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”.
February 12, 2011 at 1:06 am
Whalberg was the man in The Fighter, but it’s a shame that he had to be so small and understated – and a little bit of a whiney loser of a fighter.
Couldn’t agree more with the list, although my favourite aspect is when he gets to do a bit of comedy – for a non-comedian he’s got great timing.
Probably not up there with the likes of Bale, Crowe, Damon etc yet – but isn’t far away…
February 13, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I agree he is GREAT in comedy. Not sure I’d put him with Crowe and Bale yet but he gets better with time.
February 12, 2011 at 8:19 am
He’s great in The Departed. I’d probably put Three Kings up there too. Can’t argue with Boogie Nights at 1.
February 13, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I might do 3 Kings for Best Movies but not performances.
February 12, 2011 at 9:51 am
I liked the “good vibrations” video where he’s breaking cinder blocks and acting hard. Come on Come on. Feel it Feel it.
February 13, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Who doesn’t? 🙂
February 12, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Underrated? He was the only one of The Departed to get an Oscar Nom. How is that underrated?
February 13, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Well, he wasn’t the topic of conversation when that film was coming out.
February 13, 2011 at 4:46 am
I’ve really not seen many (hardly any infact) films with him in. But he did make me sit up and take notice in The Departed. He’s arguably the best thing in it.
February 13, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Now go watch the original… great film!
February 13, 2011 at 8:42 am
I cannot argue with Boogie Nights at numero uno, he does such a great job in that, and the part in The Departed got him an Oscar nom, and I think that’s what really started a lot of his comedic roles as of late. Good List!
February 13, 2011 at 6:30 pm
TYVM!!!
February 16, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Have you not seen The Yards? He’s fantastic in that. Easily my favorite performance from him…well besides his SNL cameo.
February 16, 2011 at 9:51 pm
I have seen The Yards… good flick but I prefer these.