5. Rex Harrison in Cleopatra- Harrison is the only performance that stands far apart from the others, which is a bad thing. Harrison is miscast as Caesar, and his at ease style make work well for Henry Higgins but as Julius Caesar it leaves much to be desired.
4. Albert Finney in Tom Jones- Finney gives a brilliantly charming performance that is winning in every moment that he has.
3. Richard Harris in This Sporting Life- Harris' gives a complex and powerful performance, which shows the depth of what may seem like the depth less. Sure he channels Brando, but he most certianly channels Brando in the right way.
2. Paul Newman in Hud- Paul Newman gives another complex realistic performance that never takes an easy solution in the development of his character. He shows Hud as the amoral man he is, and whenever he does show more about Hud, it is always well placed and within Hud's realm.
1.Sidney Poitier in Lilies of the Field- Poitier gives a wonderful performance, filled with charm, and charisma. I love every minute of this performance, and I really could watch this particular performance over and over again.
This year is most closest year I have ever done. There have been many years where two performances both have strong cases for the top spot this year all four of the good performances have their own qualities. None of them stand out above the rest for me, since not one got a five, but they all got 4.5's, 4.5's which I feel are very strong almost 5's. Each of their unique appeal whether it is Newman's and Harris' complex characterization, or Finney and Poitier's fantastic ability to get the most out of simpler character. Each of these performances have their own unique appeal. I am going with Poitier for the moment, but that is only because I have to choose one, I really do not want to. These are all deserving, performances, and this is one year I really do not think I will ever stick to any one of these four completely.
Deserving Performances:
Sean Connery in From Russia With Love
