For a really long time, Brad Pitt was seen as nothing more than an unbelievably pretty face. It seemed impossible (not to mention unfair) that someone could be both that attractive and a good actor. So for most of the 1980s and 1990s, Pitt got by on his looks, putting in decent performances but nothing outside what you might expect from a generic, albeit remarkably charming, leading man type. What nobody knew then, of course, is that Brad Pitt has something of a dark side, and is capable of turning his charisma into something unnerving and menacing. Audiences first saw that part of him when he starred in 12 Monkeys, a 1995 science fiction film by Terry Gilliam loosely based on the French classic La Jetee. After that, moviegoers as well as industry insiders started to see Brad Pitt in a slightly different light. Without 12 Monkeys, you don't get the iconic character of Tyler Durden in Fight Club, or even the slightly sardonic sense of humor he's shown more recently in films like Inglourious Basterds. Although no one would have thought the blood teen hunk from the '80s capable of much substance, he's proven himself over the years to be a surprisingly good actor. Which other actors had their career changed by one performance? Share your favourite examples in the comments below.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
