2. Phillip Seymour Hoffman in The Master
I've been a big Phillip Seymour Hoffman fan for a long time, and not just because he hails from my hometown. It's always a pleasure to watch an actor slowly grow in stature over time, from playing bit parts, to more substantial supporting roles, and finally to becoming a leading man/woman. In the case of Phillip Seymour Hoffman though, watching his ascension has been particularly sweet, because he has made his way through the ranks based solely on merit alone. Hoffman has a certain quality, which very few actors possess, that automatically adds depth to his character. It matters not how small his part in the movie is, whenever he is on screen, his character's automatically demand your attention because they feel real and lived in, with backstories that could make interesting movies in and of themselves. This is certainly the case in The Master, where Hoffman, riffing on infamous Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and reteaming with long-time collaborator Paul Thomas Anderson, adds another virtuoso performance to his ever growing list of memorable turns. While I have slightly mixed emotions about the film itself, I have no reservations about the performances in the film, particularly Hoffman's. The cult and its relationship to its cult leader is one of the most fascinating psychological relationships in the history of mankind, and the enigmatic mix between insanity and charisma that lies within all cult leaders is on shockingly real display in Hoffman's characterization. Intriguing and appalling all at once, and especially mesmerizing in the chemistry between Hoffman and Phoenix in scenes such as the "processing" scene and the jail scene, this is one brilliant performance that will only add the to the legacy of an already brilliant actor.