Top Ten 'Most Underrated Work'

For my debut post, I thought I would present a Top Ten. I plan on doing a number of these as time goes on.

As the title indicates, this is my Top Ten 'Most Underrated Work'. These days, nearly every classic film or interesting piece of work has the tag 'overrated' attached to it by someone. Although I mainly disagree with those opinions, I'd like to take a moment to highlight some work that has been passed over and largely forgotten, even though the films themselves are well regarded. So on we go...

10. Martin Sheen in 'Apocalypse Now'

There's certainly a lot to admire in 'Apocalypse Now' and some great characters for the actors to get their teeth stuck into. Martin Sheen doesn't really have a "I love the smell of napalm in the morning" moment nor is he affored the mystery and enigmatic atmospheres surrounding Col. Kertz. As a character, he has to hold the film together. Whilst everything around him is excessive and explosive, he is the one who has to ensure the audience is invested in the story, yet still show how the character is losing his mind. Others may have more eye catching scenes, but if Sheen wasn't so good, would we care?

9. Alida Valli in 'The Third Man'

If you were asked what the best thing about 'The Third Man' was, what would you answer? Anton Karas' score? Harry Lime's 'cuckoo clock' speech? Or maybe his dramatic reappearance in Holly's life? How about Graham Greene's screenplay? The cinematography? Or that stunning last shot? I'd probably go for the 'cuckoo clock' speech myself but I'd still like to point out Valli's beautiful performance as the broken Anna, a woman's who life has been reduced to nothing. She brings a genuine sadness to the role, and gives the most authentic performance in the film.

8. Sean Astin in 'Lord of the Rings'.

In 'Fellowship of the Ring', Samwise appears that he may be one of the least likeable characters in the chosen nine, simply because he's a bit straight-laced and is the only one who just wants to go home. By the end of 'Return of the King', Astin's sheer conviction in the strength of the character demonstrates how the trilogy had as many moments of beautifully observed characterisations as it did big battles.

7. Paul Henreid in 'Casablanca'

A truly great film, and containing one of the all-time great ensemble casts. Many of these actors have enjoyed the reputations their turns afforded them. Henreid's performance as Victor Laslzo seems to be the one that got away. Yet it was a typically sophisticated performance from a talented leading actor, and so well balanced that you can understand why Ilsa was unsure which man to end up with.

6. Michael Sheen in 'The Queen'.

Helen Mirren won every award under the sun for her excellent portrayal of the British Monarch. Her co-star, Michael Sheen, delivered as superb a performance as Tony Blair and failed to land an Oscar nomination.

5. Heath Ledger in 'I'm Not There'.

This free-wheeling, 'biopic' of Bob Dylan was a delight for the senses with great music, stunning visuals and performances to mesmorise. Cate Blanchett came out the most recognised actor of the piece, and an excellent performance it was. In fact, I find it hard to even look at Bob Dylan without thinking it is Blanchett in costume. However, for the next few days, I could only think about Heath Ledger's story and how real it felt. Ledger was an actor who was getting better and better.

4. Russell Crowe in 'Cinderella Man'.

Following Crowe's phone-throwing antics, the producers of 'Cinderella Man' offered money back to any punters who saw the film and didn't like it. They didn't have to pay much back. This is Crowe's best, and favourite, performance bringing his dynamic screen presence and commitment to a truly involving story. Only Crowe's off screen behaviour stopped this film from truly being accepted.

3. Ann Savage in 'Detour'.

This B-Movie has earned a justified reputation in recent years as a film that truly transcends its Poverty Row limitations. Ann Savage's performance was remarkable. An absolutely horrible, vile woman who you hope you would never have the misfortune to cross. In a film of this background, it would have been too much to look for recognition from the Academy, but from those who know film, it can't be too much to ask for.

2. Paul Dano in 'There Will Be Blood'

Like Michael Sheen with Helen Mirren in 'The Queen', Dano watched as Daniel Day-Lewis picked up all the honours for his searing, masterpiece portrayal of Daniel Plainview. However, it really is worth remembering that it takes a great deal to share the screen with such a performance, and Dano achieves this, especially for a man of his age. His scenes in the church are some of the most riveting in the film and I can only hope he continues to get worthy parts.

1. Stanley Kubrick in 'Eyes Wide Shut'.

The first non-actor on the list. I find it amazing that people criticise Kubrick for his involvement in this film, citing it as his least impressive film. Although I don't think it's his best work, it's still a film of immense value and is surely as representative of his themes and values as any of his others.

As a narrative, it is brooding and mysterious. I was fascinated with how the story was developing and found myself thinking about the minor plot points for months afterwards. Technically, it's as accomplished as anything else he's created except maybe 'Barry Lyndon' and 2001. It may be cold, detached and dealing with worlds we cannot understand but name a Stanley Kubrick film that doesn't tick all these boxes.

Hello!

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and give an indication of what I hope to discuss with this blog.

As my profile indicates, I'm a young and upcoming (hopefully, anyway) scriptwriter. What my profile doesn't state is that I have a regular office job to help me pay the bills.

I am a passionate supporter of cinema of all types and ages. I love to talk about films and the people involved with them. I'd love to get some people who really know about film to come and discuss my posts and I look forward to some lively debate.

I'll be posting my first post proper later tonight.