I'm not an idiot, and I know there's no way Natalie Portman is doing any actual professional ballet moves in this scene. But I, like you, don't care. Her facial expressions as she's "dancing" are so convincing, you can't help but be entranced, as if she really is giving the greatest dance performance that anyone's ever seen.
Young Frankenstein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH97lImrr0Q
Gene Wilder's sense of humor always overshadows his phenomenal skills as an actor, and that's a damn shame. This scene is evidence enough that, even when cracking the corniest puns, Wilder has a magnificent gift that resonates on the screen.
Mystic River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BhoAlF0xpg&feature=player_detailpage#t=78s
Personally, I don't like Mystic River. I think it's boring, and drawn out. But when you see Penn's performance as he demands to know whether his daughter is dead or not, your heart just sinks. This is imgur, so I'm sure you've seen plenty of pictures of people reacting to horrible tragedies. This, in my opinion, is the best example of that occurring on the big screen.
The Great Dictator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IvPIWzQcUY
At the time, Hitler believed that Charlie Chaplin was Jewish. Chaplin was still far and away Hitler's favorite actor. It is said that when this movie came out (incidentally, before WWII had actually begun), Hitler viewed the film. Twice. No one really knows what he thought about it, or whether this is even true (Hitler was an avid video-file, so in all likelihood he did), but you'd be hard pressed to think that he even he wouldn't be a bit moved by this now famous speech that Chaplin gives out of nowhere at the end of his slapstick "talkie", The Great Dictator.
Good Will Hunting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM-gZintWDc
I know everyone is rolling their eyes that I'd add this scene to the list, but dammit, Williams does SUCH a good job! If you only thought of Robin Williams as that goofy comedian who played Aladdin, then you need to watch this scene. Then you'll realize he's one of the most brilliant actors of our generation.
Green Mile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mQvO7fZrH8
I couldn't watch this clip as I posted it, because I knew I'd cry like a little bitch. The epitome of a "Gentle Giant".
The Truman Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U4-KZSoe6g
Jim Carey cracked a joke during his Golden Globes speech about the Oscars, and as a result he wasn't even nominated for Best Actor that year. But the Academy throwing a temper tantrum doesn't negate the fact that this is one of my favorite performances, and it's done by the guy who is famous for literally talking out of his ass crack. He's had this uneasy feeling, possibly for years, that he's being watched; and when his "wife" turns a serious argument into a bizarre infomercial, Carey snaps, and gives one of my favorite scenes in a movie.
Hotel Rwanda
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZJYAOrqsA8
Maybe I'm a bit biased with the fact that Cheadle is one of my favorite actors, but when he's lying in the middle of the road with literally thousands of his own people, I can't help but feel like I'm there with him.
Inglourious Basterds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uldpQpoZQM
That freaking MOMENT, when you just KNOW he has him cornered, and his polite smile just VANISHES...oh man, I still get chills watching this one.
The Devil’s Advocate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jARp24AJWLk
I don't know why this movie didn't get more recognition, the acting (even from Keanu) is fantastic. Al Pacino's rant on God is fantastic, he really makes a great devil. He's such a tempting, charismatic character in this.
Training Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onZwTLcePy4
I know Denzel can be a little one dimensional as far as his acting skills go (he plays the same damn character in every movie), but HOLY SHIT was he perfect for this role. Even as he's CLEARLY transitioned to a bad guy, he still seems like this fatherly figure as he manipulates ethan hawke.
Requiem for a Dream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq0W-L1KKPg
One of the most depressing scenes in a movie. The look of utter defeat she has, like she LITERALLY has nothing left to live for except this one thing...it's just heartbreaking and always hit close to home, because we're all afraid of ending up like that one day.
M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-sfrQnwwg
If Fritz Lang's name is on it, chances are it's great. The way this pedophile murderer confesses to his addiction and his problem, you almost feel sorry for the monster because he clearly can't control it.
