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Is RDJr the best actor of our generation?

posted 12 years ago by McGrit
86 replies | jump to latest

Now that DeNiro and Pacino are well past their prime, is RDJr this generation's best actor and the best actor alive today?

Sure, there are a few contenders but RDJr does get my vote.

Then again, I'm in the camp that thinks story and choice of role should be considered and this is what sinks a lot of people's choice in Daniel Day Lewis. The guy has the awards and the hype to back it up but I find many of his films to be overrated. Sure, he is a superb performer but he's only been in five movies this century and a few of those are very overrated endeavors.

Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington and Ed Norton certainly can deliver when given the right material.

[–] Portlis 11 years ago

RDJr the best actor of "our generation"? You'd have to be higher than RDJr himself to think so.

I mean, to each their own, but RDJr is mediocre at best in my mind. I'd put him on the same level as guys like Will Smith and Nic Cage. Guys that can be ok in a specific role at times, but get annoying really quickly if you're exposed to them too much.

Just off the top of my head, infinitely superior actors include:

Leonardo DiCaprio (probably the best)
Russell Crowe
Brad Pitt
Kevin Spacey
Joaquin Phoenix
Ed Norton
Denzel
Jim Carrey (gets a bad rap for being a one trick pony, but he's really good at it)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (even though he's creepy and weird, rest is soul)
Ben Kingsley
Robin Williams
Sean Penn
Johnny Depp (and I don't even like him)
Dustin Hoffman
Daniel Day Lewis

And these are just the bigger names. There's PLENTY of great "B listers" that I'd consider highly superior as well. The Michael Fassbenders and Chiwetel Ejiofors of the world if you will. I won't even get into the foreign actors. This is of course not even counting the many great actresses out there since the question was specifically "actor".

[–] blackdoug 11 years ago

To me, the quality of the film dictates the respect given to the performance. In other words, good performance takes a back seat if the film itself lacks. That's why RDJ trumps guys like Daniel Day Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix and Johnny Depp because his career resume features FAR better complete films.

[–] Logan8888 11 years ago

Man, Johnny Depp's career may actually be over after that Trancendence flop.

[–] Jack Doyle 11 years ago

Are you mental? I mean he's great but even in Marvel films he's no Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba or Samuel L Jackson.

[–] Uberiffic 11 years ago

You don't think RDJ is better and held in higher regard than Idris Elba? Huh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gCBiJ3QJnk&feature=player_embedded

[–] scotts863 11 years ago

RDJr's work stands on its own. Just like the actor himself, there's no need to bash others to elevate him. He stands above all on his own.

[–] assman200 10 years ago

You know what he would say.

[–] Jack Doyle 8 years ago

Good God no? do you? I mean Idris Elba was amazing in the wire, and Luther has received widespread critical acclaim, thats why he's being considered for roles like Bond now.

RDJ isn't an actor he just plays himself mainly (He was very good in Chaplin and Tropic Thunder was certainly interesting!) Whereas Elba is an actor with great range.

[–] Mandy999 11 years ago

He certainly has more charisma than anyone else, and his natural style of acting is very appealing, but occasionally I do detect a false note in his performance. His best films where the ones he went all-out for, like Chaplin and Iron Man. I think he has a tendency to coast on his charisma a little bit, although I will say his role in Tropic Thunder was amazing. I wouldn't have known it was him if I hadn't already seen the credits.

I agree with the poster who said his forte is light entertainment. It's no coincidence his most successful films (IM and Sherlock Holmes) are somewhat comedic in nature.

Lose the earwig, Robert, and show us what you can really do. We've seen it before; now we want it again.

[–] veeaddict 11 years ago

I think his performance in "The Judge" will show most people what they are looking for. I also think a lot of people on here unlike you, some others and me are forgetting all the great performances he has turned out in other films. I think he was great in "One Night Stand" The Soloist and Good Night and Good Luck. How can anyone forget "Natural Born Killers" is beyond me. I also liked his performance in Charlie Bartlett, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Fur and Zodiac.

Never argue with an idiot; people passing by might not be able to tell the difference.

[–] Mandy999 11 years ago

I'm really looking forward to "The Judge."

[–] EndlessMIkeJr 11 years ago

Phillips Seymore Hoffman is better but alive I will say Daniel Day Lewis.

[–] assman200 11 years ago

Daniel Day Lewis was brought up before and I have to agree that the man can act but he chooses such actor "safe" projects that it's hard to give him the title. He worries about award votes over being an entertainer. I hate rewarding anyone for that.

[–] StarkTech 11 years ago

The Judge may answer this once and for all. Anyone else see that trailer?

[–] Darthmauler_megaa 11 years ago

Well the whole "best actor" thing is silly. But I will point out that both times RDJ was nominated for the Oscar it was for performing rather miraculous feats of metamorphosis (Chaplin, Tropic Thunder). That is something not even most Academy Award winners can say. I think that says a lot.

As far as previous generations, I'm going to agree with a previous user that John Cazale was definitely up there. He wasn't afraid to play weak characters and put his whole heart into it.

"We never win any ball games...but we sure have some interesting discussions."

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] sidfargas 11 years ago

Now he's on board with Iron Man 4! Yay!

[–] thewolfchild 11 years ago

Is he "the" best? No, but he certainly is up there. Don't forget others like Gary Oldman and Daniel Day-Lewis...

Wolf

"I Drank What?!" - Socrates

[–] Coneydogg 10 years ago

After watching The Judge, he has far surpassed guys like Gary Oldman.

[–] mwagner71592 10 years ago

No. Gary Oldman's the better actor; he just doesn't make good choices when it comes to roles.

The fact that RDJ will still do films like the Judge is the only thing that elevates him above Johnny Depp and the like.

Love RDJ but he's still behind Daniel Day Lewis, Gary Oldman, Meryl Streep; hell, even DiCaprio has more range than RDJ.

[–] ba_bam_bam 10 years ago

RDJ being in so many hits and being loyal to guys like Mel Gibson means he'll win no popularity contests in hollywood.

Update: Yet he wins The People's Choice Award every single year!

[–] SpanishRicky 10 years ago

His work this year cements it really.

[–] Dash1969 10 years ago

Certainly beats Leo that's a certainty.

[–] ScottBang 9 years ago

I just re-watched Game of Shadows and it's good to remember that RDJ is such a treat in that entire film.

[–] shacklefort 9 years ago

The older he gets the better he gets.

Opposite of someone like Cary Grant