1. Gary Oldman - Norman Stansfield in Léon: The Professional (1994)
Gary Oldmans role in Léon: The Professional
completely embodies what it means to be a badass supporting character that owns a movie. Although his appearance as corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield is extremely short-lived (he really only appears in a few scattered scenes) he clearly leaves the biggest impact in our minds and is the major reason the movie has stood the test of time. Although Jean Reno and Natalie Portmans on screen chemistry is fantastic; Oldman makes sure he is front and center the instant he arrives at the New York apartment block where the majority of the film is situated. Theres a strange mix of things that makes Stansfield such an interesting and shocking character. Oldmans almost manic behavior between the calm and collected, classical music obsessed cop with an almost poetic way of words and the psychotic, pill crunching maniac that empties his gun into a body for ruining his suit is so commanding it fixes our eyes directly on him. It leaves the audience unable to guess what hell do next for the entirety of the film And I believe thats the magic of Stansfield. Theres a kind of ominous mystique that surrounds the character that makes him all the more captivating. Lines like I take no pleasure in taking a life if its from a person that doesnt care about it are delivered with such pure evil that I wonder how he ever got a job working for the good guys in the first place. Oldman is so convincing as the unhinged madman Stansfield that he is, without a doubt, my favorite badass supporting character.
A Special mention goes to Pretty much every character in a Tarantino or Coen brothers film - In my opinion there are simply far too many awesome actors in amazing roles to call any one performance a clear standout. So for not including your Samuel L's, Christoph Waltz's or Steve Buscemi's, I apologies in advance! And the worst...
Quentin Tarantino in Django Unchained (2013)
What on earth were Australians with thick (badly attempted) 1970s Aussie accents hanging around in slavery era America for? Meh At least he blew himself up, which was pretty darn cool.
Al Pacino in Jack and Jill (2012)
Need I say more?
DisqualifiedGary Busey in pretty much every movie hes been in.
Im sorry, I love the guy but somehow I dont think he was acting. Theres surely some great performances Ive overlooked so be sure to have your say in the comment section below. Cheers!