Downfall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQR36fQ_Xc&feature=player_detailpage#t=34s
I don't know if this is what Hitler was like in real life during the downfall of berlin, but holy shit does this guy have me convinced. It may be in another language, but you can just FEEL the tension in the room at hitler's rage.
Schindler’s List
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=BTy6JR7wFlg#t
I cry in this scene every time. What a great scene. He's literally given them everything, and what does he say? "I could've given them MORE". So great.
American History X
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=S2pWf9ipXjc#t
The fact that Norton made this racist bigot character so likable and charismatic makes it more understandable as to WHY so many people followed him. He performs this role flawlessly. My 2nd favorite actor.
The Big Lebowski
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wu598ENenk
Probably the best acted comedy of all time, in my opinion. It's a shame it doesn't get more recognition just because it's a comedy.
The Shining
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n47U-v3v1-Q
Best psychotic meltdown in a movie ever.
There Will Be Blood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_hFTR6qyEo
He may be a crazy method actor, but MAN is he good. Probably one of the best acted scenes anyone has ever done, in my opinion.
The Wrestler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fTnTP49FW0
Sophie’s Choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ9bht5H2p4
So heartbreaking. The fact that Meryl Streep learned THREE languages to land this role? That's ridiculous.
Django unchained
Sorry, there's no link for this video. Also, I'm not trying to hop on the "derp derp Dicaprio needs an oscar" bandwagon. He just did a fantastic job in this particular scene.
naughtydismutase
Sean Penn's scene, it's just... I can't
ApplesGoneBloopie
Ian McKellen playing Gandalf when he speaks to Pippin about death in LotR: TRotK has always been my favorite.
thankyourMitochondria
Shawshank Redemption/ the act of defiance by Tim Robbin's character locks the door, plays an Italian Opera on speakers to the entire prison.
MegaDeuce
"If you only thought of Robin Williams as that goofy comedian who played Aladdin" Robin Williams played the GENIE you infidel!
SubZoey
Great list. Could've used more women though.
thatpatguy
Ahem, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9S41Kplsbs
goodguyC
So good!
tossingEwoksIntoLakesOfMethane
"a doll's eyes"
AeonexAshaxei
Bad acting makes us condemn, criticise, and complain. Good acting makes us forget the actors. Great acting makes us forget ourselves.
idrinkcheapbeer
Marlon Brando, Apocalypse Now: "Errand Boy"
430pm
Marlong Brando could make this list about 5 times! (Contender, Stella, every scene from the Godfather... the list goes on)
robosteve1947
The last scene of there will be blood is so perfect
bobafeet
god yes, that movie was so good
NataliePortmansShavedHead
I'm finished!
FlyingFoxOfTheYard
Flawless movie. I love the whole segment with his "brother" where he says "these..people..i look at them and see nothing worth liking".
Tippster
Tom Hanks in "Philadelphia." Take your pick, but mine would be the Opera scene.
bitofmustard
Oh my god that scene was so intense and horrible yet wonderful! It really made me appreciate operatic music.
MrsDamon
The moment Julia Roberts won Best Actress for Erin Brokovich over Ellen Burstyn was the moment I knew the Oscars were full of shit.
LearningOnImgur
ME TOO! And when the old guy in little miss sunshine beat out Djimon in Blood Diamond I was like yep....this is stupid.
ajgianel
What? No Samuel L. Jackson? Pulp Fiction - Ezekiel 25:17
mitchconnor
Brett or Ringo?
cretzloff
Hell yeah, the coffee shop scene
lostinidaho
Rutger Hauer's last scene in Bladerunner.
hannes3120
That really gave me chills
apathist
I only just noticed at your last comment that there were video links for each scene! Here have an upvote
Maverick127
Schindler’s List. god, 23 year old male and i cry like a little girl EVERY, SINGLE, TIME. it's the conviction in his voice, i believe it.
