15. Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ)
Any film about Jesus Christ is going to whip (seriously, no pun intended) up controversy. A film that pleased Christians around the world including the Pope who is said to have 'liked it' and thinking that 'it is as was' was always going to stir up the hive. More of a snuff film than religious teaching, Jim Caviezel underwent immense pain to commit such a horrific performance to celluloid. Reportedly, he was accidentally whipped a few times for real, which lead to a 14-inch scar on his back. He was also struck by lightning while filming the sermon on the mount and experienced hypothermia during a cruel Italian winter. His pain and anguish can all be seen on film, something that serves as a stark reminder to believers what Jesus had to endure during his anguishing last hours. A fantastic part played by Caviezel? Or was it simply an actor pushed through hell and back again by his director? Either way, it was a performance that got the whole world talking.