When it comes to the great American pastime of quibbling over arbitrary lists, the realm of cinema is no exception. Recently, The Ringer unveiled a list of the so-called “101 Best Movie Performances of the 21st Century,” sparking yet another round of debates about artistic merit. But, one might wonder, what does this list really reflect—our tastes or theirs? Art is subjective, they say, yet here we are, lining up films and performances like school children in a queue, trying to decide who deserves the top spot in a game where there are no clear rules or referees.
Start with their lineup, boasting notable names like Denzel Washington. Yet, despite this star-studded roster, it seems The Ringer’s list is more a reflection of Hollywood’s attachment to its own glittery, progressive mirrors than an evaluation of true artistry. There are a few bright spots, like Javier Bardem’s role as the chilling Anton Chigurh. However, one can’t help but notice the omission of conservative-leaning or classic exemplars of grit like Russell Crowe in “Gladiator.”
Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood” deserves the crown jewel of acting achievements. It’s not just a performance; it’s a magnificent piece of cinema that will stand the test of time alongside masterpieces like “Raging Bull” and “The Godfather Part II.” One might wonder why it languishes at number two on their list. Clearly, The Ringer’s definition of brilliance diverges when it comes to celebrating performances that epitomize pure, unyielding ambition—a quality once synonymous with the American dream.
Beyond just rankings, the truth of the matter is this list exemplifies Hollywood’s current fascination with glitz over grit, with the industry praising multi-layered performances like Cate Blanchett in “Tár” over Hugh Jackman’s underestimated yet gripping role in “Prisoners.” It’s ironic how films portraying realistic, everyday struggles often get overshadowed by avant-garde attempts at progressivism. Meanwhile, stellar performances in films portraying traditional values and complex, morally ambiguous protagonists struggle to break into these so-called “best of” lists.
One can’t help but chuckle a bit at the inclusion of Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in “Her.” It looks like Hollywood is trying to make us fall in love with our screens or possibly our smart refrigerators! Yet, it’s this very futuristic fascination that might just be leading us down a path away from films with heart, values, and substance. This inclination reflects less about cinema’s progression and more about the industry’s own echo chamber that believes more is more, overlooking the simple, profound art of storytelling.
So folks, while The Ringer might enjoy their arbitrary list-making, let’s remember to stay grounded in what truly counts; performance is more than just applause from Hollywood’s elite. It’s about resonance, and often, that can come from the most surprising corners, those that embrace honesty and tenacity over faux sophistication. So, here’s to hoping for a return to our roots where we celebrate genuine humanity on screen rather than simply making a list and checking it twice—Santa Claus-style. But hey, maybe next year they’ll get it right. Until then, let’s raise a glass to good old-fashioned grit!