LikeTotallyNotTheNSA
God damn right! The shaking in his voice. +1
Durzaka
The Big Lebowski doesnt get enough recognition? where do you live? Also, the Pianist is a fucking beautiful movie.
littlemirrorsatourfeet
I definitely agree with you, particularly about the pianist
Durzaka
i had to watch the Pianist in high school. i was freaking crying in class at the end of that movie.
FuckinStrayaCunt
Massive +1 to 'could of saved more' in Schindlers List, such an emotional scene!
Dociousaliexpilisticfragicalirepus
Just LOST it. Then, when all the Schindler survivors were putting flowers on his grave and the little song is playing, my Jewish husband (1)
Dociousaliexpilisticfragicalirepus
turns to me & says, "My mommy used to sing this to me when I was a little boy." Then it turned into excessive weeping and hyperventilation.
GekkouHayate
What I never got was how his pen could have saved 1 Jew and his car would only save 2. How expensive was that pen?
PikaCheck
Think he said the car would have saved 12 and the pin at least one because it was made of gold.
reddeath80
The Great Dictator: "We think too much and feel too little... "my favorite sentence of the final's speech!
VanDammesForeheadCyst
It's the opposite today.
thekidwrites
THANK YOU, OP for mentioning Ellen Burstyn in Requiem For A Dream. One of my favorite scenes of all time.
CaitPlanchette
i cant handle that movie just because of her character I my heart weeps for her
IHaveNoIdeaAskMeLater
Requiem for a Dream haunted me for days. One of the most depressing movies I've ever seen. Excellent movie tho...
MafLoic
ASS TO ASS!
appaismyspiritanimal
When I read Gary Oldman in Beethoven, I immediately thought of Beethoven the dog. I am not a clever woman.
IHaveNoIdeaAskMeLater
I thought of the movie "Immortal Beloved" where he played Beethoven in his usual amazing fashion. Loved the movie and him in the roll.
appaismyspiritanimal
Something new I need to watch now!
Redtide
RDJ was a white American playing a white Australian playing a black American who was then playing a Vietnamese farmer. You can't top that.
LiTMac
Check out Orphan Black (tv show), and I think it might just top it.
Ponderpoo
"Whereas I'm an Australian who played an Australian in a movie called Australia...hosting [the Oscars]." - Hugh Jackman
Supernerdtastic
IM A LEAD FARMER MOTHAFUKKA!!
Godsfireworks
He broke his own record by playing a Genius Billionaire Playboy Philanthropist.
vgfnjs
"Pipe down blamtucky, I ain't reprogramming a VCR!"
LieutenantAmp
"I'm the dude playin' a dude disguised as another dude!"
megantron
One of my favorite roles for him. He does it so well.
FPembleton
Nice choices. Like to point out however that 'The Great Dictator' was released in 1940 and WWII had been on for over a year in Europe & Asia
LinkWieldsTheTriforceOfCourage
The World War don't start until my bombers and armaments walk in.
LearningOnImgur
I think at the time I meant to talk about the fact that as the movie was being filmed, Hitler wasn't necessarily considered "evil", Honestly
idrinkcheapbeer
lmao. Filming began in September 1939. Hitler had already invaded Poland, among other things. He was DEFINITELY considered evil by many.
Kratospotatos
Also: video-PHILE
Run5yourlife
pfft Americans
Amonrob
That's unkind. Maybe it's because I'm Canadian but I think you should apologize.
LearningOnImgur
I don't remember I wrote all of this a long time ago and just forgot to post it.
LinkWieldsTheTriforceOfCourage
..and when I pancake Japan, then the thing ends.
