This is one of the few years where a Top3 so stood out to me that it's not difficult at all to name them.Richard Jenkins in The Visitor delivered the first great performance of the year. As the stifled widower, Walter Vale, Richard Jenkins finally got his chance to shine after years of relative obscurity in character roles. When Vale returns to the New York city apartment he basically abandoned after the death of his wife - only to find two illegal immigrants living there - Vale finds his spirit awakened in trying to help these two good-hearted people, who find themselves in tough circumstances. Jenkins manages to create a stifled personality just waiting to come to life. When he finally does learn to live again, it's a moment to celebrate - not just for the character, but for a long-neglected actor finally given the chance to show his great range.
Sean Penn is an amazing actor. However, despite how great he is, I've found myself getting a little tired of the constantly brooding performances he's given as of late. Sure, they're good, but take a Lexapro, man! If life was always as depressing as his characters, there'd be a lot more dead people. So, the irony of it all: in Milk, Penn plays a character who is doomed to die, and yet, gives his most lively performance since Fast Times at Ridgmont High. I'd seriously forgotten what his smile looked like. The story of Harvey Milk is both heart-breaking and inspiring; and so is Penn's performance. Thankfully, neither he, nor his co-stars shy away from the sexuality of the parts, unafraid of soiling their image with "gayiety" (thank God those days are over). Penn throws himself so completely into the role that he turns it into a celebration. Even better, he creates a human being out legend - a human being who took on life with gusto.
In almost any other year, my first two choices would have won my vote without a doubt. But this is the year of Mickey Rourke. His comeback role in The Wrestler is truly something to behold. Much has been made about this ressurection and it's really hard to over-hype it. As the sadsack, washed-up 80's professional wrestling celebrity, he brings a humanity that I would not have thought possible. I say that not just because Rourke has sabotaged his own career over the last decade plus; but because as someone who despises professional wrestling (and hair metal which makes up a good portion of the soundtrack), I never thought I'd like this film. That I did like it is testament to Darren Aronofsky, sure - one of this generation's best directors - but it's also testament to the vulnerability that Rourke displays. As the old hair metal song goes, I hate myself for loving him - but it's impossible not to. Time may prove this to be Rourke's On the Waterfront. It's a performance for the ages.In supporting parts, it's kind of obvious, isn't it? But, before stating the obvious, some of the other great performances of note include, James Franco and Josh Brolin in Milk. Both actors are really shaping their careers into something to watch, and with their performances here, they strengthen them even further.
Brad Pitt gets some double-up credit like Kate Winslet. With his lead role in Benjamin Button and his hysterical supporting turn in Burn After Reading, he is deserving of recognition.
I have to give quick kudos to Bill Irwin as the enabling father in Rachel Getting Married and the remarkable counter-point to Sally Hawkins' joy in Happy-Go-Lucky, Eddie Marsan.
But, this is the year of the Joker. Heath Ledger's final complete role is the best supporting performance of the year.
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