8. Robert Duvall - The Apostle (1997)
Perhaps best known for his work as Tom Hagen in the Godfather series, Robert Duvall has been bringing us memorable performances in films such as Colors, Falling Down and Armageddon. In 1997, he decided to step behind the camera to direct The Apostle, which he also wrote. Robert Duvall gives a tour de force performance in the part of charismatic Texan Pentecostal preacher Euliss 'Sonny' Dewey. At the start of the film, Sonny seems to have it all: his own ministry, a beautiful wife (Jessie, played by Farrah Fawcett), and a wonderful family. Then, slowly, his world starts to fall apart. His wife reveals that she has started a relationship with a junior minister of the church, Horace, and uses the church's bylaws to oust Sonny from power. Eventually Sonny flips during a little league baseball game that his son is involved in, hitting Horace with a baseball bat, killing him. Sonny then flees to Louisiana to start a new life as E.F, eventually becoming known as the Apostle of the title. As a character study, The Apostle works wonderfully. Despite his flaws and philandering ways (which got him into trouble in the first place), Sonny comes across as sincere in his religious devotion and fervour; his energy and almost naïve enthusiasm are infectious. He seems to genuinely want to help, wants to do good, and always strives for the light; a series of impassioned speeches and sermons (his last one is particularly powerful) show what a wonderful actor Duvall is, and his portrait of a flawed man who seemed to have it all, lost it, and is clawing his way back towards redemption is never short of fascinating. Make no mistake, this is his film.