TheBlondeGinger
Javier Bardem No country " Coin flip scene"
HodgePodgekin
Second that, friend
hamaha
http://cinemagraphcollection.com/cinemagraphs/tumblr_lecqtbvxZp1qe0eclo1_r5_500.gif
blurgh
Woody Harrelsons role in that movie made me respect him so much, I thought his acting was really overlooked.
blurgh
Woody Harrelsons role in that movie made me respect him so much, I thought his acting was really overlooked.
fatmonkeymcgee
Absolutely.
stillmostlyalurker
Just gave me the chills
WellThenThisIsAwkward
you don't know what you're talking about...
TheBlondeGinger
what business is it of yours friendo?
hannes3120
"Is that what you're asking me? Is there something wrong with anything?"
TheBlondeGinger
"People always say the same thing" What's that?" "You don't have to do this"
FukCancer
Val Kilmer in Tombstone.
Iaimtomisbehave
He stole the show, I liked Russel and Thornton's scene too. ". . .now jerk that pistol and go to work!"
FukCancer
It's like I'm playing cards with my brother's kids for Christs sake. You nerve racking sons of bitches.
430pm
I'm your Huckleberry
IgnorantFly
Garry oldman can his own top 20
MarkerSniffer
Now I know I'm pretty, but I ain't as pretty as a couple of titties.
StillNotYouTube
I liked him in the fifth element.
Kundrew
as can DDL
yourdreampaddle
This scene from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is one of my fav of Gary Oldman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfU7M3RU63I
SamuraiFoxes
He's top among my favorite actors 'cause it takes half a movie (if not more) to realize it's HIM! He's so convincing!
Beckinpdx
It took me several years to realize that he was in the fifth element
iamireland
Being, lately, most accustomed to him as Commissioner Gordon, it's SO WEIRD hearing him speak with his regular accent.
NexiKuro
Cate Blanchett does that too. It's ridiculous when actors do that..
SamuraiFoxes
YES! I love her, too! I like it better than RDJ (though I like him too) but I can't forget it's HIM being someone else.
chrismofer
I accidentally the whole floppy
LikeTotallyNotTheNSA
He said GO BACK INSIDE!
riiight
Can someone do this, please
LearningOnImgur
Don't know if any of these videos will be taken down, but as of this moment the links should all be working.
Mabalzrkold
Kinda of dumb in my opinion to suggest a movie to someone and then spoil it right after.
Mabalzrkold
See's pic about se7en, "oh yea I forgot I was going to watch that movie!" You should add a lengthy spoiler alert to that description.
SuburbanRobotsThatMonitorReality
Spoiler alert on a 19 year old movie...
CharmingAndSexyGentlemanStarshipCaptain
Tbh the movie is not about the reveal of who's the killer is but more about the motive for the killing. Just don't watch the video posted.
theinternetisascaryplace
Have to give you major props for not just sticking to drama/true life stories. So many lists ignore that comedy or satire roles can be A+.
MessengerOfDreams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEofBHTrwzQ The Django Unchained Scene! I think everyone killed it here.
MessengerOfDreams
Are you going to do any more? I'd love to see more.
SterlinkArcher
Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips, the last scene. Thought I was watching the real Captain Phillips.
SirHakase
Nice post, OP. Though I'd say Edward Norton's greatest scene is the "Fuck you" from the 25th hour. With just his voice. Damn.
430pm
some suggestions. Marlon Brando - On the Waterfront, Orson Welles - Touch of Evil, Henry Fonda - Once Upon a Time in the West 1/?
Aralia
Awesome collection and I agree with most. But what saddens me is that you didn't choose any with Peter O'Toole, he has MANY great scenes.
ThePheonix
Link for Django Unchained scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEofBHTrwzQ
Jalase
Wow. I mean, just wow. I kind of feel bad for Leo for having to do such a terrible scene.
TheNoGospels
OP, watch Come And See. This movie was made and the director decided never to make movies again. The most intense film you can imagine.
430pm
Paul Newman - Cool Hand Luke, Anjelica Huston - The Dead, Blade Runner - Rutger Hauer 2/2... for now, for more just ask!
takeyourtopoffJen
OMG. Rutger Hauer was so amazing in Blade Runner. Roy's death speech had me in tears.
