10 Movie Performances That Got Too Real

5. Nick Nolte - Warrior

Kirsten Dunst Melancholia
Lionsgate

Nick Nolte received a well-earned Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his heart-wrenching performance in Warrior, playing Paddy Conlon, the recovering alcoholic father of protagonists Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton).

Nolte's depiction of a man whose life is defined by his battle with alcohol has undeniable allusions to the actor's own lifelong substance abuse issues, the actor evidently digging deep into his own personal well to bring the role to life.

Though Nolte has played several characters haunted by alcoholism over the years - notably in Affliction, which also netted him an Oscar nomination, and Off the Black - Warrior represents the most obviously lived-in performance of the three.

Thankfully the actor has reportedly been sober for almost 20 years, so as much as he's drawing from his own experience, he's not quite living out his own present-day anguish on film.

Nolte said of his performance:

"Because I have a drunk driving record and I have not been silent about my own addictions, it was a perfect vehicle. I understand addictions; I understand how destructive they are and how difficult they are to break."
Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.