3. Gene Kranz - Apollo 13
So Ive highlighted some of the mans more morally dubious characters, how about a change of scenery then? As the head of mission control during the disastrous Apollo 13 mission Kranz must ensure that everyone around him is focused on one thing, bringing Jim Lovell and his crew back to earth safe and sound. Through the many, many mishaps that happened over the course of several days Harris Kranz is the rock (no pun intended) involved in the rescue operation. Never once wavering in getting his astronauts home, only once when he sees the capsule safely landing in the Ocean and Lovells voice over the comm does he finally let his emotions get to him. Only when the job is done are we are finally able to see exactly what has been weighing on his mind during the tumultuous and dramatic operation. Arguably it's Ed Harris' character you are emotionally with throughout the ordeal as he strives to get his astronauts home. He was Oscar nominated for his terrific Supporting Role in the movie.