Willem Dafoe: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

3. Frank Dulaney - Body Of Evidence (1993)

Madonna has never been particularly lucky when it comes to filmmaking. Both of her directorial efforts have been deservedly panned, and with the possible exception of Evita her on-screen performances are wooden, preening and unengaging. But as bad as she was in Die Another Day, Body of Evidence remains a low point in her career, including as it does one of Dafoe's weakest and least inspiring performances. Body of Evidence stars Madonna as Rebecca Carlson, who is on trial for the murder of Andrew Marsh. The court is shown a homemade porn tape featuring Carlson and Marsh; Marsh was a wealthy man and the prosecution believed Carlson aggravated his heart condition through vigorous sex. Frank Dulaney, who is defending Carlson, is a happily married man who increasingly lusts after his client. The two eventually embark on a sadomasochistic affair, which grows more intense and dangerous as the case progresses. Body of Evidence won Madonna a Razzie Award for Worst Actress, and was nominated in a further five categories. It's trying to cash in on Basic Instinct but has none of the thrill, intrigue, humour or charisma which made Paul Verhoeven's film successful. If Madonna is no Sharon Stone, Dafoe is definitely no Michael Douglas: he feels awkward in the part, phoning in his lines and lacking energy during the climactic showdown. Failing to hold your own against a great actor is one thing: failing to hold your own against Madonna is pretty dire.