1. Killer Joe Cooper - Killer Joe
Phenomenal is the only way to describe McConaugheys performance as the titular cop-cum-assassin. Matthew is a truly unnerving presence who masterfully brings unease to every frame of the film he is in; he is as violent with Fried-Chicken-related abuse as when he is merely having a conversation with the innocent Dottie. He is violent and completely unpredictable, so much so that it's hard to imagine another actor in the role. In my mind, this is perhaps McConaugheys greatest performance to date. He utilises his natural charm to unnerving effect, and Friedkin obviously saw a wickedly dark heart beating behind the rom-com looks and easygoing sex appeal. Its a very brave role which mixes black humour with genuine spite and bile. Hes a greasy son-of-a-bitch whom you always end up siding with, no matter what he does. And the expression on his face at the very end of the film is unforgettable. We rarely get as great a performance from a leading man as this nowadays, and its one to be savoured. Click "next" below to read the 5 Performances That Sucked...