What is the finest moment of acting in any film ever made?

Question

I would say it's when Diane Keaton, as Kay in The Godfather is told by Michael about Lucabrazzi and Michael's father. Her reaction is subtle, yet powerful. She freezes - hardly moves at all - in disbelief, and yet her mix of emotions is clearly seen erupting within her. Al Pacino does the same thing, but not quite so subtly in Godfather Part 2. He does it when Senator Geary criticises his family and later when Kay tells him that she had an abortion. I would plump for Kay's reaction to Lucabrazzi, though.
This is not the best action scene, but the best acting scene. What amazes you? What makes you wonder? Could it be Dustin Hoffman confessing all on live TV as Michael Dorsey in Tootsie? Could it be Nigel Hawthorn being spoonfed as the king in The Madness Of King George? Could it be James Cagney losing it in White Heat? Could it be a moment of brilliance that I have never even seen or thought of?

I notice I haven't listed any female parts, with the esception of the one I chose. I wonder if this is because when actresses play a really good part, they put their heart and sould into every bit of the role, or is it because I'm a man and find it more difficult to empathize with female roles?

The question focusses on particular scenes, not entire films or whole parts.

Answer 1

Jack Nicholson playing Col Nathan R Jessop in A Few Good Men (1992) quoting to Lt Daniel Kaffee ( Tom Cruise )

Son we live in a world that has walls,and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns.Whose gonna do it? You? You, Lt Weinburg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxery. You have that luxery of not knowing what i know. That Santiago`s death, while tragic probably saved lives. You dont want the truth because deep down in places that you dont talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honour, code, loyalty. We use these words a backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that i provide, and then questions the manner in which i provide it. I would rather you just said thank you and went on your way, Otherwise i suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, i dont give a damn what you think you are entitled to.

Kaffee: Did you order the code red?
Jessop: I did the job i....
Kaffee: Did you order the code red?
Jessop: You`re goddamn right i did!

Answer 2

There are parts in Pulp Fiction where Samuel L Jackson is acting that just make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, why no oscar?
What about Daniel Day Lewis in my left foot or Kevin Spacy in Seven.
Don't forget Orson Welles in citizen kane

Answer 3

-stated II - have not considered it. -The Matrix - between the finest sci-fi action videos ever made. style of like a stay action anime. -genuine Grit - a sturdy western with some truly large performances and cinematography. -purple Floyd: The Wall - have not considered it -pastime Of The Christ - between the most brutally picture videos, i have ever considered. no longer basic to computer screen. -Sweeney Todd - have not considered it. -Pulp Fiction - My prominent movie of the ninety's. Quintin's masterpiece IMO. -Scream - sturdy horror movie. -Diving Bell And The Butterfly - have not considered it. BQ: Pulp Fiction BBQ: Bob Marley - Legend BBQ2: Superman: The action picture

Answer 4

Anthony Hopkins in Shadowlands, Meryl Streep in Sopies Choice.

Answer 5

Toshiro Mifune's entire performance in The Seven Samurai

Answer 6

I would have to say Natalie Portman crying at the end of Garden State was brilliantly acted. I actually believed she was genuinely upset which is very rare in a crying scene.Also I thought Julia Roberts and Clive Owen's argument in Closer when she admits to the affair was a very brave scene for both of them. I couldn't believe how graphic it was.

Answer 7

For me it's Emma Thompson in Love Actually. When she very clamly confronts Alan Rickman about the affair she suspects he's having. She's so dignified but so unhappy, you really do believe that her world has fallen apart. In an otherwise lighthearted film it's a moment that breaks my heart every time I watch it.

Answer 8

The scene in Donnie Brasco when Jonny Depp's character's wife asks him to choose between their life and his undercover work. He is telling her that he wants her but his body language is all about a bag of mob money and that part of his life. Blew me away because he barely moves yet his actions speak volumes.

Answer 9

I was gonna say Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, his death scene at the end...but now I think I agree with Katie G, awesome Sean Connery

Answer 10

Rod Steiger in Across the Bridge.