Anthony Hopkins: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

5 Awesome Performances...

5. Col. William Ludlow - Legends Of The Fall (1994)

Edward Zwick's epic production is certainly rough around the edges, but that doesn't prevent it from facilitating one of Hopkins' best performances to date, playing Colonel William Ludlow, a veteran who has to deal with his two sons, Tristan (Brad Pitt, in a Golden Globe-nominated role) and Alfred (Aidan Quinn), constantly being at war with one another.

Though Hopkins is hardly the focal point of the story, his understated performance is just what the sometimes absurd nature of the narrative requires; he serves as an anchor, keeping the film rooted in its themes (specifically iconoclasm and the disparity between young and old), and lending a welcome paternal presence.

Even if he didn't pick up a share of the glory for his work, it is precisely what it needs to be; subtle, and able to give Pitt and Quinn the fuel they need to also deliver two of the best performances of their careers. If not a major film for Hopkins, it's still one of his best performances, and quite an underrated film all the same.