MovieChat Forums > Beetlejuice (1988) Discussion > Oscar-worthy performance by Keaton

Oscar-worthy performance by Keaton


I've seen Beetlejuice countless times and I'm always blown away by how amazing Michael Keaton is. His Juilliard/ exorcist speech is hilarious.
I reckon a supporting actor nomination shouldn't have been out of the question!

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He was great . I think it was 17 mins of screen time and he didn't appear to 45 min mark . Probably counts against him . The Juilliard / excorcist speak is the best !

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I agree it was a great performance! I just watched the movie for the first time since I was a kid, and the first time in its original version, and I must admit I'm truly blown away. I don't know if he should have gotten an Oscar nomination, but still, something definitly worth mentioning.

I've taken a peek at the Oscar nominees that year and it so happens I've seen none of the nominated performances... But perhaps if you have you'll be better than me in comparing ;)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/61st_Academy_Awards

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This movie being a slapstick comedy had no chance being nominated for such a thing. I will say he should've won the Saturn Award over Robert Loggia in Big.

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It’s a surprise to find out he was in the movie for such a short amount a time when his presence is felt throughout the film. I mean, I don’t think Winona was any less great in her role, but Keaton just dominates whenever he’s on screen.

Anyway, arguably not the type of performance the Academy would notice (probably not even today, though I say that mostly due to how small and odd the role is — I still think his chances would be better today nonetheless), but it is sheer brilliance. Keaton was so immersed in this unique role.

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He got ripped off.

He's so good the movie is named after him and despite him being selfish, ego, creepy, and bad he is the most fun of the movie and you cant resist but like him.

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If Depp got a nomination for playing Jack Sparrow, then MK should have gotten one too.

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I thought Depp was great as Sparrow, but I also can't argue against Keaton's Beetlejuice character. Both a bit over the top, both absolutely terrific.

I guess a lot of individual awards back then were based not so much on the character, but on the movie as a whole, which is unfortunate. Today it's far more political than anything else.

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