2. Robbie Turner - Atonement
Described by McAvoy himself as the most perfect script Ive ever read," the 2007 film Atonement, directed by Joe Wright and adapted from the novel of the same name by Ian McEwan, follows the tale of Robbie Turner, who - after falling in love with Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) - is falsely accused of rape and spends four years in prison before being sent out to war. The film itself is beautifully shot, providing some stunning set pieces but also some quiet, more reserved character-driven moments, in particularly those between McAvoy and Knightley. While the majority of the cast turn in exceptional and memorable performances, McAvoy's stands head and shoulders above the rest. The movie itself is beautifully composed, and - considering the difficulties that may arise from the novel to film transition - Atonement is one of those rare motion pictures that manages to play to the strengths of both mediums. Atonement proved that McAvoy was versatile and charismatic enough to carry a film entirely centered on him, bestowing the title of leading man confidently and with a straight precision that echoed the working class background of the lead character. While he may not have reached such heights since, Atonement remains - by far - one of his greatest performances.