4. Jacob Mitchell - A Simple Plan
A Simple Plan feels like the odd man out in Sam Raimis directing career; hes either known for the splatstick of the Evil Dead movies or huge blockbusters like Spider-Man. A Simple Plan however is a quiet, intense drama about a group of men torn apart by greed when they come across a suitcase full of money. Thornton plays Jacob, the simple-minded brother of leading man Bill Paxton. Jacob is the innocent of the group, who is uncomfortable with how the money is affecting everyone. Thorntons soft-spoken turn is easily the most touching, and the audience can feel his heartbreak when his brother becomes more ruthless and single-minded in his quest to keep the money. His final scene with Paxton, when the characters realize its far too late to turn back, is the most shattering of the film. Thornton was given an Oscar nod for his performance; though sadly the film seems to be forgotten about today.