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Yeah, I'm not sure I'd call De Niro a 'natural' actor in the same tradition as Marlon Brando, James Dean and Montgomery Clift, or younger actors like Joseph Gordon-Levitt/Ryan Gosling. Sure, he's a method actor--and a GREAT one at that, but I see his performances as often, NOT ALWAYS, but often, superficial portrayals. Still, Travis Bickle IS a completely natural, realistic performance; I think it's one of the best performances in history.
And Denzel? I think he's one of the last great actors I'd file under 'realistic' or 'natural.' He's undoubtedly awesome, but EVERY one of his performances, from Glory to Training Day, is filled with gravitas and histrionics. It's as if he's always aware of the presence of the camera. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, he's extremely photogenic and steals every scene he's in. But his performances are anything but 'natural.'
To be clear, though, I think many of DiCaprio's performances have been pretty superficial as well; it's easy to classify his work in The Departed, for example, as over the top. Throughout the movie, his brooding disposition, the constipated look on his face, etc.. get pretty tired. But imagine the double-life he's leading and how hard it would be to fear exposure at any moment, especially in the presence of a madman like Nicholson's Costello. Look at the fear and tiredness in his eyes. I think THAT's built from the inside. And he does look too boyish to be a serious gangster. But I think that's actually the most important part of his character-he's young, vulnerable, intelligent enough to know how deep in sh*t he's in, and paranoid. He's supposed to be out of his element with Costello's crew.
I don't know, just some thoughts. For the record, though, I can totally see how many just can't mention his name in the same sentence as De Niro.
And Denzel? I think he's one of the last great actors I'd file under 'realistic' or 'natural.' He's undoubtedly awesome, but EVERY one of his performances, from Glory to Training Day, is filled with gravitas and histrionics. It's as if he's always aware of the presence of the camera. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, he's extremely photogenic and steals every scene he's in. But his performances are anything but 'natural.'
To be clear, though, I think many of DiCaprio's performances have been pretty superficial as well; it's easy to classify his work in The Departed, for example, as over the top. Throughout the movie, his brooding disposition, the constipated look on his face, etc.. get pretty tired. But imagine the double-life he's leading and how hard it would be to fear exposure at any moment, especially in the presence of a madman like Nicholson's Costello. Look at the fear and tiredness in his eyes. I think THAT's built from the inside. And he does look too boyish to be a serious gangster. But I think that's actually the most important part of his character-he's young, vulnerable, intelligent enough to know how deep in sh*t he's in, and paranoid. He's supposed to be out of his element with Costello's crew.
I don't know, just some thoughts. For the record, though, I can totally see how many just can't mention his name in the same sentence as De Niro.
Last edited by MainEvent; 06-29-10 at 03:10 PM.
