20 Most Intense Movie Performances Of All Time

3. Jake LaMotta (Robert DeNiro) - Raging Bull

For a lot of people, Robert DeNiro is Mr Intensity and has an outside claim for the crown of Mr Method (though Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale would have something to say about that, no doubt). The power of his most powerful performances is not up for debate though.

His turn as Jake LaMotta is the single best example of his commitment to method acting. To play the legendary boxer, he brutalised himself, allowing his weight to balloon for LaMotta's post-fight career to the extent that it had a lasting impact on his posture and health. He also took boxing lessons to really sell the character's profession.

But it's the man behind the gloves that really comes across in his intense performance. LaMotta is animalistic and rage-filled, a well-liked legend with a nasty streak to end them all, whose crippling self-doubt and paranoia destroys everybody he loves. And as he spirals down the hole of his own creation, it's impossible to look away.