TOP 5 PERFORMANCES: MARK WAHLBERG

I don’t know about you but I think it’s kind of sad that some people are getting a lot of praise for their performances in The Fighter except for the guy who made the movie happen. Not that it’s not fair… Wahlberg doesn’t necessarily turn in a groundbreaking performance. However, as cheesy as the whole Marky Mark thing may be now, in retrospect, there’s no denying that the kid’s got skills. Want proof? Then check out these fine performances:

SIDENOTE: Please remember that this is a Best Performances list… not a Best Movies list.

5. THE BIG HIT.

Over the last few years, Wahlberg has proved he’s pretty good at the comedy thing. However, in this action comedy, Wahlberg first proved he could bring the funny while being the action guy everyone wanted him to be.

4. THE DEPARTED.

Once again, Wahlberg turns in a bit of the comic relief for a film even though it isn’t meant to be a funny film. In The Departed, he turns in a memorable, and underrated, performance surrounded by an all star cast. What’s more impressive is that his character wasn’t even featured in the film The Departed was based on (Infernal Affairs). So, unlike everyone else in the film, Wahlberg had to start from scratch and create a character that could fit in… he did just that.

3. I HEART HUCKABEES.

Not everybody gets this film but trust me… it’s great. Wahlberg, in his 2nd of 3 films made with David O. Russell, turns in a performance that turns out to be the heart of this film. He’s also the funnest to watch which is impressive in a film that features the likes of Lily Tomlin, Jude Law, Naomi Watts and Dustin Hoffman.

2. FEAR.

In my opinion, this was “Marky’s” first chance to prove he had acting chops and he does so as the psycho boyfriend of Reese Witherspoon in this underrated classic. 

1. BOOGIE NIGHTS.

On top of being a visionary filmmaker, Paul Thomas Anderson has also proven himself keen at having an eye for talent. This film alone made famous the likes of Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. However, PTA must’ve seen something really special in Wahlberg to make him the lead of his first mainstream motion picture. In turn, Wahlberg delivers, giving his best performance to date as Dirk Diggler… the man with a very special “gift”.