2. Jake LaMotta - Raging Bull
The finest example of the great actor's method acting - to embody the legendary boxer, De Niro brutalised himself to achieve the desired effect. His weight flummoxed dramatically so he could play LaMotta through the ages, which actually affected De Niro's posture and health quite radically. De Niro also proved to be a natural at boxing, which he discovered after taking lessons for the part. De Niro's method acting is the stuff of Hollywood lore and deservedly so, that kind of manic commitment to a role deserves its own legend. But as impressive as the physical feats are, the genius in the performance is within. The animalistic and rage-filled boxer is a Molotov cocktail of doubt, and whilst being quite a nasty person, De Niro humanises him and makes him a uniquely sympathetic being. LaMotta is a man crippled by doubts, paranoia and anger and he destroys everybody he loves. Co-written by De Niro, and it shows as he gets right into the psychology of the character, from the opening scenes to the perfect closing shot. Rarely have Academy Awards been this deserved.