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The Great Performances

Acting is an art form, and behind every iconic character is an artist expressing themselves. The Great Performances is a recurring column in which Jacob Trussell explores the art behind some of cinema’s best roles.

If you are new to reading this column, we suggest starting with these entries:

Browse the archive for The Great Performances below

Get Out Commentary

Why Daniel Kaluuya is So Effective in ‘Get Out’

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Jordan Peele’s hit film was destined to become a new horror classic, but it’s narrative backbone is carried by Kaluuya’s magnetic performance as Chris Washington.

Liza Minnelli Cabaret

The Impact Liza Minnelli and ‘Cabaret’ Had on Movie Musicals

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As chanteuse Sally Bowles, Minnelli conveys the soul of her character through song, dance, and dramatic specificity.

Terry O'quinn In The Stepfather

Terry O’Quinn is an All-American Psycho in ‘The Stepfather’

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In this edition of The Great Performances, we celebrate the actor’s work in his first lead role.

Courteney Cox In Scream

Courteney Cox Gave Heart to the Heartless in ‘Scream’

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Cox smartly resisted making her character, Gale Weathers, a stereotype of tabloid journalism by playing her with compassion in Wes Craven’s meta-horror classic.

Christmas Evil

Brandon Maggart Delivers a Killer Santa Character Study in ‘Christmas Evil’

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In the pantheon of Killer Santa movies, the conversation begins and ends with Maggart’s quietly tragic performance in Lewis Jackson’s holiday horror classic.

Jim Carrey As The Grinch

Jim Carrey’s Grinch is the Perfect Christmas Movie Monster

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Despite feeling “buried alive” by his makeup, he plays Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas curmudgeon with heartwarming emotion.

Louise Lasser in Blood Rage

The Method to Louise Lasser’s Madness in ‘Blood Rage’

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As the forlorn mother of an evil twin, she delivers an acting masterclass in this Thanksgiving-themed slasher.

Harold Perrineau in Romeo and Juliet

Harold Perrineau Made Shakespeare Sound Natural in ‘Romeo + Juliet’

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His modern approach to tackling the Bard’s dense language helped make one of the world’s most famous plays feel accessible to young audiences.

Naomi Watts In Mulholland Drive

Deconstructing the Duality of Naomi Watts in ‘Mulholland Drive’

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Multilayered doesn’t even begin to describe the complexities of her performance in David Lynch’s cryptic classic.