20 Incredible Film Performances That Didn't Get The Credit They Deserved
9. Eric Bana - Chopper (2000)
This biopic of infamous Australian inmate Mark 'Chopper' Read served as a launching pad for the careers of both director Andrew Dominik and star Eric Bana. Then best known in his native Australia for being a sketch comedian, the actor delivered a stunning performance that he has still yet to better, even after nearly 15 years in Hollywood. Throwing himself into the role, Bana gained 30 pounds and spent hours in the make up chair to deliver a truly transformative performance. Elevating the material, the actor manages to be charming and charismatic, yet terrifying and sadistic. Emanating star power, the role is a million miles away from the chiseled movie star recognizable to audiences today. Although Chopper saw Bana win a string of awards in Australia, the movie itself was largely overlooked in the States and only earned a little over $200,000. As star-making roles go, they don't get much better than this. It's a shame that the actor has yet to deliver a similarly impressive performance in his Hollywood ventures.
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