Essential Performances of the ‘90s Tournament: Round Two, Showdown 8

Get your votes in for the previous match-ups, folks. I need your votes to tell me which performance of the 90s is the most essential.

There are now six eight for round 2 of the Essential Performances of the 90s Tournament open, so if you’ve not voted as yet go vote for them all HERE. The full bracket is HERE and if you’re new to the showdown, background on its genesis is HERE. If you’re interested enough and love any of the upcoming performances feel free to defend them on your own blogs and send me a link so (information HERE).

This poll closes on Tuesday night.


Brad Pitt in Fight Club (1999) as Tyler Durden

Pitt is so often relegated to just a "pretty actor" and there's often a sense that in many of his later performances he's taking significant steps to eschew that "prettiness". Durden is at this odd place in Pitt's career where he's maturing and taking risks, but still willing to use his looks to enhance his work and so much of Durden's effect works because Pitt oozes the terrifying charm which the character demands. We understand why Norton's projection of himself would be the smarmily charming Durden, and despite all the shenanigans, we want him to be ours, too. Random: His creepy laugh during that beatdown.

Paolo (Okinawa Assault Incident) makes a case for Brad's performance.

Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth (1998) as Queen Elizabeth I

Michael mentioned in his original write-up for this performance that this is such a fine example of a star-making turn. As if to say, "Hello world, this is Cate Blanchett. You won't be able to forget me." My favourite thing about this performance, though, is the earlier bits of her experience as Elizabeth slowly becomes acclimated to life at court. Cate's become something of a go-to gal for "strong" characterisations, but the tenderness of her early scenes make for such an interesting time-capsule and an indication of how sincere a performer she is. Random:  Of course, though, "I am no man's Elizabeth" is impossible to forget.

Alex (Alex in Movieland) in defense Cate's work.

poll by twiigs.com