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Actors who are guaranteed to add class to a film

211 replies

Anniegetyourgun · 27/05/2015 15:44

I was just posting in the Avengers thread and a thought occurred which I decided might make a good topic on its own.

I had been going to say that the presence of Samuel L Jackson always adds class to a movie, sometimes sorely needed Star Wars . Some film critic or other made this comment years ago about Sam Neill, which I agree with. Others that spring to mind are Judi Dench, Morgan Freeman and the much lamented Pete Postlethwaite. If they're in it there will be at least one little area of, shall we say, gravitas; some credibility; some dignity.

I'm not sure it's even about star quality. Possibly not. They don't have to carry a movie; in a minor supporting role they still manage to add a little stamp of authenticity to even the biggest steaming pile of shite.

This is not a crumpet thread. Attractiveness or lack thereof is irrelevant (no objections to it being mentioned in passing though). "I always watch so-and-so because he's so dreeeeamy" is far too well catered for elsewhere. We are talking about Class with a capital C.

Anyone want to play?

OP posts:
Anniegetyourgun · 27/05/2015 16:40

I used to have Neeson on the crumpet list and he has done some classy performances, but agree he's not guaranteed to hit the spot on either count.

Casting doubt on Harrison Ford, he's good in his more mature years but did anyone see him in Force 10 from Navarone? He was awful. I think he must have gone back to acting school after. The cast included Robert Shaw, who used to be pretty good value but is far too "late lamented" to count.

OP posts:
Bexicles · 27/05/2015 16:41

Ed Norton is always fantastic as is Willem Dafoe.

Lolly86 · 27/05/2015 16:46

Emma Thompson

BettyCatKitten · 27/05/2015 16:48

Keanu Reeves Wink

MaxPepsi · 27/05/2015 16:50

Dustin Hoffman
Meryl Streep
Dames Judi and Maggie
Morgan Freeman
Kristen Scott Thomas
Michael Gambon
Julie Walters
Loads more for me, but they are my favourites!

BikeRunSki · 27/05/2015 16:52

Colin Firth

Sgtmajormummy · 27/05/2015 16:54

Another vote for Jim Broadbent.
Supposedly he is completely reliable. He shows up, puts in a great performance with no diva attitude and saves the film crew a load of time and money! Just what they needed in Cloud Atlas, eh?

Michael Caine is my pet hate! Can't act, can't speak properly, the same glib expression every time. Even in his early films...ugh! When will people wise up?

Anniegetyourgun · 27/05/2015 16:57

Well I wasn't thinking about voice-overs, but I would be prepared to make an exception for James Earl Jones, yes.

BettyCatKitten Away with you, fiend! Pfft.

OP posts:
lottiegarbanzo · 27/05/2015 16:57

Kristen Scott Thomas
Richard E Grant
Rupert Everett
Julianne Moore

Jasonandyawegunorts · 27/05/2015 16:59

Michael Caine is my pet hate! Can't act, can't speak properly, the same glib expression every time. Even in his early films...ugh! When will people wise up?

That's true He's not a character actor.

Someone who researches his roles down to the very last detail is David Suchet, he stays in character all day too.

AtomicDog · 27/05/2015 17:02

John C. Reilly

And of course Philip Seymour Hoffman Sad

Becauseicannes · 27/05/2015 17:03

Christian Bale
Chris Cooper
Michael Fassbender

Becauseicannes · 27/05/2015 17:05

Christopher Plummer
Gary Oldman
Steve Buscemi

Anniegetyourgun · 27/05/2015 17:11

Becauseicannes I shall have to nix Gary Oldman, as you never know whether you'll get him in Totally Classy mode or Embarrassing Scenery Chewing mode. When he's behaving he's great. Your user name is brilliantly appropriate though.

OP posts:
Wristy · 27/05/2015 17:25

Oooh yes, Gary Oldman. I chuffing love him in Leon! Don't even mind him in The Fifth Element!

Since I mentioned Leon, Jean Reno can be added to my list. I know he makes some crap but it's all watchable crap if he's there!!

wigglesrock · 27/05/2015 17:31

yes, Chris Cooper, I'd watch him in anything.

TheDeafeningClatterofDuplo · 27/05/2015 17:34

Charles Dance

SkodaLabia · 27/05/2015 17:35

Mark Ruffalo
Paddy Considine
Maggie Gyllenhaal

vindscreenviper · 27/05/2015 17:48

Joan Cusack
John Cusack
Frances McDormand
Gina McKee

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 27/05/2015 17:52

Long dead but Gregory Peck's voice is to die for

Jack Nicholson

Anniegetyourgun · 27/05/2015 18:01

DSis is doing the reading over my shoulder thing and would like to say:

a) Sorry, not Nicholson, more of a scene-stealer than a class act (can be terribly, terribly ham)

b) How has nobody mentioned James Spader yet?!

I buy (a), neutral on (b).

OP posts:
TillHammerZeit · 27/05/2015 18:04

Daniel Auteuil. Incredibly talented French Actor. He can do everything from romance,historical dram and comedies and make it utterly believable,no matter what role he plays.

Baddz · 27/05/2015 18:08

Paul Newman
Matthieu Almaric
Emma Thompson

textfan · 27/05/2015 18:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jasonandyawegunorts · 27/05/2015 18:14

Vincent d'onofrio

He looks like orson welles in everything apart from adventures in Babysitting.

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