MovieChat Forums > Bridge of Spies (2015) Discussion > Mark Rylance

Mark Rylance

posted 8 years ago by DannoC24
7 replies | jump to latest

How did this guy win an oscar for this role? I know it was for best supporting actor, but im finding it hard find a reason why. All he done was speak in the same tone throughout the film.

[–] Don_Falone1985 8 years ago

Totally agree. Nothing on the actor but it was hardly an outstanding performance

[–] GoodSOVeryVeryGood 8 years ago

The fact that you don't see a "performance" is testament to how good it is. He seems mundane, exactly as he is intended to be.

[–] greendayfan99999 8 years ago

Oh, I see a performance, and it is a bland one, not subtle (the same goes for the film). I don't blame Mark Rylance, though. He was given nothing to do, except a "funny" catchprase which wore out very quickly. I honestly think he won an Oscar only because of his reputation as a brilliant stage actor (which he is, I'm not disputing that).

[–] ador99 8 years ago

Excellent how he portrayed a much older man than he really is. Played it
laid back, "would it help?" Rylance is about 6 years younger than Hanks in
reality. He nailed the movements and the speech patterns of an 80 year old
although he was only 54 when he did this movie.

[–] DanaShelbyChancey 8 years ago

I haven't seen the movie yet, I am hesitant in case I don't understand the story properly.

My husband saw it and liked it very much, and he said I will understand it just fine.

I am eager to see Mark Rylance, because that is the type of performance I love, where it doesn't look like the actor is exerting himself but carries the film.

Gee Woodle, Space Kadoodle!

[–] Lethal_007 8 years ago

Mark's performance can either be seen as great or average/bland. Depends on how you watch him. I believe he did very good, but at the same time, I don't think it was a stretch for him to play this role given he's a good actor. On the other hand, I think the Oscar was too much because I felt Sly was more authentic in his portrayal of Rocky. Just my two cents.

[after killing an Irish] Burn him, see if his ashes turn green - Bill the Butcher

[–] FearlessOneDay 8 years ago

My theory is that you end up loving the character because of his integrity, courage and ultimate likeability. It reminds me of Frances McDormand winning an Oscar for her performance in Fargo. You could argue that she didn't show great acting range or depth, but sometimes movie characters just become .......indelible.

I'm surprised, though, that Hanks didn't receive an Oscar nomination, but there were a lot of strong male performances that year.