Dragonwriter
Thanks for including the scene from The Green Mile. My brother shot that scene and cried while the camera rolled.
MrBananaBeak
Denzel Washington in "Glory" in the whipping scene.
VersatilePotato
I think he did "Book of Eli" quite good aswell :)
TattooedWife
This.
jumplung
That single tear that rolls down his cheek. Damn.
MrBananaBeak
Pretty much flawless.
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
Saying he plays the same character in every movie is ludicrous.
wtfgoogle
Agreed. Yes, he got typecast as I guess 'tough black cop' a lot, but he hardly plays the same guy in every movie. Amazing actor.
alkenshel
He's one of my fave actors. I like how he's able to convince you that the role he's playing isn't so much a role as it is an actual person.
jumplung
R. Lee Hermey was incredible in Full Metal Jacket, but its worth noting that he was an actual drill instructor during Vietnam. (1/2)
justorderalargefarva
*Ermey
repsac
Actually he was an onsite adviser. The original actor couldn't get it right and was replaced with R. Lee on the spot.
SandsSerif
My brother is a marine, and he met him in Oklahoma. He said he was super nice.
jumplung
So while he improved the scene, that was also just his job for some number of years. (2/2).
baconsmellsreallygood
the role of GySgt. Hartman sounded so natural when he showed a clip of him giving hundreds of improvised insults that they cast him (2/2)
dangerousDoc
Hundreds? Try 15 minutes where he never slowed down or repeated himself. He even had to explain half of them off camera.
baconsmellsreallygood
It's funny bc the guy who plays the chopper door gunner was initially set to play that role, but R. Lee Hermey who helped advise (1/2)
iKnowMostlyRandomFacts
I was going to say this myself. "You thought I was acting? Living."
jumplung
Haha, USMC Drill Instructors are arguably acting for a living.
UserSubrero
Another note: He said in an interview he was never actually like that to his recruits because he said he knew they were going off to die
nerdextreme
"I. DRINK. YOUR. MILKSHAKE!" God that scene is good.
CrazyKateKoons
Both those actors are phenomenal. Paul Dano was so good in Prisoners. That movie gave me the heebie jeebies.
takeyourtopoffJen
I love Paul Dano. When DDL smacks him around in the mud and he squeals like a little girl, fantastic! He leaves a very distinct impression.
imfeelingskinnytony
GET EM LIQUORED UP AND TAKE EM TO THE PEACH TREE DANCE!
IveGotATheoryItCouldBeBunnies
*SLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURP*
LennyKoggins
I DRINK IT UP!!
Centroid
BASTARD IN A BASKET
FartBoner69
My roommate wanna recreate this scene in a bar, with an actual long straw and bloody marys.
CapitaineSam
JePenseDoncJeSuis
Awesome
ZVanderberg
That movie is probably the best acting performance I've ever seen.
SeasickBunyon
DDDDRRRRRAAAAIIIINAAGE
whutserface
I yell this whenever I have a cold.
PootsMcGraw
I just watched this movie, and I think that the confession/baptism scene is even better. There's so much going on in that scene.
ed24282
Which led to "You're a bastard from a basket!" line
honker555
I have a competition in me...
AdiPosey89
"I'm finished!!"
StillNotYouTube
I didn't like it.
takeyourtopoffJen
:O Blasphemy!
nerdextreme
Why? Too ridiculous?
idrinkcheapbeer
Dennis Hopper, True Romance: "The Moors in Sicily"
mindolluin
yes!
kvotheaintgotnothinonme
Also his scene in Apocalypse Now, 'Will they call him a wise man?'
luckie408
Christopher Walken was great, too.
mindolluin
and yes!
JewishMonk
I was gonna go for Walken in The Deer Hunter. "I Like to starve myself. It keeps the fear up."